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My dog is aggressive towards other dogs on walks. How to train him?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 75 lbs

I have a 15 month old German shepherd and akeda cross. He is not at all good with any other dogs. He is very aggressive and when he see one he barks and snarls and his ears go down and his tail is up and his fur is on end. I don’t know what to do it makes me have a hard time walking him and I worrr when I come near another dog. I’m scared and he probably senses that but I’m at a loss on what to do any ideas

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2018

This is a case for a professional trainer. I suggest you work with a professional trainer or join a dog club where you can do obedience training with your dog and work on the aggression issues. You can also have your dog evaluated by a veterinary behaviorist who can help you with behavioral modification tips as well as medication if necessary. Here is where you can find a veterinary behavioral specialist: https://www.dacvb.org/search/custom.asp?id=4709

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on August 1st, 2019
That's not good. I never recommend owners work with aggressive behavior on their own due to safety risks. I would speak to Teddy's vet about a referral to a professional behavioral expert for training. Do not allow him off leash around other dogs when you are in public, and don't have other dogs come over to your home until the trainer feels it's safe. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on December 30th, 2016
This is unfortunately very common. Young dogs often learn from a single scary experience that all dogs are to be feared, and therefore become very aggressive towards them to prevent them from coming near. This problem usually responds very well to training, but it can be difficult to do on your own - so I would really recommend getting in touch with a good reward-based trainer who can help you in person. You can search for a qualified trainer in your area here: www.ccpdt.org

Generally, treatment for this problem involves teaching the dog to associate good things (usually treats) with seeing other dogs. So you might carry treats with you when you take him for a walk, and praise and reward him immediately as soon as he notices any other dog on the street. But in order for this to work, it's important to start at a distance where your dog is comfortable and able to stay calm - if he's already barking and lunging, you're too close. This may mean that you need a lot of distance at first! This is where a good trainer can help, by setting up controlled training sessions with a calm "helper dog" until you get the hang of things.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on August 3rd, 2018
You'll need to gradually introduce them. Separate them completely for several days, begin by having them hear and smell one another through a closed door. Correct any negative behavior immediately and praise good behavior. Progress to allowing Stitch to see but not have contact with the Lab. Again, correct negative responses/behaviors immediately. The next step would be to allow a controlled physical introduction. The safest method would be to have one of the dogs in a closed crate or pen.
A pheromone product, such as the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffuser, may decrease any anxiety or aggression while acclimating them.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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