Dog Health Questions: Dog training cost and will it work?

I have a 2 1/2 year old English Bulldog mix. I know that english bulldogs are very lazy and not so aggressive, so I have no clue what he's mixed with. He's very aggressive at times and barks a lot. He isn't allowed indoors or he'll chew up everything. So whenever we go out to the backyard he sees us and will bark and bark until someone pets him. He barks at every child as well, so when the nephews visit they can't play outside. Although he gets very loud, he is still a sweet dog and has never bit anyone. I would love to take him out for walks but he is extremely strong and would drag me. My brother tried to walk him a few times but the walk turns into a full speed run. I'm also scared he'll break the leash and take off running. So I'm wondering about how much would it cost to train him? Is it too late? Do classes actually work compared to those boarding schools?
...I have also read online that dogs can get like this when they are ignored as puppies. He was my older brothers dog until about a year ago. And since my brother worked a lot, I'm sure this might have caused his behavior.

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although most English bull dogs are lazy and laid back they are still bully breeds and can become aggressive if not taught whos in control. it sounds to me like your boy has some issues in knowing whos the bosss. the fact that he is barking at you for attention tells me that he is barking as a maens of controlling you. he is going to need a strong firm owner. if your not assertive and firm with him he will continue theese behaviors. i would suggest a bahavioralist instead of just a trainer.
ther eason they get this way when ignored is becuase they are the ones in charge since they are left alone they can do whatever they want and are basically in control of themselves and the house. hiring a good behaviorlist thats dealt with this bahavior before would deffinatly help. also pick up a few of cesar millans books. all you dog needs iss to be taught that he isnt the one in charge you are but this needs to be dealt with carefully as an aggerssive dog can turn nasty if you do the wrong technique it is best you hire a behaviorlist and not a dog trainer as they usually only deal with teaching dogs basic obedience and are not usually trained to deal with aggressive issuses so look out a behaviorlist. i wish you the best of luck again dont try doing this on your own.

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• You need to get into a class with a professional trainer (not a Petsmart class). Your dog is not socialized and that is a big problem you're going to have to work through . If you're dedicated you can do it though. Never send your dog away to a "boarding training school" because the point of training is to get your dog to behave for you, not someone else. Contact professional trainers and get on it. Cost will depend on the trainer but you shouldn't skimp. It's going to take time and lots of work.


• A head collar works great to use when walking your dog. I have an 85-lb lab mix that I couldn't walk without one. A great book about dog training is The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson. There are many resources to use online to help with your training problems.


• Dogs are social creatures and naturally live in packs, so if yours spends most of his time alone, he's probably bored to death. i think the growling behavior may be because he doesn't know how to act around other people and dogs.... it seems he's leading a sheltered life.
  
  Instead of paying someone to help you train your dog, you might want to do some research about dog training online. You can find a lot of good FREE information on Dog Training by doing a yahoo search. You can even find specifics, such as Training a Dog To Come, or Dog Recall, Basic Dog Training, How to Leash Train a Dog.
  
  You can also find helpful training videos on You Tube.
  
  Use whatever information you find most practical for you and your situation. You can even print out articles for future reference.
  
  I would make sure the dog is exercised, if possible, every day, as well
  
  The only thing it will cost you is time, effort and a consistent training schedule. You will need to start the training in the privacy of your own yard -- then work up to using your training in public, and around the neighborhood, etc. It takes work, but training is very rewarding for both you and the dog in the end!