Hi,
We have recently adopted a 2 year old cocker spaniel as the previous owner was moving house and could not care for him any longer.
He has been with us for 5 weeks and things are not going so well. He is well behaved at home with my self and my partner. But when meeting new people he is becoming more growly and snarly and barks - what seems to be aggresively. I am no too scared to take visitors near him,let alone pat him. He also will growl when we pass people in the street (mainly males).. By partners Dad tried to pat him and he lunged at him and barked growled.

When we pass other dogs we becomes quite hysterical and then whines and sniffs for a few minutes afterwards whilst we continue to walk.
I am not coping very well with his behaviour - and i am terrified he will attack someone..
From your experience is there hope for my dog?
We have had a few private lessons with a trainer (positive reinforcement) but it so far hasn;t really helped with his aggression -it seems to be getting worse. By the way- the previous owner denies he was ever aggressive and was good with visitors and children.
Any advice will be much appreciated!