RETRAINING AGGRESSIVE DOGS
Firstly let me reassure you that my stock answer to aggressive dogs is not "put it down". We can deal successfully with dogs who have a variety of problems ranging from grumbling and growling to attacks involving Police intervention.
Owners are often reluctant to ask for help when their dog is aggressive. They feel ashamed and embarrassed that they still have the dog. They are often under intense pressure from friends and family to get rid of the dog. If it was you, I am sure you would feel torn between doing the best for the dog and not risking the safety of your family. A lot of owners feel very guilty for not destroying the dog immediately.
The main thing is to get help quickly. It may just be a bit of grumbling now, but in another 6 months it will usually be actual biting. Take the threat seriously. In the vast majority of cases the dog can be completely retrained and live a normal life.
It is important that you are big enough to take advice and criticism. With many dogs the aggression is fuelled by your day to day treatment and management of the dog. Unless you know what makes a dog tick, you might be constantly giving the dog signals that it is higher up than you in the pack. There is no point in trying to retrain the dog whilst you carry on doing things wrong, the dog will never change.
Successful treatment involves teaching owners a better way of handling the dog. This does not mean that you have to stop enjoying the dog, kisses and cuddles are still allowed! Basic training has to be secure, you cannot deal with an aggressive dog who will not properly obey even the simplest command. Any specific triggers: other dogs, food etc. have to be worked on individually with a program being drawn up just for your dog. What makes a dog react and how it reacts is slightly different every time.