If the dog's tendency is to aggress, your best bet is going to keep the pup away from other dogs and children. Avoid dog parks. Do not leave your dog alone with children. Understand that even when you love your pet, it doesn't mean that your animal isn't capable of behaving... like an animal. It isn't hopeless though. You say this has been going on for one month? Well, has anything significant changed in the past month? Perhaps your dog is acting out and has some angst built up. Get a great leash and take your dog for awesome exercise. See if this calms him down a bit more. If he sees a dog in public and starts in, try to catch it before he stops. Turn him completely around and start walking in the other direction - they hate that. Make him sit - make eye contact. Talk soothingly. Insist. Let the other dog pass or whatever it takes to keep your dog calm so you can use positive reinforcement instead of negative. If the aggression continues past long walks and these strategies, you need to talk to a behaviorist ASAP if children are around. Good luck. I know it's really hard when our pets don't meet us half way.

You don't mention the breed or breed type or how old this pup is. They do sometimes go through a bit of a phase during sexual growth that can prompt them to start trying to pull "limits." Still, you're right, especially with humans, it's not appropriate or acceptable. Exposure to different people, dogs, places and happy activities is the best way to support your dog in becoming relaxed and able to deal with different stresses. TRAINING is very important because when we train using Positive Reinforcement (+R) we not only give our dogs learned behaviors to do (useful in redirecting unacceptable behaviors to desired behaviors) but we also BUILD CONFIDENCE! Confident dogs are less likely to feel stressed when presented with new, or somewhat odd/scary (to them) situations. http://www.doggiebagonline.com/ +R training support...free web site! Your best bet is to remain calm, positive and make sure that THE CHILDREN are NOT accidentally being allowed to push the pup too far. Without meaning to, children can sometimes become too demanding of a young dog and actually end up encouraging the dog to act up, in self-defense. When a puppy is tired, it needs to be allowed to rest quietly and alone. It's not a stuffed toy. Adult supervision is always a great way to insure that everyone playing is truly having a good time! Some small breeds have bigger challenges than many larger breeds, they have a shorter fuse when it comes to quick moving, sometimes loud children, or other dogs who might think that rough play is fun for the smaller pup, or more shy pup, who may not appreciate their idea of fun. Use positive reinforcement and look for opportunities to redirect negatives with positives. The trick is to try and not to accidentally reinforce the unwanted behavior. Often, what appears to be aggressive behavior is tied to FEAR. You don't want to reinforce fear with your dog, but give them something happy, and relaxing to do, without accidentally saying "oh poor baby" in your words, tone or actions. Also, sudden changes in behavior have been linked to Vaccines. You might want to check out this web site for more information on this unfortunate negative reaction. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/TruthAboutVaccines/?yguid=354615195 http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ClassicalHomeopathyPets/?yguid=354615195

Tune into the Dog Whisperer

I also have a puppy, and we clicker train them and they love this with plenty of walks. Has there been a trigger, are you confusing aggressive with been a boisterous puppy growing up, is he teething? have him on lead when out and let him meet others. Get him used to kids and if you can get him to puppy training classes

Good grief! Throw out 95% of the answers that you have received. The pup is 6 mos. old. He is just starting to push the limits of behavior - why? He has not been taught the limits. Enroll in a pet obedience class. Petco, feed stores and area vets can help you there for a class near you. These are very affordable. Do not allow the screaming kid around him at this time. He doesn't understand it, she hurts his ears, he picks up on her fear pheromones. All puppy training is based on setting the puppy up for success. I have not heard anything in this thread but setting the puppy up to fail! My kids are all grown up now so I can relate. My puppies were conditioned by kids from area schools from 4-5 weeks on. It was good for the kids and good for the puppies. Regardless, I never take my eyes off/ leave a dog unattended with a young child or toddler ( even on my most trusted dogs) I know that some will say the dog is totally trustworthy and maybe they are right but to me...it is not worth the risk. So take your dog around as you have been doing. Correct him strongly and sternly for aggression towards people or dogs. But be advised that some dogs will not be controlled in kindlier reprimands.