Fear Aggression in my Terrier

Question
Hi Tammy,

I have a 3 y.o. neutered Boston Terrier, Norton. I know your specialty is Bedlingtons but the BT expert is unable to answer my question, so perhaps you might be able to give it a stab.

Norton is a very loving, affectionate and devoted family pet but he is very aggressive with other dogs. When he was 1.5, he was attacked w/out provokation by a Great Dane who inflicted no physical harm (lots of growling, locked in his mouth and shaking) but did plenty of psychological damage, subsequently creating what I asssume is fear aggression with other dogs.

Prior to the attack, Norton could run free in a dog park with no worries - never instigating. Now, when we are walking he is fiercely alert to other dogs and if let close enough, will pull at his leash to get them, barking and baring his teeth. He tried to go after a 12-lb puppy recently who was clearly making an innocent approach. He goes ballistic in our backyard if the neighbor's Westie appears (who is usually barking at our cat...Norton's buddy).

There are a few VERY passive dogs ... Labs, Goldens ... he can be around, but he is usually trying to mount them (funny due to the size difference) and even tried to half-heartedly mount my friend's toddler recently which was very embarassing.  

I am 6 mo pregnant with my first baby and would love to get this under control before she is born. I'd love to walk the dog and stroller w/out wondering how I can stop a fight, or trying to pick him up quickly if another dog comes towards us (what should I do if there was a fight?).  

Please share any advice you may have, I would be greatly appreciative.

Sincerely,

Amy Cornell

Answer
Good Day Amy,
 Congrats on the baby.  How exciting for you.  

Well, do you walk Norton on a choke chain or just flat collar?  How does he do at the dog park off lead?  Some dogs are aggressive on lead and not aggressive off lead.  He may feel like his job is to protect you and ward off any dogs that approach.  The dog park is neutural ground to introduce him without a lead.  Have someone with you that can pick him up quickly if he decides to start something.  Some people are so potective that their dog is going to hurt another dog they hey pick them up too quickly.  Dogs have to work some issues out on their own.  Its knowing these ques, which is hard for the novice dog owner.  Also is he nutered? If he is not then he may feeling pretty manly with the testosterone which could be the mounting issue.  If he is nutered then it is a posession issue.  He wants everyone to know this person, or thing is MINE and is trying to dominate that.  Don't laugh at him or make jokes....Take charge and tell him NO.  It could get really ugly when your child arrives.  Oh and BTW, when you bring baby home, strip her down on the floor on a blanket so Norton can snif her and know that she is staying.  Don't push him away when he is just being curious.  He may develop a jelousy thing with the baby.

 There may so many issues with Norton. I could go on for days...... Have a trainer come to the house and have them work some of these issues out asap before the baby is here and you have no time. Get a referral from a pet store on trainers in your area.  They may seem expensive but in fact a vet costs more.  

Hope this helped some.  Good luck with Norton and the baby.

Sincerely,
Tammy