Dog Health Questions: Why is my dog anti-social on the leash during walks?

He loves people and other dogs. However he's always been since a puppy super aggressive on the leash when I'm walking him. I'm constantly trying to work on rehabilitating him to a calm dog on the leash. He would see someone or another dog walking by us. His reaction is to charge at them with this nasty scary bark. I have to hold him back so hard I almost lose grip because he's pulling so forcefully while growling and barking at his object of desire he wants to get to. Yet, when I let go sometimes by accident he takes off towards them. They pet him even though they are nervous to do so as he is being aggressive. He then calms down and goes back to calm state. I've been trying to stop this from happening from the start. Trying to show him to be calm the entire walk.
Well, today I took him out to work on the aggressive behavior on the walk. He did a remarkable job. He did not bark at anything aggressively the entire time! He really wanted to as he showed me the signs. Yet, today he listened to me when I asked him to heel and he would stay in a sitting position until I told him it was okay to go when other dogs or people were walking by. So, for the first time in years I was able to have a successful peaceful walk with him. Was it me? Did I do something different? Could it be my energy was different? I had another dog walking with me that has me wondering if that helped to? How can I keep improving on this?

I've tried dog trainers after dog trainers. He's a perfect angel with them so they say he does not need dog training. It's only with me when no one else is around me he gets like this. But, how can I make sure I have another successful walk like I did today more often?

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Recommended Answer:
1- You are living in the past *Edit* (WHEN IT ACTS OUT). You see them coming. You brace the leash and tense up because you're expecting it from your dog. Ironically this is part of what triggers it. If you are not being the alfa, the dog will take things into their own paws. Dogs are the best indicator of whether you are in a stable mindset.
2- Dogs live in the moment; if you stop them from escalating to the point of attack, you stop this whole situation. You need to learn the beginning signs of escalation. Once you can spot them it is up to you to keep the dog in the calm submissive state of mind.
3- Remember if the other dog is also in a bad state of mind you can always avoid the dog by crossing the street or going around a corner. This kind of action tells your dog "We don't mix with that kind of mindset."
The biggest advise is going to a professional and tell them you need to learn how to be the leader. My guess is no one has taught you what you need to know. It is easy to put things in writing, but you really need to see it first hand. I wish you best of luck.
CyberNara
P.S.
You can give me a thumbs down, but it is the truth. If YOU tense up or even think of the situation... the dog will act out. YOU set them up to fail. It is in YOUR hands. YOU have the power to control them, but YOU need to be in the moment and be in command.
I have told you what you need to do... and anyone that knows what they are talking about will agree with me. Take it or leave it. I don't mean to say you are a bad person, just that you need to learn to be in the right mindset. If your dog is behaving for the professionals but acts up with you, then IT IS YOU. I wouldn't steer you wrong, nor am I wanting to sound malicious. I have a dog myself... and trust me. He tells me when I need to adjust my mindset. I am telling you to help you out. If you want to have a dog behave... take my advice.
Live in the moment, know the beginning signs of escalation from your dog and stop it before it gets out of control. If need be... avoid other dogs already in that state of mind.
Walking it with rules, limits and boundaries on a regular basis helps too... so don't walk it once a month and expect it to behave.
YES. It was your energy on this walk that was different... I guess you can't read between the lines in what I was saying. You need to be in control. Having the other dog may have help as well IF it is a stable dog, but I can't make that call. And if you continue to live in denial... it is your own bloody fault if it doesn't behave. Your energy has to be right... like I have been saying this whole time. And yet you give me a thumbs down? Goodbye

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