Aggressive with other dogs

I have a cairn terrier -a male-who would become very aggressive towards other dogs when out on his lead.

I solved the problem by putting small pieces of cheese or interesting treats in a rustling bag in my pocket.

When another dog was approaching I would rattle the bag in my pocket and he became distracted, all the time I would be talking to him and telling him what a good boy he was. As the dog was on a level the treat would be in my hand and he would be too busy with that to start a war. Treat then given with lost of praise. Took a few weeks, problem solved and treat no longer required.

Thank you for all your replies. She has been friendly with any dogs she met over the last day or so but l know it's just luck! I am going to try the watch me training over the weekend and see how she goes. I have also tried changing direction with her when another dog approaches and talk to her all the time we are out. People must think I'm mad but she's such a lovely dog otherwise and l want her to enjoy her walks. I sometimes wonder if she's frightened because sometimes she goes behind my legs and then other times is quite aggressive. We don't have much history on her so don't know if something in her past has resulted in this.

Elizabeth - dogs are like people, we don't all like each other and neither do they. Hilltopgran is correct to say its important the handler is relaxed but if your dog is truly reactive, you need to have more than just being relaxed in your kit bag.

My young dog would twist, bark, etc on lead when other dogs came close. Start at home by teaching your dog "watch me". Use a tasty treat like a tiny bit of cheese or chicken, something your dog will value. hold the treat near the dogs nose, then move the hand holding the treat to your eye. The dog will follow the treat with its eyes. As soon as your eyes meet, say "watch me" and give the dog the treat. Repeat say 5 times a session, do it a few times each day. If the dog watches you do something, use the "watch me - good" phrase.

You can then build this lesson up in the garden and eventually on pavement walks. Don't wait for a dog to approach, use 'watch me' when you wait at the pavement to cross, use it randomly - stop watch me - treat.

We find our dog is defensive and will spin and bark at other dogs when on a lead but if he meets other dogs off the lead he is fine. Because he is very unreliable at recall he is always on a lead away from home and we have found the best way to relax him approaching other dogs to to make sure we are relaxed and friendly ourselves and say hello to the other dog and owner. If the person holding the lead tenses and anticipates trouble, the dog senses it and reacts with aggression.

Poor you Christine! I didn't realise that was how you had your accident.
Our last border collie was very aggressive towards vehicles and other dogs, and even on the leash went to a spin round and round. He had me into the ditch more than once. Sadly finally run over by a car he was chasing.
It's a difficult problem. We even tried an electric collar but without it he still had the instinct.

Our 12 year old dog has recently got more aggressive towards some other dogs. This resulted in him pulling me over and I sustained a pelvic fracture. Not sure if getting him castrated at this stage wil help. Your little girl will benefit from more socialising in a controlled environment such as you suggest or dog training classes.

I use to make mine sit if another dog walker was approaching or near by & smoooth him down at the same time feeding him very small treats ,good luck