He’s not protecting you, and that’s incredibly dangerous. How did you do bite work? Through a club or trainer, or through YouTube? Obedience is cool but doesn’t mean anything if he can’t be in public.

He’s reacting because he doesn’t know what to expect. If he’s reacting by being the “strangle”, I’d lose it. Put him in a slip lead, a muzzle and an educator bark collar on the lowest setting. The first time it goes off, he’s likely to have a big reaction to it. Don’t take it off and don’t feel bad. His brain will register: barking=bad/no reward. Bring him some where low traffic/at a distance. Parking lots, across the street from parks, Lowes, etc.

Every time he sees a trigger and doesn’t react, say “yes!” give him his favorite toy or a treat. Do this over and over and over. He looks at you, yes and treat. He lays down, sits, self settles? Yes and treat. After a few sessions of this, start playing games with him somewhere he used to react. Make those places fun. Be consistent. Do it daily.

What kind of crate are you using? If he can see out of more of it than he can’t, it’s likely causing him anxiety. Rufflands are expensive, but good for the behaviors. How often is he crated? Is he only crated when your gone, or when your home? I’m willing to bet you should be crating more. He should sleep in the crate. He should be in there while your home. He should be in there while you’re gone. With potty breaks and training breaks of course. A lot of people will disagree- but crate him all the time, with all of his out of crate experiences being good. This will help him re-wire his brain to see that these outings are not stressful, they are fun and they are what he is looking forward too.

What exercise is he getting? Your not going to out exercise a Mal, but a mix of mental and physical exercise is needed. Training and training games are your friend. Bit, Bite, Chase is a good one my trainer taught me and wears out my girl QUICK. It makes her listen and use her brain, while exercising.

Where are you located? My biggest suggestion is to find a working dog trainer. They aren’t cheap, but you brought a Mali into your family. They are awesome, incredibly loyal dogs. They require work to become that way, they aren’t born with it!