my dog gets very nervous (and sometimes aggressive) with other dogs?

Your dog had a very bad experience at a very important point in his social development. I'd call my vet or local humane society and get a referral for a really qualified trainer who can help you work with your dog to reduce his fear aggression toward other dogs. It may take some time to get results and he may never like other dogs much but you may be able to get him to the point where you can walk him without him snapping at other dogs (or freezing, which is aggressive body language and may get him attacked again).

Elly - taking him to obedience school with others dogs at this point would be a huge disaster. You have to walk before you can run.

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The suggestion of an obedience class is an excellent one. Read here https://tr.im/Wxmdm

It will help your dog learn to behave around other dogs, and help keep your training moving forward as you'll want to be prepared for the next class. Also, a good instructor can be a wonderful resource, someone to help you with any questions or concerns about your dog. Leash training can take a LOT of time and patience, depending upon the dog. I'm not sure what you mean by 'horrible on a leash' but my basic suggestion is that you take a lot of yummy treats with you on walks. When your dog behaves well on the leash (not pulling) praise her and give her treats. Change direction a lot so that she learns to pay attention to YOU and where you are going. It's also helpful to teach a "Watch Me" command such that whenever your dog looks at you you praise her and give her a treat. About chewing, yes a Kong is a great chew toy. Some dogs also like Nylabone brand bones. I suggest also teaching a "Leave It" command. You use this when she shows interest in chewing on something she shouldn't. Then immediately give her something she is allowed to chew, such as the Kong stuffed with somethig yummy. This same command will be helpful on walks when she wants to sniff or eat something she shouldn't. Again, when she does leave the item alone, be sure to give lots of praise. I would look into an obedience class right away. I think that you'll find that a good obedience class can help enormously! Good luck and enjoy your new dog.

A friend of mine has the same problem with her dog. It was attacked by two Staffordshire terriers on two seperate occasions.

Her dog is a Border Collie and since these attacks she has been very snappy and aggressive to other dogs. She has been like that for 3 years now.

Try and seek advise from your vets or a dog trainer. All dogs are different and act different to training. Your dog is still young so you may have a good chance of helping your dog with the right training.

Socializing alone is not going to change how this dog feels about other dogs. Are you counter conditioning and desensitizing? If these terms are not familiar to you, they should be. Visit this site for information about how to help change how a dog feels about things that scare it. It's a process that takes time, training and patience.

www.fearfuldogs.com

On the book page you might consider

The Cautious Canine

Feisty Fido

Click to Calm

Control Unleashed

This is not a dominance issue and punishing your dog in any way (neck bites, geesh, how friggin stupid!) will not make the dog feel good about having other dogs around. There's a reason the Dog Whisperer's show has a disclaimer at the beginning. The methods he uses can make a dog's behavior worse.

I think your dog is suffering from fear issues! The most important thing to do is to be a good, calm pack leader! He needs to know that he is safe with you! By setting rules, boundaries, and limitations in everyday life will re-enforce your strength and help our dog feel safe and calm/submissive around you no matter what dog is near.

It is also good to keep in mind that a dog is a dog. He lives in the now and he is probably getting most of his tension from you. You have to remain calm and do not talk to your dog while he is displaying his dominance but quickly respond to his behavior by simulating a bite on his neck. Not hard but enough to let it be known that you are pack leader and you demand this space for you and the other dog you are petting. Be sure that you portrait a strong, not mean, manner.

Once he calms down he can see that this dog is not challenging the area and not invading! But if you can stop the behavior right when the ears go back or tail goes up it is always better! Never take an excited dog in to an area to be introduced. Make both dogs wait until you are able to lead your dog in the room. they shouldn't be panting or looking at each other.

It is good to walk your dog if you are going to visit a friend or have one over. Exercise,discipline, than affection.

Good Luck!

When your dog is keen to play with you and is responding to your commands, begin to resocialise your dog to the situations in which your dog was nervous. Gradually expose your dog to the situations, keeping your dog at a safe distance and watching for any signs of nervousness. Before the dog reacts nervously, encourage a short game with a toy or have a short, fun training session. Repeat this at the safe distance as often as you can.

As your dog gains confidence and relaxes you can gradually move the animal closer and closer until your dog no longer shows any sign of nervousness. This may take many weeks. Whenever your dog copes well with a scary situation, reward with food and lots of praise.

If your dog is defensive it is important that you discuss the problem with your vet who may refer you to an animal behaviour counsellor to help resolve the problem. Meanwhile, walking your dog in a head collar, such as a Gentle Leader, will give you much more control of the situation.

Gradually building up confidence will ensure your dog enjoys a more active and varied lifestyle, as you can go to more places together. It is also rewarding to help a nervous dog turn into a happy family dog that can fully participate in the family’s activities.

His aggression is caused by fear.

You need to gain his confidence slowly while still making progress.

There is a User on here with an excellent site for fearful dogs.

http://www.fearfuldogs.com/

Add* Taking him to classes with other dogs will not help him , you would be moving to fast.

When he got attacked he got praised for being scared and because of that he thinks there something to be scared of!!

Try inroducing him to friends dogs not in a confined space

..And when he gets scared again ignore his behaviour and try to take his mind off the other dog by giving him a command also asserting your domminace over the dog at the same time ;)

First take him to obedience school. he needs to know that you are the boss, period, don't spoil him or you will make him worse. Then slowly socialize him more. Just as with anyone who's been traumatized, take baby steps. If he's been trained properly he will listen to your commands when he is greeted by another dog, and will then learn the proper behaviors. Good Luck. :)