I really need some sound advice please. My 4 year old lab bitch, had a lovely litter last year and we kept one little bitch who is now 1. Mum was always a big softee, fine with other dogs. Now she is becoming very aggressive when I am out with the pair of them. I can no longer trust her off the lead as she will run up to other dogs and initially wag her tail, but then very quickly start growling and snarling. This is only with certain dogs. She is absolutely fine at training classes with a variety of gun dogs. We have been walking her on her own, and really emphasising stops and recalls which are always fine on her own. This morning I was out with both of them and again she was fine. When I saw a GSD in the distance, I called her up and put her on lead and told her to leave and she was fine. Then later we were almost home when a lady with a smallish cross breed (on lead) was coming towards us on the pavement. It was all I could do to hold her as she lurched forwards growling and hackles up. Incidentally I have no problem with the youngster, I can leave her off lead and she ignores any other dogs, or may have a quick sniff if they are off lead and then recall to me with no problem.
Sorry this is so long, but I am getting very concerned about this behaviour, and it is spoiling our walks as I have to constantly be on guard for any other dogs about. I should also add that we walk across lots of countryside and fields and don't often see other dogs.
Lorna

If she were mine I would have her checked by the vet to make sure that she is fit, and then for my peace of mind excercise her in a halty type collar and if this did not work a muzzle. It could be she is protecting you or the youngster but that does not make it acceptable. Jackie H

My dog trainer has two walks on a Saturday for good and naughty dogs, something like this may be of benefit to your dog. She could have a muzzle on at first to see how she reacts then if she behaves positively then it can come off. I would keep walking your two dogs seperately while she is showing this behaviour but if you can find a walk like this near to where you live they are great. It is all off lead in a safe environment and it really works on the iffy dogs.
I dont know where you are in the country but these walks are held in Barnsley and they are great fun.