Fools Motto
Well-Known Member
Currently looking after relatives springer spaniel. She is just over 2 years old, and only 15'' high. The relatives aren't really clued up on the breed, so the dog hasn't/doesn't/isn't used to walks, being off lead, meeting other situations, going in the back of the car.... She is also used to ruling the roost in the home, going where ever she wants, when she wants, on the furniture, on the table, begging, eating out of hand etc.
I know I've got my hands full!!
BUT, given all this, the dog has been very good - considering! (poor thing). She will stay in her bed, learnt not to beg, much, goes off lead and has good enough recall. She loves car journeys, and hasn't stolen anything at home yet. Her on lead behaviour is massively improved too.
I've learnt she is scared of some things, like wheel barrows and gates, so taking our time.
Trouble is, she has an aggressive streak that I can't predict, nor control. I thought at first it was on lead, which I can understand, and while on lead I have more ability to correct unwanted behaviour. She then goes friendly and everything seems peachy. Walk with others, sniff others, do the doggy things.... so let off lead. Play, brilliant. Rest, fine, go seperate ways, ok.... Then like a light switch, she looks over at A dog, and goes... not pleasant. She seems like she is in a trance to wipe out all before her. She has terrified my fathers normal, not-phased-by-anything lab, and only after seeing that have I realised that I'm in out of my depth.
She is ok with my dog, but did have a blip last night where she went for her for no reason other than she didn't want mine to move! My OH says it is play, but clearly she doesn't know how to play as this is in a league of its own. How can you teach an older dog to play??
Any help or advice most welcome.
I know I've got my hands full!!
BUT, given all this, the dog has been very good - considering! (poor thing). She will stay in her bed, learnt not to beg, much, goes off lead and has good enough recall. She loves car journeys, and hasn't stolen anything at home yet. Her on lead behaviour is massively improved too.
I've learnt she is scared of some things, like wheel barrows and gates, so taking our time.
Trouble is, she has an aggressive streak that I can't predict, nor control. I thought at first it was on lead, which I can understand, and while on lead I have more ability to correct unwanted behaviour. She then goes friendly and everything seems peachy. Walk with others, sniff others, do the doggy things.... so let off lead. Play, brilliant. Rest, fine, go seperate ways, ok.... Then like a light switch, she looks over at A dog, and goes... not pleasant. She seems like she is in a trance to wipe out all before her. She has terrified my fathers normal, not-phased-by-anything lab, and only after seeing that have I realised that I'm in out of my depth.
She is ok with my dog, but did have a blip last night where she went for her for no reason other than she didn't want mine to move! My OH says it is play, but clearly she doesn't know how to play as this is in a league of its own. How can you teach an older dog to play??
Any help or advice most welcome.
