I have recently given a home to a 6 yr old male Whippet. Previously he was a stud dog & lived in a well adapted back yard & kennel. He was well cared for but lacked socialisation with other dogs in the outside world. He has been neutered. We live by the sea with wonderful walks for dogs on the beach , sandhills etc I have discovered that Sam becomes very agitated / aggressive when he is on the lead & we meet other dogs. Apart from this he is very well behaved & loves people. Can anyone comment? Thanks.

he could be nervs around the dogs as not really been socialized. and you say start getting agressive then i wold try a plastic bottle with some stone's or marbles and shake it when he starts getting agressive and say no.
you could take him to a training school as well they would help you.

__________________

Thank you Carol. Will try the plastic bottle + stones . I have booked some behavioural lessons too.Enjoy the afternoon.

bottle and stones is a good idea , however becarful your dog does not see the bottle as they will get affraid or agressive towards the bottle , i would also try to socialize your dog with other dogs , make sure however the dog u choose your dog to socialize your dog with is well trained and mannared and in a controled relaxed enviroment. this may teach your dog not all dogs are bad.

Its all about soscialising him , he will get scared on the lead because you have removed his choice of running away and so making him front his fear of other dogs , classes are a good idea to get him used to other dogs and you will probably find off lead in a controlled enviroment he will be fine as he can remove himself if frightened , Fear can end up as agression if not corrected so be gentle and confident when walking him time will fix this problem as you soscialise him around new things .

__________________

My rescue GSD has had problems, especially while on the lead with other dogs. I have been training for 4 yrs. He is fantastic at training & at agility shows, however at home, on his territory he isn't as well behaved. I manage him though by using a gencon headcollar. I do not avoid dogs, but do avoid walking him where he is in a 'head to head' situation with a dog coming towards him. I just walk in an ark around dogs which are coming towards me. As long at Zak has sufficient room between him & any other oncoming dogs, he is fine. I also stop & ask him to sit once I have gone past the dogs & chat to the owners. It's all bluff with some of them, they go ballistic, the other dog disappears & they have got what they want. It has taken a lot of patience & understanding to get to this point, but I am in charge & I make the descisions, not him. Many owners avoid other dogs because their dogs kick off, in my opinion that does no good at all. Hopefully in time your dog will settle down, good on you for taking him on. All my dogs have been rescues, unfortunately they sometimes come with a lot of baggage.

Thanks to all who have replied. I have noted your comments & put in to practice the suggestions made. Sam is slowly getting used to the idea of lead walking. I feel confident that in time if we work together he will stop the barking when he sees other dogs.