Some advice needed

Hey guys I'm after a bit of advice please. As most of you know Axl was dog aggressive for a long time. We have worked hard with him and I'm pleased to say my new dog walker took him on his first group walk yesterday and she said he was really good. She said she put him in a travel crate and he had two spaniels in crates next to him. He growled at them the whole way to the woods and then once out the car he acted like their best friend. One of the spaniels was a boy one a girl. Anyway as soon as they started the walk she said he was playing nicely with them and even greeting passing dogs nicely (I nearly fell off my chair when she said this lol) she said he was such a good boy and was off lead with his muzzle in the whole time. I am obviously beside myself with happiness it seems he has finally turned a corner. Anyway my question is this... Should I now take him to places where he can go off lead and take the plunge or should I carry on a bit longer taking baby steps and walking him on lead where I know dogs will be etc. I'm excited to see him socialising nicely but I don't want to push him too hard and ruin all the good work out dog walker has done.

Nevertheless I'm one very happy mummy!

Congrats I would err on the side of caution and keep him on lead where you are sure you can regain control quickly

That's fantastic news! I'd maybe keep him on the long line for a bit. Well done!

yes i would keep him on the long lead a little longer,just like us i guess not every one/dog will get on with every one else if you get what i mean,just take small steps with him,he's come on so well,good for you Debs x

Great news debs

Sounds like he's coming on well Debs, I would take it slowly with him. Katy can show fear aggression when she's on her lead, so whenever I can she is off her lead as I know she will run away from any likely confrontation, but on it she looks like she wants to kill the other dog

It's a tough call. My Flo is on lead aggressive like Jens Katy so it's better for her off lead. I would be guided by the walker if it were me, as long as they say he is doing fine then try him off lead a few times. And progress as you see fit.

I think this is a confidence thing, once you try him off lead and all goes well you'll be calmer and happier which Axl will respond to just as my Flo did.

I agree with Ian that it's a confidence thing, but from the other perspective too. Axl is gaining confidence, in himself and in other dogs, and I'd be inclined to let that establish well first before asking more of him. The last thing you want is to knock it, as you say push too hard too soon and undo it all. I'd give a couple more weeks with the dog walker doing her fab stuff, then maybe arrange to go for a walk or two with her so that she can give you support and guidance.

He's doing amazingly, well done that lad!

Thanks guys good advice as always.

Axl is currently snoring his little fat head off its ever so tiring making new friends lol!

Axl you very clever boy, well done!!! & well done Debs putting in the hard yards, look at those rewards. I have no advice sorry but just wanted to say thats fab, well done!

Aww thanks very much!! He's worth it a million times over