We are picking up a 5 year-old in about three weeks. I watched him lunge at a number of dogs while barking and demonstrating aggression.
The owner pulled tightly on the choke chain and used shouting commands to calm to dog down.

I walked the same dog for about 45 minutes, talking calmly and quietly. I held the lease tightly, but did not "yank" on it.

When we returned to the area with the other dogs, he did not demonstrate the same behavior. He sat on command and responded to praise and petting.

Is there truth to "old dog new tricks" saying? We are confident this dog only needs time and discipline.
Any advice would be appreciated

Tom

It seems that the previous owner has instilled anxiety on the dog. By having the leash tight all the time and the owner displaying tense behaviour, this will show the dog lack of trust and leadership which will result in the dog taking the dominant role himself.

By using the calm assertive approach and gaining the dog's trust and becoming the alpha, the dog will be comfortable and feel safe and will have no need to lose control as it did in the past. This will require a lot of patience and consistency on your part. If you are willing to take that on just make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Depending on how bad the situation is, you may need professional help with the dog.

If you are inexperienced with dog ownership/training, then adopting this dog might not be a good move for you. Large breeds require a strong leader or else they will take on the dominant role, and you don't want that to happen with a (potentially) 120lb dog.

I also wanted to mention that you seem to have the right idea in your head, seeing as how the dog was calm with you ...

If you can keep that up then for sure I think any dog of any breed can be 'taught new tricks' and can be a stable, well mannered companion

Good luck

Thanks to all who responded to our "aggressive behavior" question.
We went to a trainer for advice and followed all that she said. Our five-year old is getting better and better and his "aggressive" behavior is diminishing with each day.
I am 64 years of age and he is the best dog I have ever had. We are on 25 acres that backs up to a 26,000 acre national wildlife area. He loves the snow and looks forward to his daily 3 mile walk.
We are avid rv'ers and his next adventure will be travelling and camping this summer.
Tom

Glad to hear that things have turned out well for you. 25 acres??? Looks like this Berner found a good home

Keep us posted.

I'm glad things are working out. Sometimes I find when I'm calm and cool my dogs sort of take that on. I think dogs take on how their owners feel. So if you treat them with agression that's what you will get back! My Berner loves the snow, he also loves to eat it!