I am worried about my dog becoming aggressive. Please help.?

it sounds like there has been much going on in the house. it could be possible that your dog may need some extra attention. he probably feels very insecure with the loss of one of his pack members and might require more time with the pack masters to adjust. try taking him on walks anyway and keeping him occupied as much as possible. be calm and ertive when doing activities together and it may make you feel better to use a muzzle. it seems harsh, but it may make you more comfortable allowing him to interact with people. buy a basket muzzle that will allow your dog plenty of room to open his mouth and pant if he needs to. he may be very sensitive to the recent changes in his environment and an atmosphere of stress will exacerbate this problem. a muzzle, if nothing else, might make you feel better and maybe he will feel better too, dogs are very sensitive to human anxiety. also, it is very important never to reward negative behavior. only pet and love on him when he's done something good. showing him love when he's nervous only reenforces a negave state of mind. when he's calm he deserves affection, if he growels or cowers do not give him hugs and cuddles. correct the problem calmly and move on. he needs practice socializing so i wouldn't encourage locking him up all by himself. if he needs space he'll go somewhere quiet on his own. right now he needs direction and good leadership and alot of safe, postitive interaction. yes a muzzle would make you feel much safer.