GSD aggressive to dogs issue

[Lobobear44]

Ok a month ago I was walking Dante a German shepherd quite small than the average German shepherd and we are almost done our long 5 hour hike. He's always on leash never off leash. Dante is also not fixed and is 5 years old. The owner is elderly and can't walk well. You see when the owner got him she was told NOT to neuter her dog. Throughout Dante's whole life he was attacked by dogs the owner told me he never started the fight it was always the other dog who started it. Then I bump into a dog I used to walk for an elderly (Derrik) who was with Derrik's children (grown ups). I went up to say hi to Mikey and their two little snatchuers (bad spelling) came up. Suddenly, Dante attacks the little dog out of no where like a lights out to something kind of thing. Luckily, I immediately got Dante off right away took me a second. I took him off by lifting his hind legs thats what the owner said cause that's the safest thing it worked. I was panicked continually asking if the dog has any broken skin with blood, etc. They all said fine and thanks for concern. I asked for numbers they didn't to exchange just in case. I would pay for any medical bills for the liabilty thing again just in case. But nope didn't want it.

Told the owner exactly what happened she thanked me and was very nice about the whole situation. She told me, "I don't trust anybody with Dante other than you. If I didn't think you would not make Dante safe, reliable, etc than I would've not have you walk Dante. But you are the best ever, Dante loves you more than anything next to me would protect you with his life." After that he started to it more. I wasn't around this time the owner was and Dante attacked a 17 month old Mastiff and owner said might've killed but no skin broken. She told me another time to while I was in Costa Rica but someone else walked Dante. An adult who disobeyed NOT to take Dante off the leash and theirs go Dante causing trouble. I continue to walk Dante but am constantly cautious and aware. Tell owners that Dante can attack sometimes. Now I'm thinking about telling the owner that neutering might be a way to solve the problem. However, I don't think it will solve everything. So now I'm pretty nervous with Dante around other dogs. So I'm going to find places to walk Dante where there are hardly any dogs but where they are allowed. What are other strategies you can think of?

[codmaster]

prong collar - anybody walking him will have MUCH more control if he goes off!


Some hard training! Sounds like a bully dog who might now figure he is in charge.

[sit,stay]

No, neutering will not improve Dante's behavior. I think the best you can do is manage his behavior. I know he is not "your dog", but maybe his owner would pay for a behaviorist to work with you on how best to manage him.

Just stay away from other dogs while on your walks. Keep him on leash and be vigilant.
Sheilah

[mchcthrn]

A Snoot Loop can be a great tool, so at least then you can shut his mouth if he goes for another dog. Not a perfect muzzle, but better than nothing around the mouth.

[Trotter]

I'd walk him on a muzzle until the behavior was curbed. He's a potential liability to other dogs, if not a kid.

[StephenV]

I agree with a prong collar and maybe even a slip collar, it can help stop your dog from lunging at another dog. But you must be quick with it and keep your distance, don't allow your dog enough slack to grab the other dog or it will be too late.
-Watch your dog. If he looks like he is getting aggressive, get him away.
-A collar won't help if another dog is running up to attack your dog, unless you can outrun the dog (you can do this with small dogs) or jump in front of him and drive him off.