dominant english bulldog

Question
I have a six month old english bulldog. He gets along really well with our five year old golden retriever, and has been doing really well with basic obedience at home (ie listening to commands, house training etc.)I have had no problems with him until we started to take him to obedience classes for three weeks now. My problem - I cannot get him to pay attention to me at obedience class.  We do the homework every week, and he does so well at home, but he gets distracted with all the other dogs at school, then he becomes beligerant, lunging at the other dogs, and will not pay attention to me.  I am trying to socialize him with other dogs, and have noticed that he does best when off the leash (ie playing in a yard).   I give him lots of praise when he does listen to my commands when there are distractions, but I am getting frustrated with this trait.  All the other puppies in his class don't seem to care about the other dogs. Is this typical behavior with english bulldogs? What can I do to get him to pay attention to me when there are distractions?  Can this behavior be changed?  I am afraid that he will start to bite another dogs.

Answer
You're about 3 months late getting him into class, not for the training but for the socialization aspect of it.

It it very typical Bulldog behavior to be bold with other dogs.  They generally charge right up to a new dog and say "HI I'M A BULLDOG!"  If he's not already neutered, I would suggest that you do that asap.

Perhaps the person who teaches obedience may be able to work with you/him on this behavior. If not, he/she may recommend a behaviorist who can help you work this behavior out.  It's not out of hand yet, but it will be if you don't take positive steps sooner rather than later.

Don't be too discouraged.  He's only been in class 3 weeks too.  Give him a chance, get him neutered, and stick with it.  Good luck.