Originally Posted by Portia Elizabeth

I have a Patterdale Terrier, he's about two years old, and he's very aggressive with other dogs. He's a rescue from the RSPCA, and he used to live with a staffie who was also in the kennels at the same time as him (but they weren't kept together) and i'm guessing they were alright together. Also, the first time I walked him after we got him, he was fine with other dogs in the park. However, while we've had him, he's just decided he doesn't want any of it any more, and he barks, squeals and pulls on the lead when he sees any other dogs, wether they're walking past or on the other side of the street.

I've heard about lead aggression, but I don't know how to really test wether it is or not, because I wouldn't trust letting him off the lead.

I really want to work with him and socialize him if it's possible, but my mum doesn't seem interested, the stupid woman seems to think it's acceptable to let him carry on like this, so she won't help me in trying to improve his behaviour, although i've explained to her god knows how many times that when training any dog, it has to be consistant with all members of the pack

I don't know what to do with him. It's becoming a nightmare to walk him because i'm terrified of dogs off the lead coming up to mine and getting a gobfull off him. I also know my mum wouldn't use a muzzle if I bought one. I'm so scared of him biting another dog one day. It's got to the point that I ask other dog owners to put their dogs back on the lead when they come near. It makes me sound so ignorant and irresponsible, but without my mum's help, it's all I can do really.