My Springer bit me

by Michele
(Florida)

I'm not sure this is a question as much as just looking for some advice. My 10 1/2 year old Springer bit me this morning! Here is some background: We purchased her from a reputable breeder at 8 weeks of age. She has been spayed and sees the vet whenever necessary. She went to basic obedience classes at about 6 months of age and did very well. She continues to be obedient (until this morning). She realizes I am the pack leader and I seldom have any trouble with her. We also have a 2 year old Springer that we've had for one year.

In the past 6 months I have noticed that she doesn't hear as well as she once did and that she sleeps very soundly. Used to be if she were asleep and you walked into the room or called her name she would immediately get up. Now you can walk all around the room and hold a conversation with someone and she does not wake up. I chalk this up to the aging process.

She and our other Springer are both crate trained. They sleep in their own crates at night, which are located in our bedroom. We are very routined, going to bed around 10:00 PM and getting up at 5:00 AM. We walk them one mile every evening at 7:30 PM. So, the dogs are also routined and know what to expect. This morning was no different. I got up at 5:00. Both dogs went outside then came in and ate. Both had water and went back outside. While I get ready for work, they will lie on the bed. My husband does not get up until 6:00 AM.

This morning they had a couple of toys on the floor. As I passed by the bed I tripped on one of them. I picked it up and showed it to our 2 year old Springer. And I said something to the effect of "What's this doing here?" Our older Springer had been sleeping. She jumped up growling and just latched onto my thumb. And she really bit me. I have two puncture marks on my thumb and because I reacted by pulling my hand away I have a laceration too. It was quite painful and bled for a few minutes.

I immediately told her "crate" and she went right into it. I closed the crate door and took care of my thumb. I completely ignored her for about 20 minutes, then I bent down to her crate to talk to her and she was fine, wagging her tail and stretching and wanting to get out of her crate.

I was so upset by this. She has never done anything like this. This dog loves everyone, is very friendly and obedient. She's a love and you couldn't ask for a better dog. In fact, we frequently say she's the best dog we've ever had! I just don't know if I may have startled her awake and she wasn't sure what was going on. I let her out of her crate about 30 minutes after this happened and she was fine. The rest of the morning went on as usual, except that I was a little shaken up.

As I said, I don't know that I have a real question, just looking for some advice.


From Anna@love-springer-spaniels.com
Hi there
I am so sorry I can only imagine how distressing this must be for you.

It sounds as if she was startled from her sleep and being in her autumn years she may have had a real shock, however you must proceed with caution. If this happens again you may have to consider your options and watch her like a hawk around people, especially children.

Some dogs, as they get older, become grumpy and grouchy (like us) and she could have been in pain, or suffering from something you didn't know about.

My advice would be to reassert yourself as the dominant pack leader and keep an eye on her.

Springer Spaniel Pack

You may want to seek a vet's advice just to be sure.

I hope that helps in some small way, I know how worrying it can be. Good luck and let us know how you get on

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