fearful 20 month male (n)

Question
Hi Delores. I was asked to ask a new question. But in answer: What I mean by
aggression is growling, snarling, barking while leaping to end of lead. ie it
seems hysterical, not like a warning. I'm pretty sure at this stage that if he got
closer to the dog he would switch back to flight. It can change from yelping
fear to the aggressive mode and back again in a split second. Then once past
the dog in question he'll look at me and wag his tail as if he thinks he's done
a good job. Because he changes from one state to the other so fast it's hard
to know when to reprimand, when to ignore.
We already do the walk/jog/stop and wait etc exercise for around 20-40 mins
every day... He's pretty good at it as long as nothing surprises him (like a cat
smell- he doesn't have to actually see one), when he gets very agitated and
worries about his surroundings instead of focusing on me - every bush, gate
post etc is potentially hiding a threat.
What happened 3 weeks ago: it was the first time he turned tail and ran away
from a dog. It was a little old terrier that hadn't even seen him. I also changed
his diet at that time, from James Welbeloved (rated highly over here) which
gave him a permanently loose tummy, to an all-natural-ingredients premium
kibble (no soya, wheat etc) (a new Hill's brand Nature's Best). His tummy's
now fine, but could this change in diet be contributing to the problem?
Do you suggest I find places to walk him where there are no dogs at all, and
make ALL his activity a training exercise? Should I also do whatever's
necessary to avoid him thinking about cats? This is difficult because we live in
town and have a very small back yard, but of course every street has a cat
living in it somewhere. Sorry if this is getting over-complicated.
One last stupid question - I realise I mustn't yell and I don't want to yank the
lead, but how do I reprimand him for aggression when he's hysterical? He
doesn't seem to hear or see me!

Answer
No, it's not getting over-complicated :)...it just takes a bit of experimenting and sorting out.
You're a really good owner and just remember that he's come a long way and this current behavior issue is quite specific and the more specific - the easier to solve.

So..how to get his attention and focus him back on you.  A firm "poke" in the side of the neck (practice on yourself) will make him look at you.  Poke..NO..once he looks at you - SIT.

This is kind of between a jab (which would hurt) and a nudge (which would do nothing).....nothing that hurts but it will distract him for a second and get yourself physically between him and the ojbect of his attention.  Step in front of him - poke - NO! Sit" It's important to block him and "own" that space in front of him.

But never, never ignore this behavior.  As you've noted he thinks it's swell and somewhere in his head may think he's protecting you.
And "anticipate"..you'll see his signals ahead of time and THAT is when you correct, not when it's already begun.  So when you realize he's spotted another dog - take charge at that moment.

No-one can take control once a dog is in the mode.

As for the food change, I doubt it but I have to say that I loathe Hill's products (unless this isn't the Hill's in America - Science Diet, etc. - it's garbage).

And Helen, feel free to write me directly..this may take a bit of chat :)
Delores (DeeBeck7765aol.com)