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Springer Spaniel showing aggression to other dogs

My Springer Spaniel is very aggressive towards other dogs. When he was a puppy he was scared of other dogs but with socialization he absolutely loved all other dogs, especially puppies.

Then at 6 months he was attacked by a BC cross and he showed aggression for the first time, and it all went downhill from there.

He now can't be let off lead around other dogs without a muzzle, hes so scared of being attacked himself that he attacks first. We have tried socializing him again but just when we think its working he goes to attack again.

Off-lead he only goes to attack when a dog comes too close, but on lead he goes mad whether a dog is close or not. We really have tried everything, he is not interested in treats when on walks at all and just ignores them or spits them out. He isnt interested in toys while on the lead at all. We are at a complete loss now as to what to do, hes only 18 months old so there is still the chance to change it. Anyone got any ideas?

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Springer Spaniel showing aggression to other dogs

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Feb 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thankyou
by: April

Thankyou you so much for your comments.
Yep he is neutured.
As a puppy he went to obedience classes and that helped a lot, but it was during the time we went to obedience classes he got attacked, so he was friendly with dogs he knew at obedience because he knew most of them and was in an environment he knew, once outside it was completely different.
Now he goes to flyball, he doesnt do flyball but at the end all the dogs are let to run around and play so I let Indi join in with a muzzle on. Some dogs he attacks, some dogs he doesnt but it is the only way we have of bringing his confidence up around other dogs at the moment.
Also, yesterday Indi came on a walk with me, my other dog, my nans dogs and plus 8 Border Collies he'd never met before. He was off lead without a muzzle on the whole time and didnt attack once, and was friendly with all the dogs. One of the dogs came into his face and he was completely friendly! He had a bark at a Jack Russell we saw but came straight back and didnt do anything more than bark. Definantly an improvement, I was absolutely over the moon with him!
Thankyou so much for all your ideas. Its good to know I'm not the only one whos had this problem. If anyone has anymore ideas please let me know!
Feb 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		aggreesive behavior
by: Guythegardener- twitter

I hgad exactly the same experience with my Springer Bobby. He was badly attacked by another dog and afterwards became aggressive towards other dogs. He was very young at the time (18 months). It was only by gradually introducing him to other dogs that he eventually got over it. My main approach was to stay calm, asserive and let him be with the other dogs for as long as possible without letting him become too aggressive. I found that a lot of it was just nerves rather than real violence. I was lucky in having other dogs that I could do this with. My main advice is that the dog picks up on the way that you react in these encoounters. Don't shout or become nervous yourself. Hope this helps. Guy
Feb 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Aggression
by: Michele

Aggression is something that needs to be handled asap. If allowed to continue it usually gets worse. At this point he's fearful of other dogs and showing aggression is his way of trying to warn them off.

It sounds like you have the right idea to get his attention focused elsewhere with toys or treats, but it also sounds like that isn't working. I've had some aggression problems with my 11-year old Springer, but that was directed toward me.

If I were you I would look for a good obedience class. I would give them a call and tell them the specific problem you're having and see if this is something they are able to help with. If not, ask them if they can recommend an animal behaviorist to you.

My personal experience is to avoid obedience classes given at pet shops. Instead, try to find a local dog training club. A good, reputable kennel may also offer obedience training. Another thought - if you purchased him from a breeder you might try calling them. They usually are involved with dog clubs and at some point have experienced the same problem you're having.

Don't give up on him! As you said, he's young. He just needs some redirecting. Post back and let us know what you've come up with. Good luck!

One more thought....is he neutered?

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