dog growling at boyfriend

Question
I got my dog when he was about seven months old and not wanted by the original owners because of apartment restrictions. He is a red nosed pit bull terrier named capone whom is now three and a half. He is an excellent dog. He is good with my kids and people in general. The only problem I seem to have with him is aggression towards other male dogs. I do not have any other dogs in my home; however he has been around dogs since I have had him. He walks on a trail that many dogs are on. This behavior seemed to develop in the last year. I can not recall anything in particular that could have started this. I am very careful when bringing him out and try not to surround him with other dogs but I feel bad that he can not play or even meet other dogs because I worry that he will bite. What can I do to try to dispell this behavior? Thank you for your time and consideration.

Answer
Latent onset aggression is the cruel genetic kick in the pants that pits are particularly prone to. You do not mention if he has actually bitten. Good that his trigger is fairly predictable!

I would try to locate a small on leash group class with a trainer that is knowledgeable with both aggression and the breed. That way you could teach him to pay attention to you in a controlled environment around other dogs.

Avoid what we call "moth to flame training". Getting him closer and closer until he explodes. Stay below the reactive point and he will hopefully learn the skill set he needs to be around other dogs.

FWIW when I train pit pups, I train them with the assumption that they might go this way. Lots and lots of short interactions interrupted happily by me so they can (hopefully) handle day to day interactions with other dogs without genetics limiting their lives dramatically.

Go to www.badrap.org for mucho info for responsible pit owners.