Spaniel problems!!!

[bensonthewonderhorse]

Can anyone help?
I have a beautiful 2 year old ESP, she is very nervous of other dogs and always has been, we also have a border terrier and she meets up with other dogs that she has known since being a pup and although very submissive she is fine with these. She went to socialisation lessons and dog training classes and once she gets used to a group of dogs she seems to settle, but if we meet a dog when out she is now becoming aggressive! It's got to the point now that I daren't let her off her lead if there are any other dogs about incase she tries to attack them, it seems to be mostly noise she makes but I can't risk her biting another dog. As you can imagine a springer that is not allowed off the lead to run around is not a happy one!

Any suggestions?

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I would try to get together with other dog owners, introduce the dog to theirs and allow her to see that they are friendly etc. Take her back to classes and remember that any fear response is enhanced by yor feelings and behaviour. I fidn this very tricky having a very submissive ESP myself who is regularly attacked. I get upset, fearful and this does not help the dog. Walk tall, be calm and ensure your dog is safe.

 

[bensonthewonderhorse]

It wouldn't be so bad if people stopped their dogs running up to mine when shes on the lead, they always say "don't worry they're friendly" but that doesn't stop her having a nervous breakdown then snapping at them, and you're quite right, i now start panicking the minute I see another dog! Maybe I need to go to stress training classes!!!

 

[forest imp]

im glad im not the only one!!! we have two springers that got chased when they were younger. one got chased for about a mile. ive never been so frightened. now they are really aggresive with other dogs and its getting to be slightly mortifing out walking. even more so when they chase other dogs!
they are also REALLY scared of children!! what to do??? start a scared springers club? haha!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Problem being other dog owners, not so much our dogs! If you have your dog on a lead, it's for a reason and others should be heeled past you or put on leads too. I'm getting to really flipping hate other dog walkers!

You have to man up and act like you are pack leader, 'walk through' the other dog and get it out of the way, be pushy if need be. My OH does this and is quite free with his size 14s (push, never kicks) and he never has issues. Me, I'm a quivering wreck and it communicates to Brig who promptly gets attacked. So ruddy annoying. If someone knows how we can all be braver, please let us know!

 

[JoG]

I HATE when people don't respect that if my dogs are on a lead I don't want them hassled

Archie, our springer, is vrey barky with dogs bigger than him, but all alert barking, with his tail between his legs looking petrified

I actually find him easier to manage off the lead as he can get himself out of the way. I call them to heel when we see dogs and if the other dogs are over-friendly then i will send them off for a run to keep them out of the way, like cinnamon toast said I keep walking and just tell them "this way" which the know means stop faffing and keep moving

It's not perfect, I never walk first thing in the morning as we meet an aggressive border terrier and a over-confident labrador but we have our "interesting" walks which means they are more in the hedge hunting smells so don't acknowledge anyone we do meet

 

[Brownmare]

If someone knows how we can all be braver, please let us know!

I was once told to think of the bravest / most confident person you know then pretend you are that person in whatever situation makes you nervous - worked a treat for me when I had to do some public speaking

I too find my JRT is better off lead but acts like a demon on lead if another dog intimidates her. Do you find you subconsciously shorten the lead when a strange dog approaches? It's quite easy to do without realising and signals to the dog that you are scared while giving them less escape room thus forcing them (in their minds) to attack.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Do you find you subconsciously shorten the lead when a strange dog approaches? It's quite easy to do without realising and signals to the dog that you are scared while giving them less escape room thus forcing them (in their minds) to attack.

Yes He's lots better off lead so he can escape.

 

[bensonthewonderhorse]

My Spaniel is brilliant off the lead and will stay within 10m of me, but the other week someone elses dog ran from right over the other side of the park to say 'hello' to her, she freaked out and then the other dog bit her! I was very angry but couldn't even have a go at the owner as they were so far away they were completely oblivious to the whole incident.

I know her nerves are my problem to sort out but if only other owners weren't so ignorant!

End of rant.......