Hi. I had no experience b4 I got my dogs a year ago, we were first time dog owners so it came as a bit of a shock! I have been working with a great behaviourist who has helped me a great deal. The biggest problem was that we made so many mistakes from the outset that it was undoing them that caused the problem. If I had the knowledge then that I have now, I wouldn;t have created so many problems. You may find that if you do decide to try to change your dogs behaviour that it will take a while because from what you describe about your other half he allows it and shows a lack of leadership in the way he allows the bad behaviour.

First you need to try to identify what starts the behaviour off. For example mine stems from Lilly being really nervous and Max (the problem dog) being her protector. This puts Max in the position of not trusting other dogs and in his mind he thinks if he barks and charges at other dogs then he is safe. To counteract this I have to walk them seperately if they are to go off the lead. Lilly was not a problem on her own because she would avoid other dogs, without Max to protect her. However Max doesn't ignor, but he would charge and try to chase. He never bit another dog, except a slight nip if they pursued him, but he looked aggressive and he could have easily started a fight!

With Max I used one of those soft muzzles and for the first week he was made to wear it. A muzzle really seemed to quieten him down. I made him walk with me, off the lead and avoided other dogs. If they were coming towards me then I would widen the gap. Then I would reduce the gap and eventually I was able to walk past other dogs with no major problems. If he tried to charge another dog, I would recall him. After a week the muzzle came off and we continued avoiding other dogs. He is not cured and I have to constantly monitor the situation. Some times, if we pass a small dog, I may move away or put a lead on. It depends on how calm he is.

You say your dog gets into scrapes with other dogs, but yet also mention that he has friends. What starts him off? What's his behaviour like in the house? Is he dominent? Is he good on a lead and does he obey simple commands i.e sit, stay etc?
Vicky x