Terry,

I was really hoping for specifics on what you have tried. Since you didn't answer that question, please forgive me if I mention things you have tried. Sometimes a combination of methods work better than one method.

The first thing that should be done is to rule out a medical cause for the sudden aggression. You can read about these here:

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/medical-causes-of-aggression-in-dogs/page1.aspx

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If there is no medical cause for the aggression, then it is strictly behavioral. In that case, there would need to be changes made in order to bring this dog under control. Dogs are aggressive toward other dogs for a variety of reasons. It might be that they are fearful of other dogs and thus are aggressive before the other dog can be. In other cases, a dog is aggressive in order to dominate the other dogs and be the alpha member of the pack. Other causes could be that the dog feels they are the alpha member of the pack and as the alpha member they must protect the pack (you) from threats (other dogs). He may do better in the pack because he expects the alpha dog to do any protecting that may need to be done.

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In addition, owners sometimes make the situation even worse by tensing up and worrying about what will happen. The dog senses the owner worry and feels that he is justified in his aggressive stance because you are obviously worried about the dog. They don't know you are worried about them attacking, they just feel that you are worried and assume it is the other dog.

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For a dog like this, total control is necessary. This means not only physical control but on a mental level, you must be the alpha. To accomplish this, you may want to have the dog wear a basket muzzle anytime he is not in your own house or yard. This will not only prevent bites but also allow you to feel more at ease when walking him. If he is not neutered, have that done.

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Many dominant dogs are described as well behaved until you try to get them to do something they do not want to do, and then they reprimand you either with a growl or bite if you don't heed the growl. Things like taking away something they want, making them move when they don't want to, waking them up, etc can cause them to reprimand (bite) you. While you don't' describe him as a dominant dog, keep an eye out for signs he is becoming a dominant dog.

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You will need to work more with him obedience training but I'm glad you were honest about his response rate. Many owners are not. Remember to always give a treat initially when perfecting the "come" command and never call a dog to you to punish a dog. Call your dog to you multiple times a day for no other reason than to give them a treat for complying and giving praise.

If you can, I would do group classes (with the muzzle if necessary) and let the trainer know of the problem your dog has. It isn't so much for the training but for the socialization around strange dogs in a class. I know you have tried already, but maybe you can just arrange to have your dog there a little ways away from the other dogs so he won't be disruptive but will still benefit from the socialization and see that the other dogs are not bothering him or you. . Before you can get into classes, I am including links to a couple of other sites that teach some good methods of training. They may be a little different than your own methods and might help a bit. Be sure and read both.

http://www.sibes.org/sdo/index.asp~m=article&name=sdo.id.A000232

http://www.luckydogs.info/pdf/Teaching-the-basic-commands.pdf

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The following site is helpful. Be sure and click on the link to the left on obedience. and links on subsequent pages leading to detailed instructions.

http://www.schutzhund-training.com/training_theory.html

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Training works best if you train at least 30 minutes a day (two 15 minute sessions). A well trained dog gains self confidence as they know what you expect of them since there are clear commands that you use to direct them. I would start making your dog work via the Nothing in life is free program (NILF). It is outlined below.

http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-dog_nilf.htm

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You will also want to keep a leash on him at all times initially to grab if he should disobey. Dogs like knowing what is expected of them and they love the little paper thin slices of hotdogs that I use for treats while training. Give this a try and see how it works for you.

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It will be helpful if you can find someone with a dog to help you once you have your dog listening to commands consistently. What you will do is have your dog on the leash. You will have your helper off in the distance. Your helper will gradually move their dog a bit closer to you preferably walking past your position in the distance. As long as your dog ignores them, you can give your dog praise and a treat. The second you see him fixate on the other dog or show any other sign of aggression (hair standing up, etc.) give your dog a correction by giving a short tug and a firm low toned "NO". It shouldn't take your dog long to realize you will not tolerate the aggression and that if he ignores the other dog, he gets treats. Once this happens you can repeat the training moving the other dog closer until he is no longer trying to lunge at other dogs. You will need to practice this when you and your dog are walking as well. The same techniques can be used for people as well.

Again, I'm sorry if I repeat some things you have tried, but I did try and find out what you had already tried. I hope at least one of my suggestions is helpful to you.

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http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/

Terry,

I wished you had responded rather than rated my service bad. I did ask you what you had tried so that I could avoid suggesting things that you had already tried. If you scroll up to my initial questions to you, you will see it there. You didn't choose to answer so I really didn't know what you had tried.

Since you say he does pretty good with your pack, you might try desensitizing him by using the pack. Since he does well with all the dogs, try walking with one dog missing from the pack. As long as he is still comfortable, try switching which dog is missing. This might give you a clue as to which dog makes him feel secure in the pack. Then you might try taking another dog away from the group walk and see how he does. Of course, it does have to be a slow process so he doesn't get scared. You might even get down to just him and the dog he feels is lower in the pack and see if having just that dog along still has him being comfortable on the walk. This is an alternative approach to desensitizing him.

You also have not mentioned any medications. You might try the dap collar which uses pheromones that simulate the ones a female dog emits when nursing pups to calm them. It may help reduce some of the anxiety and fearfulness a bit. Melatonin which you can read about below has been shown to work well for phobias and might help. These used in conjunction with desensitizing might help him adjust to other dogs easier..

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/melatonin-melatonex/page1.aspx