Agressive spaniel

Eyespy

Hi,

I have 2 springer spaniels however 1 of them was a rescue dog. Since we got him he's absolutely great with the family however nobody can even look at our house without him going mental. Fortunately, where we live this is not a problem as he can't get out to bite and has loads of space. I've stopped walking him on the road as once he starts barking at someone it's impossible to calm him down and when he has the backup of the other dog he goes frantic. Even when on his own I really don't trust him. I walk him for about 45 mins to an hour twice a day on our land but this is getting boring for him. I was thinking about getting some agility equipment for him and liven up his exercise routine but can't seem to find any irish websites. Does anyone know of any shops or websites that cater for the southeast.

I would get a behaviour specialist in but I really don't want to get the dog put down. I'm pretty certain this is what would happen because I know this dog will bite and I really don't want to take that chance.

Cheers

Eileen

Tigrrrr

Firstly, if you know the dog will bite, be certain that you are making the correct decision in not having him put to sleep. Spaniels tend to be fun, active dogs by nature, and although not typically aggressive, you are the one who knows him best. With that knowlege, you have to accept that if he causes damage to someone, then it's on your head, you are responsible! Being aggressive outside the house is a problem, no matter where you live.

Would you really not reconsider getting the dog to see a behavioural specialist or trainer? It sounds like there's a very messy background to him, and when you know that he's a potential danger to others, it's really not something that should be put on the long finger. Perhaps talk about it with your Vet?

Remember nobody will decide to put him to sleep without your agreement!

peasant

Just because he's loosing the plot, doesn't necessarily mean that he would bite, or that he can't be controlled with a bit of effort.

A training specialist sounds like a good idea to me.

It could, for example, simply be the case that your dog is scared sh*itless of the outside world and just acts according to the motto "attack is the best form of defence"

It could also be the case that he is just too full of himself and needs to be brought down a peg or two.

Or ...worst case scenario ...he really is a bit gaga and unpredictable and could actually be dangerous.

Assessing that over the internet without seeing the behaviour of the dog is impossible, so yes ...a specialist might be a good idea.

iguana

peasant wrote:

Just because he's loosing the plot, doesn't necessarily mean that he would bite, or that he can't be controlled with a bit of effort.

A training specialist sounds like a good idea to me.

It could, for example, simply be the case that your dog is scared sh*itless of the outside world and just acts according to the motto "attack is the best form of defence"

It could also be the case that he is just too full of himself and needs to be brought down a peg or two.

Or ...worst case scenario ...he really is a bit gaga and unpredictable and could actually be dangerous.

Assessing that over the internet without seeing the behaviour of the dog is impossible, so yes ...a specialist might be a good idea.

Agreed. It is possible that with proper help and controlled socialisation the dog could become much happier and learn to deal with people properly. But imo, the longer it takes for him to learn how to deal with people the harder it could be.

However if he has a mental disorder and his aggression continues then putting him to sleep needs to be considered. Spaniels look cute with their floppy ears and big eyes, but the are a strong, speedy dog that could do a lot of damage if it attacked. I know you love your dog, but how would you feel if he badly hurt a child?

It sounds like you really need help with your dog. No specialist would suggest putting a dog down if they didn't think it was neccesary. So please reconsider seeking proffessional advice.

Schlemm

I used to have a springer years ago, fantastic dog and really loyal, but grew very territorial later in life and was prone to aggression, for no apparent reason as well. Springers are full of energy and a combination of breeding and character makes them loyal, energetic, but sometimes very intense, dogs.

You should defo have it investigated by a trainer alright, maybe your vet would have a reccomendation for someone nearby.

In the meantime, you could prevent him getting access from the front of the house (if that's a practical option). Sometimes dogs who are very territorial like that will guard their property, and preventing access will not cure the problem but may prevent some of his unwanted behavior. Take him out for walks alone - dogs are pack animals and can sometimes exhibit increased aggression when in groups. Again, not a cure, but it will make life easier for you until you see a trainer. Simple obedience training, like 'sit' and 'stay' commands will inculcate good behavior, and show your dog that the people in the house are 'top of the pack' by doing simple things like eating dinner before your dogs and going through doors before them, etc etc. Springers need a lot of stimulation, so basic obedience training would be a good way to spend some time with him. If you've a lot of land that he can run around safely on, maybe playing a game of fetch or something instead of walking around would be more exciting for him. Luckily, Springers are intelligent dogs and hopefully he will respond well to training.

houndsoflove

Eyespy wrote:

Hi,
I would get a behaviour specialist in but I really don't want to get the dog put down. I'm pretty certain this is what would happen because I know this dog will bite and I really don't want to take that chance.

Hi, i was just wondering where do you live? I know a lady in Cork who is a dog obedience trainer and behaviourist she also teaches dog agility! If you are interested please email me at houndsoflove.ie@gmail.com. I can give you her number and information.

Nicola / houndsoflove.

Eyespy

Tigrrrr wrote:

Being aggressive outside the house is a problem, no matter where you live.

Would you really not reconsider getting the dog to see a behavioural specialist or trainer? It sounds like there's a very messy background to him, and when you know that he's a potential danger to others, it's really not something that should be put on the long finger. Perhaps talk about it with your Vet?

Remember nobody will decide to put him to sleep without your agreement!

Oh, I completely agree, being agressive is a huge problem. Sorry for not getting back before now, work was unreal so I haven't been online. The worry for me was that he might savage the behaviour specialist and I would have to get him put down but I'm definitely going to get one in now.

Eyespy

peasant wrote:

Just because he's loosing the plot, doesn't necessarily mean that he would bite, or that he can't be controlled with a bit of effort.

It could, for example, simply be the case that your dog is scared sh*itless of the outside world and just acts according to the motto "attack is the best form of defence"

I think you're right peasant. I had the mobile groomer out to clean the boys up for the summer and I swear I thought he would go for the girl. And this was when he had taken ACP? However on Friday I made an appointment with the vet so he'd be groomed under injection and after an initial bout of barking, it was like he was a different dog. This was before he got the injection. He didn't bark or growl and went off with the vet as placid as the other dog. Maybe it's just territorial and hopefully that will be corrected. I'll just find a specialist and get him/her down to assess Brownie. Now that I've seen he can be trusted around others I'm not as worried about getting someone in.

Eyespy

iguana wrote:

Spaniels look cute with their floppy ears and big eyes, but the are a strong, speedy dog that could do a lot of damage if it attacked. I know you love your dog, but how would you feel if he badly hurt a child?QUOTE]

I know Iguana, I'd die. Nothing would justify keeping him if he did. No, thanks to what happened on Friday I'm confident to get a specialist in. I don't think the situation is quite as bleak any more thank heavens. Can anyone please PM me if they know of anybody?

Eyespy

Schlemm wrote:

Take him out for walks alone - dogs are pack animals and can sometimes exhibit increased aggression when in groups. Again, not a cure, but it will make life easier for you until you see a trainer. Simple obedience training, like 'sit' and 'stay' commands will inculcate good behavior, and show your dog that the people in the house are 'top of the pack' by doing simple things like eating dinner before your dogs and going through doors before them, etc etc.

You've really made me think about something Schlemm. About two weeks ago the postman was late in comming on his rounds, about 2 p.m. and Brownie was after getting into the front. I heard a volley of barks from the side of the house but the postman came and went. The dog never went near him at all just barked like crazy and wouldn't venture out from the side of the house. Now if Luke had been with him he would have went beserk. Both dogs are obedience trained but once Brownie gets into a zone it's like he doesn't even hear. Incidently the only time he does this is when he's in the company of Luke. I also think I'll walk them seperately too. I usually walk them together but I will give this a go.

Eyespy

houndsoflove wrote:

Hi, i was just wondering where do you live? I know a lady in Cork who is a dog obedience trainer and behaviourist she also teaches dog agility! If you are interested please email me at houndsoflove.ie@gmail.com. I can give you her number and information.

Nicola / houndsoflove.

THat would be awesome, I will of course. Thank you.

Eyespy

Just wanted to say thank you so much to your replies. I didn't get a chance to tell you much about the dog but I didn't want to try and make excuses for him either. Or myself. I'm going to get a specialist in and hopefully we can socialise him. I should have done it when he was younger but I thought that when he presented the behaviour first the best thing to do was isolate him from people rather than give him an opportunity to snap. He's going to be 3 in June so he's still young and fingers crossed, this will make some head way into his agression/fear. I'll email hounds and get the number of that person from her and I'll write in later and let you all know how he's progressing. Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

Eye