Thank you all for the suggestions! Might I also say that I enjoyed seeing all your pictures of your dogs!

Kacie, I think you're right that it may be anxiety rather than aggression. It's nice to hear from someone who had a similar dilemma and found a solution. He is such a good dog and I really want to nip this in the bud. Looks like I need to make another trip to the pet supply store!

Again, thanks everyone!

I will say that I use the word "yes!" for my marker just so I didn't have to keep up with clickers, so you can go either way. I do not have that ball/stick thing mentioned in the other post but that DOES sound like it has enormous potential for lots of fun training.

Training "place" or "kennel" and using that command when someone comes to your office might help him associate someone coming in with him getting a yummy treat (assuming he goes to his place or crate...)

I think marker training is great for ALL dogs, but especially for those whose past could have involved some force or harsh methods.

Best of luck and keep us posted! (And I want to add that Steve's caution about liability is an excellent point.)

One of the things I learned the hard way on this forum actually is that we DON'T want our dogs deciding when to protect us and who to protect us from.

I have 2 75lb Pit mixes and they are very capable of protecting me. In fact one of them did just that one day when he decided that a 5 year old was a threat to me. If he wasn't tethered to my garage door it would have been the worst disaster imaginable. It was from that experience that I learned that it is up to ME to decide who and what is threatening.

When I walk my dogs around the neighborhood I use a large walking stick. When people ask me what the stick is for I tell them that I carry it to protect my dogs. They usually laugh and think I am being sarcastic but its true. There are sometimes loose dogs and I need to protect my dogs and myself from any threats and I will absolutely do that if need be.

I am the pack leader and therefore it is my job to protect the pack. Not the other way around. If you begin with that premise and then follow the great training advice you get here you will be fine.

want to see if my pic comes up

 Quote: Alec Garrison

When I walk my dogs around the neighborhood I use a large walking stick. When people ask me what the stick is for I tell them that I carry it to protect my dogs. They usually laugh and think I am being sarcastic but its true. There are sometimes loose dogs and I need to protect my dogs and myself from any threats and I will absolutely do that if need be.

I am the pack leader and therefore it is my job to protect the pack.

So true, Alec. Need to prevent crap like this

yes...exactly

I tell people I carry the stick to protect their dog.
They go huh?
Would you rather me poke your dog to keep him away or would you rather me let your LOOSE dog get close enough for this one to eat it?

The regulars give me and mine a wide berth.
Mission accomplished.

Randy...its funny you say that. As I walk my dogs around I try to avoid places where I think irresponsible owners leave backyard gates open or think its cute to let their dogs lounge in the front yard with no fence to contain them.

Jeter will stay on my property at all times. I never let him out front (where I have no fence) unleashed. He is very well trained when it comes to sticking by my side. I go by the rule that you can never completely be sure what an animal will do so I don't take chances. Jeter is the kind of dog the judge will take from me and I can never let that happen.

When I see off leash dogs approaching and their knucklehead owners 20 feet behind them I shout out that they need to make sure their dog doesn't approach us. I get the nasty comments and the dirty looks because Jeter is a Pit Mix. He tolerates some dogs and others he doesn't.

I am not worried about my dog getting hurt. I am worried about their dog getting hurt.

I just wanted to give an update.

Ollie is really doing well with Marker training. He is such a fast learner. I've been taking everyone's advice on here and he has done much better the last two days. I'm not crating, but in addition to having him leashed as before, I have him in a enclosed area under my desk. (hard to explain.) He can get to me and that's it. I posted a sign on my door that says "Dog in training, please ignore." He's started to growl kind of under his breath twice, but then stops with a firm "no" from me. I'm not using a clicker, but the word yes. I'm so thankful for all your help. I've been reading a lot on here and have found tha I've been doing several things wrong. I'm glad I found this site.

Alec - I also walk with a mini bat, which my neighbors don't like, but I live in the country where EVERYONE thinks it's ok to let their dogs run. I honestly don't know what would happen if they got close enough. Ollie seems content to let me handle it so far. I love German SHepherds, but there is one loose in my area, and as pretty as he is, he is sooo intimidating.

Your Pitt mix is very handsome.

Thank you and good luck