[olddad]

I never know when my four year old male Airdale will be aggressive with a stranger. With some people he is fine but with others he behaves aggressively.
A friend says that Airdales for you,don't trust them,what gives?
olddad.

[OwnedBySix]

I would seek the advice of a professional behaviorist for this.

What exactly do you mean by "aggressive"? Does he bite? Lunge? Just growl?

[Curbside Prophet]

I would certainly agree with OwnedBySix on this, get an experienced second set of eyes to see what exacly is going on. And I'm not sure what exatly your friend is basing their information on, but I've met many an Airedale that wasn't aggressive...it's all about early socialization as prevention. However, several factors may account for aggressive behavior. Only an experienced professional will be able to determine if it's an alpha problem, a defensive problem, a territorial problem, a possessivness problem, a fear problem, a pain problem, or an environmental problem. And depending what it is will determine the treatment. So unfortunately, without seeing it, we can't help you much, other than to encourage you to get help from a professional. Good luck, and let us know how things go.