Or maybe a better anwser is: 80% of all agression that most people hear about is fear based. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Dennis.....yeah, probably.

Linda, what has worked the best for my on-leash-dog-aggressive mixed breed female shelter rescue has involved clickers and treats. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Lisa I went to post in the people aggression section and lo and behold someone had previously started a thread using my dogs as an example.
The had gotten the information from another forum, unfortunately all the facts were not there.
So, if you would like to know more about the dogs and their behavior the information is posted there

Evidence of a Pending Aggressive Episode

In the case where the dog continues to believe he needs to escalate the signs of his seriousness that will eventually become an attack he will do it through body language and sometimes through vocalization but not always.

The most common signs that can be readily noticed by most people:

Positioning
Eye contact
Closed tight mouth
Exposure of the dog’s teeth and this sign may or may not be accompanied with a growl.
Slight lip pulling. This is a difficult sign to notice in some dogs.
High positioned tail that is slowly wagging from side-to-side.

A dog that stands his ground will try to look bigger by raised hackles; hinting about his powerful abilities to deal harm. But to a person who understands behavior this sign shows he is fearful about the true outcome of an encounter. This is a fear driven response and it is very near the threshold of a defensive aggressive response. Remember it is often the most fearful dog that attacks first. Though this is not always the case it is common enough to mention it.

Since Aggression is a complicated behavior there are other signs not so well known and can be conflicting with the most common signs. Some dogs attempt to actually look smaller in an attempt to say, “Hey I don’t want a fight but I am close to snapping!” This is a strategic positioning sign. To a person who studies canine behavior I find this particular on interesting because the dog drops low for bite advantage while protecting his own soft undersides and throat.

I often wonder if small dogs because of their own height are constantly seeing the exposed parts of large dogs and thus are encouraged by the “advantage” Mother Nature gave them. I think we all know of at least one small but mighty dog willing to take it to another dog that may out weigh him or her by 50 or more pounds.

Remember a dog that stands his ground will try to look bigger by raised hackles; hinting about his powerful abilities to deal harm and shows he is fearful about the true outcome of an encounter. This is a fear driven response is very near the threshold of a defensive aggressive response.

Area of Influence or “Flight/Fight Distance”

Generally we define the distance between an intruder and the dog as the Area of Influence. This distance works on the dog’s perception of the situation. If the distance is great enough a dog may try to avoid a conflict it had no interest in starting. If the retreat is physically inhibited by a restraint or fence the dog will usually fight especially if it is his home territory.

The stages of aggression happen very rapidly so handlers need to be aware of the environment and think ahead. If you have no need to bring your dog face-to-face with another dog then don’t do it. The pet owner often sees aggression when two dogs approach each other to fast and get together to close. Now think about the evening walk on the leash where you can in reality come face to face to fast with another dog enthusiast. It can and often does spell disaster. While the owners are chatting and observing their dogs “socializing” the two dogs are actually sizing the other one up. If neither dog is willing to dominate right off or protect itself because it feels overly threatened then they will be cautious until they calm down.

Interesting that you should post that. I had an encounter with a female GSD just last week that went like this:

I was walking at a 90 degree angle to the vehicle in which the GSD was contained, crossing a parking lot with my dog, on leash, on the opposite side of me from the other dog. We were probably a good 60-75 feet away, paying no attention to the other dog at all, when she jumped through the open door of the vehicle and ran in a straight line toward my dog.
Her head and tail were held low, her hackles were raised, her ears were up and forward, and her lips were pulled back. When she didn't respond to her handler's call, and was within about 15 feet, I let go of my dog's leash. My dog ran to meet the other, and immediately threw herself on her back and peed. The other dog stood over her, sniffing her for a second, then returned to her handler. My dog seemed completely unaffected by what had just happened and ran over to greet another person who was standing nearby. I collected her and went back to my car.

It is a good thing your dog submitted or it would have been game on. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I had a post on the people aggression section that the thread was closed.

I do not expect nor need posters from another forum to come here and bash me.

I did not ask to be bashed I asked for contructive advice on this forum.

I responded to a post, stated were the dogs are now with the trainer, and what we are currently doing.

There is no truth to I cannot post on the other forum were Michelle had identified herself as a moderator and that is why she no longer goes there.

Unfortunately, some of the moderators were participating in bashing folks (not only I but any poster that they felt was "stupid" or did not immediately take their advice to heart and do exactly as they say.

The site owner informed folks he would not longer tolerate it. So take what you read with a grain of salt.

The trainer will be at the house this Monday to work with the dogs.

I hope that the thread that was closed and some of the comments are not an indication of how this forum is run or moderated.
There is lots of good information here.

Lisa,
Interesting that you did it that way. Did you know your dog would be submissive?
I guess that I'd never take the chance allowing my animal to be attacked by an off leash dog that I could see advancing on us. I would have pulled my dog behind me and prepared to defend it and myself, as necessary.

To clarify, the trainer I am working with deals with aggressive pets. He is also a highly recommended trainer in the state of Massachusetts.
Also, since my neck surgery I have no problems with my hands, and I can and I do give a motivational correction.
The problem at our house I feel, was my husband not participating in training, allowing the dogs to do unacceptable things, and not correcting at all.
So, going forward if you have any questions ask.

I have confidence in my trainer, he hasn't just read a few books, he has been doing this for quite a long time.
He trains police dogs, participates in decoy work, etc and travels the country.
I don't just listen to advice were I pay big bucks.
Some things need to be shown to the owner so the owner is confident that they are doing it correctly. This is were the trainer has helped me immensely.

I hope that my experience here is a pleasant one.

Sorry,
I should have added that :
An unrestrained dog charging you and your dog is an attack, not a dog fight. The laws are on your side in this situation in most states.