my 5 yr old does the same-in the last year she has mellowed to the point if I am with her she is fine but let me go into another room and she goes into attack mode almost. The breeder said they trained her this way? She is alpha and I think this is fear agression. I have always been verrrry careful. She seems to be better with women than men and has never been around children. She will fight other alpha dogs even though she gets the worst of it. I decided long ago not to socialize her and use her for a pet and guard dog. Always wondered about ads that read "no other dogs" and now I know. A good trainer or pet therapist could probably help if you have the money to spend. I was told my English breed of Dal was breed for coach dogs for protection?

HI
It's their natural protective behavior. Dixie , our four year old does it as well. It's their way of saying , I'm watching you. I am not aware of any dal that hasn't been abused attacking . They are terretorial , but it's you they are protecting. Generally if Dixie won't give up , I will lock her in the bedroom for several minutes . usually after that she will settle down , but won't take her eyes off of the subject of her discontent.BUT, if your dal absolutely refuses to allow someone praticular in your house perhaps she senses something you should take note of. I've noticed which of my grown daughters friends Dixie growls at , and it just proves ( to me at least) just how accute their empathy is concerning meanspirited people. good luck. sedens@gopaa.com

you will have to take a look at your dogs posture and compare them to when you see your dog to when your dog meets a stranger. a dogs ears tail and hackles can tell you alot. Mind you your dog may have fearful aggression. which at times is more dangerous thanactive aggression. the best thing you could do is get in touch with a behaviourist. hope this helps

Growling is normal at home, home turf etc.
Dal's are very friendly dogs outside if introduced to new people often when they are young, My Dalmatian would always be friendly to people out around town, but at home those same people would at first recieve a growl and barking. As far a fighting she would not fight she would do a rope-a-dope kind of Muhammad Ali thing, just move her head around while other dogs would try to bite her.