Help please - Is he becoming aggressive

Hi,
Theo is nearly 3 and we have had him for about 6 months now. He is an amazing dog and really friendly and playful, he is well socialised and goes on long romps with other dogs as well as regular daily exercise.

Anyway, when he is off lead, he is great with other dogs and when he is on the lead and another dog is off and comes over for a sniff and a hello, he is absolutely fine. The problem is when Theo and another dog are both on the lead - he is quite muscly and some owners with small dogs pull their dogs away when we walk past, so he can't have a sniff even - if they do that, he pulls a lot and growls at the other dog.

I don't know why he does this and i think i'm missing something in doggy psychology! he was really bad today and growled and barked at a number of dogs - i ended up making him sit and do a time out for a couple of minutes - he did seem better after that but I don't know if I did the right thing.

I am worried he might become aggressive with other dogs which i don't want and I'm not sure that i'm handling the situation right.

Any help or thoughts would be much appreciated,

Emma

When dogs are passing on the lead what do you usually do? I find a strong sit, and then "leave" work well to distract attention from other dogs. If that doesn't work, have you a squeeky toy, tasty treat or ball that could divert Theo's attention?

Yes, some people will always pull their dogs away - but it's not necessarily a bad thing as not every dog is friendly or wants to sniff or be sniffed. I think if Theo is pulling and growling when he can't get to another dog, try the "leave" or "look at me" commands with enticing treats or as I said some other form of distraction

Agree with Lisa, sometimes like us they don't like every dog.  

Darcy can be similar on lead she doesn't always like every dog

Hi,

Thanks everyone for your replies. I think i might be adding to the problem as I get a bit wary and sometimes pull him away first so I will try the leave and treat route - he is very treat orientated!!

Thanks again for your help, its good to know i'm not completely mad!

Emma