hi can anyone give me some idea pleaz.  i have the most loving 11 month sbt he is absolutly fantastic with my 5 kids, my 12 year old terrier x, and my cat. the problem is that he is aggresive to other dogs.  he has always been well socialised and i didn't have any problems until about 2 months ago. now he gets very vocal around strange dogs. i can't tell if he nasty or wants to play, some of the time  his bark can be very squeaky other times he sounds quite serious,  i did want to show him and i have once and he coped quite well, it was a breed show so we fitted in quite well (very noisey show). i have only had a bitch in the past so i don't realy no what is the norm for a dog. he has been going to mixed ring craft since 7 months with no problems and the staffie club once a month.  i was told to give him a homopathic cure 'pulsateller' (i think i spelt it right) by the guy in charge of the club. so i wondering if he will grow out of this and settle down a little as castration is the very last resort.

I can't comment really as i haven't got the knowledge on that part but i would'nt imagine getting him castrated would resolve your problem. someone one else will help you soon.

Regards Frank

This is the age where male to male aggression tends to start.  A young male has a lot of testosterone which has a negative effect on how other males perceive him, so often a previously male freindly dog will be getting bad vibes and act defensively.  Also of course the increased testosterone may be making him want to take on the whole male world.

You will have to guide him through this stage, avoiding confrontation and preferably keeping up the socialisation but not ridking any harm to him or any other male dog.  Insist on him being quiet and clam artound other makle dogs, but keeping a safe distance (on the lead).  this is what people will be doing all the time at shows you will ahve noticed.

If he is going to calm down and bew hapy with males again this will happen when he reaches full maturity and the testosterone levels reduce.  On the pother hand like with a lot of breeds where males are intolerant of each other you will just have to manage him so that he never has the opportunity to get in a fight.  This means more obedience training and vigilance.  Avoid any eye balling withother dogs etc.