Darcie showing aggression to older sister

[Abbi]

We have Darcie, 9 month old show cocker and Abbi, 3 and half show cocker. They live together fine but are not best buddies (don't cuddle up together or really play together) however live side by side. However Abbi is very meek and mild and has never so much as turned a lip at anyone or anything. Darcie is completely the opposite and growls at Abbi if she thinks she's getting more attention or when we're sitting down in the evening, they both on different settees with other members of the family and she might just look up and growl across. If Abbi gets down off the settee Darcie will dart down and have a bit of a go at Abbi verbally.

Today I was cutting Abbi's nails and Darcie had her nose in the way as usual and Abbi just sits there but a bit "wimpery" but not because it was hurting it's just how she is. Suddenly Darcie flew at her, teeth baring, snapping. Luckily Abbi just turns away and gets up - never gives back to Darcie. I split them up and put Darcie in the garden for a bit. When she came back in everything was fine. She has been like it when I'm brushing Abbi too so I try to do it when she's out of the way (Not easy as she wants to be by my side 24/7, as they do!)

Does she see Abbi as being weak? She is a bit snappy to other dogs if they get in her face and has also been a bit like it recently with my OH (when he's bent down to fuss her). 99% of the time she is lovely and adores me (maybe too much??)
I do try to recognise the signs when she might kick off a bit and avoid them but they are getting more frequent. Luckily Abbi likes her own space in the day and sleeps in the hall so Darcie has the run of the place with no competition otherwise I could see more incidents like this.

Not sure the best way to handle things other than try and avoid her being around when I'm giving Abbi one to one attention (grooming etc) I'm finding it's a bit of a strain sometimes. We can't have MIL's 2 shelties over in the house as I'm worried they won't be so placid back to her. They have already had 1 spat over a dish that was left on the settee at her house.

Any advise would be great or even someone else that has similar issues with 2 dogs not living always harmoniously together, so I know I'm not on my own!

Thanks
Brenda

[Bluebell]

Is the behaviour newish? Is Darcie spayed? I was wondering if she could be soon coming into season
Tevas behaviour towards my other dogs changed for about 6 weeks approaching her first season, she was unreasonable, snappy and bolshy the whole house tiptoed around her for fear of unleashing the beast  
Once her season had arrived, she was quiet and sweet..........and luckily did not see a repeat of her previous unwanted behaviour. She is by nature a very strong willed dog compared to my others, and even from a young age let it be known that she was in charge. Even  though the other two were/are alot older than her, they defer to her for an easy life If she does throw her weight around too much for my liking, she is given time out in the utility room ( I make her sound like a monster, but she is actually lovely  )

[Abbi]

Darcie is just coming to the end of her first season and although always been a bit like this has been more touchy over the last few weeks (I have been giving her the benefit of the doubt due to her season). I keep hoping that she will grow out of it!

Sometimes Abbi only has to shake after getting up and Darcie will have a bit of a run at her and sometimes snap. She is very reactive to everything going on around her and jumps up to see what's going on all the time. She would love to chase anything that moves, birds, squirrels, leaves etc which I try to deter (well not the leaves really  )

Abbi on the other hand has never so much as batted an eyelid if a squirrel runs across her path!!! I think we have been very very spoiled with her and now it's a culture shock. We went to huge lengths to make sure we got a pup from a good breeder who had been health tested etc and was bred for her temperament. We travelled on a 7 hour round trip to see her and then again to collect her so we didn't choose her lightly. I suppose despite all this a breeder can't guarantee temperament so am not blaming the breeder. She has been well socialised right from the beginning.

Sorry to rant on but just knowing others have had the same experiences can help you to cope.

[Sarah.H]

She sounds a bit similar to Millie. I hope she settles down 

[Ninasmum]

She also sounds like a clone of Georgia 
When she hit 6/7 mths of age she sadly turned into a bit of a demon towards our other 3 dogs....it eventually transpired that 95% of her behaviour was related to her seasons.
Her 1st season was at 8 mths & for 3 wks before, during & another 3 wks post season she would randomly attack any of the others, guard food or anything that dropped on the floor etc....we always had to make sure she was the last on the sofa & if any of the others jumped down she would often follow & 'tell them off' iyswim.  She was also very jumpy/touchy.
After this it would just be very occasional behaviour until the time came for her 2nd season, which was just as bad.   
I can't fully explain how awful this whole period was for everyone here & i really don't think anyone relaxed for the best part of 18 mths. 
I had no choice but to have Georgia spayed after her 2nd season.  This was now over 6 mths ago & the change in her has been huge.    Very slowly she is developing into such a lovely dog to live with    No attacks on the others  which is obviously the biggest relief for all of us 
She will always be a bit bolshie, thats part of her character, but to see the change in her now is amazing.    I am so, so happy that we all got through this awful time. 

I really hope you can find some solution for Darcie's behaviour.  It might be that having her spayed helps her too. 

[bracken]

I have one that can be tempermental at times ...when she has her moments she is told  NO...and I remove her from the situation for a short time normally pop her in a crate the door closed but not locked.She is getting much better and now seems to understand that if she is nasty she will be removed from the room. I agree it can be a difficult,upsetting and frustrating at times.

I have 6 cockers and its the same girl that is bullied as she a such a gentle little soul that would not hurt a fly, but I must admit since I have started' time out' for poor behaviour and praise the good it has improved significantly she now knows her behaviour is not tolerated

[Abbi]

Thank you for your replies. I am planning on getting Darcie spayed in a few months once the vet is happy to go ahead, for the health benefits. I

had abbi spayed before her first season but decided to let Darcie fully mature to ensure we didn't make things worse hormonally.
She has been fine tonight but we've been very careful!