Dog on dog aggression

Question
Hi, two weeks ago my  boy friend, John adopted a 10yr. old lab mix,(possibly  german shepard) from a placement group, his name is Jake he is 87lbs, he has spent the last 7 yrs. cooped up in a 20x20  run. He was never let off leash and had not been exposed to other animals for over 5 yrs.  John has 2 dogs, Zoe 12 yrs and Cub 6 yrs, I also have a dog. We are very commited to our dogs and take them for daily walks and hikes off leash. We where told that Jake was very mellow and friendly and not aggressive but just "protective". Well he is wonderful with humans and John has been able to let him off leash alone without the other dogs at a quiet deserted beach and he even comes when he is called, he is very happy to be running free and going on adventures. The problem is he is Dog aggressive and John has had to keep him separated from his other dogs. He snaps and barks and lunges at  them. John is very patient and wishes to work with him and properly integrate him into the pack, our dream is that he can join our happy clan and live out his golden years at the beach and in the mountains with us. Because he is older and has not been socialized we are wondering if we are asking to much? We also have discoverd he is not potty trained as he was never allowed inside. He lived a loney and isolated life and we wish to give him a happier  story. any advise will be much appreciated.

Answer
Hi, Terra,

Thanks for the question.

Do you and John live together? I ask because generally speaking I don't give advice to 2nd parties; only to the dog's actual owner. However, I can give you this one tip: oftentimes if you take a dog-aggressive dog on long walks with one or more other doggies -- particularly in as natural a setting as possible -- over time the aggressive dog will start to feel more comfortable with his packmates and the aggression will dissipate. Here's a link:

http://leecharleskelleysblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/walking-two-aggressive-dogs-to...

I hope this is helpful,

LCK