Dear Tina Marie
Thank you for replying to my thread and for the advice. This is actually the first dog hubby and I have ever had so we are 'greenhorns' in this area. I took Barney to training locally but it was more for puppies and after several weeks of 'sit' 'stand' 'lie down' etc. which our dog already knows, I decided not to pursue this. I expect you are right, he hasn't been socialised properly - he is OK with some dogs but not all dogs. he hates dogs 'in his face' and going up too close - that is when he starts showing his teeth and snarling (then snaps). As you suggest, he probably feels threatened and we don't really know his history, only that he had a brother who was bigger and stronger. Anyway, I have invested in a light muzzle (not the cage type ones like which make dogs look like Hannibal Lecter) but a soft nylon one. I will try what you suggest and see how it goes. I am also seeing a specialist in dog behaviour tommorrow. Thanks again. Barney'smummy.