Barking at Strangers and agressive towards other dogs

Hi, We have a maltese Shit zu Cross who is 3 years old. We live in a quiet neighbourhood but live next to an alley way which the local kids use often. When people use the alley way this causes Millie to bark excessively until they have past by. She is also extremely agressive towards other dogs when out on the lead. I have tried the loud distracting noise theory such as Aghh and the could water spray but this doesn't work with her and she will continue to bark. Any tips would be appreciated
Posted: 14/01/2007   

Answer: Barking at Strangers and agressive towards other dog
A lot of my clients have told me that their dog will not socialize with particular breeds, or they can't be let of the lead etc. As soon as I take them out, and they get to know me - they are a completely different dog. They respond to learnt behavior. Take them out of their so called comfort circle and they are different dogs. What if you where to slowly introduce your dog to other dogs in a controlled environment? Maybe you could spend sometime with her in the alley way to the stigma is taken away? Try and tackle her issues head on, meanwhile you need to monitor how you respond to her in these situations.
Posted: 25/01/2007