Meeting new dogs

[assumpta]

Hi, I have a rescue dog for the last 5 weeks, when we got him he had kennel cough, and we waited the 5 days after the cough had gone, as advised, before we allowed him to say 'hello' to any other dog, in case of infecting them. He is a smallish, shin height, shaggy terrier mixed with goodness knows. He is friendly, well mannered, can 'sit', understands 'no', except when furries are around and is very relaxed at home.

Over the last couple of days when he meets a new dog and I explain he is a rescue before he approaches the other dog, he is fine for a very short time, maybe 10 seconds, with sniffing each other at nose end. The other dog is completely chilled, but he then starts to bark and make growling noises at them, at which time I try to quieten him and steer him away. Obviously the other owner walks away with their dog.

Why is my dog doing this? What should I do?

We have no background on him, but the rescue centre said that he was absolutely fine with other dogs. But . . .

Any advice?

A lot of dogs are much more aggressive with other dogs when they are on leads. Do you have any friends with dogs you could practice introducing him to in a safe, enclosed space when they are not on leads?

I have some friends that have very young bouncy puppies, about 10 months old, but I wondered if he got aggressive with them I then would not be ale to get him away from them if he was off the lead. Everyone has said if you pull a dog off by the collar you are risking a bite yourself.

The lead is always very loose on meeting, and the other dog very calm.

Try not to push it- he's a new dog to you and needs time. The 10 seconds when he's being calm and happy praise lots, then walk away BEFORE your dog has a chance to growl. Try and let every encounter with other dogs be a happy one.

Is he going to training classes?

He is starting training classes in the middle of June. He couldn't start before because of his kennel cough. I am not sure what he will learn there as he will sit, and come if there are no furry distractions, but as there is terrier in him I don't think I will ever be able to let him off the lead in an open space.