Lead Aggression

[Lenny]

I have a 3 year old black cocker spaniel called Lenny. His behavior is very good apart from his lead aggression.

When approaching or been approached by other dogs he attacks them by biting and is very aggressive.

I have a muzzle, however he I still aggressive and this could be dangerous if other dogs respond with aggression.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Top Barks]

Aggression is a serious issue and I would recommend you seek the advice of a professional behaviour adviser as soon as possible.
Whereabouts are you? someone may be able to make a recommendation.
Alternatively have a look at either the APDT or APBC websites for someone in your area.

[elaine.e]

Hello and welcome to COL

Many dogs feel anxious when they're on lead and are approached by other dogs, off or on lead. I think it's probably because they're in a situation where they can't display normal dog to dog meeting and greeting behaviours because they're restricted by being on lead. What's Lenny like when he's off lead and meets other dogs? Is he more relaxed?

One of my Cockers, Louis, is fearful around other dogs since being attacked by another dog when he was a puppy. He's gradually becoming more confident off lead, but on lead he's very much how you describe Lenny. I try to keep him off lead as much as possible but sometimes I have no choice but to have him on lead.

I haven't found a solution to keep him completely calm on lead but there are things I do that can help him not to become fearful and aggressive. Some of them are fairly obvious -

I try to avoid other dogs when Louis is on lead. If that means I have to cross to the other side of the road or take a different path then that's what I do before the other dog is close enough for Louis to become fearful. In my mind it's all about finding ways to help Louis not to get into that state of anxiety where he loses self control and starts to bark and lunge.

I try very hard to stay calm and confident because that also helps Louis, but it's really difficult when I have another dog owner verbally abusing me because Louis has barked and lunged. Luckily that doesn't happen too often, but when it does it's horrible.

If Louis does the smallest thing correctly and calmly (like just glancing at another dog but not reacting, or stopping and staring for a few seconds then relaxing a bit and walking on) I quietly praise him and reward him with a treat so he can begin to learn that not reacting badly is a good thing.

Hope that helps

[phoenix]

Hi Lenny
I know how hard it is to make your first post. I think you'll find that a lot of other people (like me) joined Col for help with our dogs. It's a strain when you know your dog isn't a complete softie all the time, and people make harsh judgements of you both.
Do take Top Barks advice,  he is a qualified expert on positive training methods and has straightened out many a cocker and owner!
Good luck

[JennyBee]

Hi there, and welcome .

I have another cocker who detests meeting dogs on her lead. Off, she tends to be fine (as long as the other dog isn't rude!) but on she tends to panic and in those instances can snap. I have done a lot of work on her, much the same as Elaine, and there has been a lot of improvement, but I still try to avoid meetings with other dogs when she is on her lead as she still finds it very stressful.

I agree most definitely about getting help from a good behaviourist, but my main reason for posting as there is one thing I thought might be helpful and it's something I have for Brodie. It's a 'please give me space' vest and I have found it a great help with letting the other owners know they should keep their dogs back from Brodie. I got mine from:

http://www.freckles-designs.co.uk/printed-vests/4564685037

[Lenny]

Aggression is a serious issue and I would recommend you seek the advice of a professional behaviour adviser as soon as possible.
Whereabouts are you? someone may be able to make a recommendation.
Alternatively have a look at either the APDT or APBC websites for someone in your area.
[Thanks for your reply. Lenny does go to a behaviorist at The Field Of Dreams in North Lincolnshire. I suppose perseverance is key. Again, your comments are very welcome and much appreciated.]

[Lenny]

Mark, sorry for using the quote button (done in error whilst working out how to use the site!) Thanks for your reply. Lenny does go to a behaviorist at The Field Of Dreams in North Lincolnshire. I suppose perseverance is key. Again, your comments are very welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks Phoenix and I agree I need to continue with professional support here.

Hi Elaine, Lenny is mostly relaxed off the lead and often stays with 10 dogs when we're on holiday and shows either little or no aggression. Lenny has also been attacked whilst on the lead which is probably where it all stems from. Unfortunately it's a catch 22 situation as he runs in one direction off the lead (To the horizon) and comes back when it suits him! I'm currently using a long lead and treats to remedy this. I I'm fed up of avoiding dogs and certain walks/ routes in the park as the reason for getting a dog was to enjoy the country and meet other like minded people. Your comments are very useful and I'm glad to hear it's not just me with a challenging Cocker Spaniel, thank you.

Hi Jennie Bee, What's has worked best for you to resolve lead aggression?  Again you're comments have been very welcome, thank you.

[Spoiler]

Hi, my Harvey is the same and we have been working with a behaviourist for over a year. He isn't "cured" but it is just a case of managing the situation. I have been in despair sometimes, as you say all you want is to have a nice walk without being stressed out all the time.
The behaviourist taught us the "look" method, where Harvey is told to look at the potential "threat". I then ask him to look at me, and treat him. It built up to the point where, whenever he saw another dog, he would immediately look at me and wait for his treat. This works a lot of the time, but not when the other dog is too close. I have now found that asking him to "go find" works better, whilst I scatter bits of meat around him. It gives him something to do as the other dog passes and so we have drastically reduced his barking and lungeing. I give him lots of praise for not reacting to the other dogs, but inevitably situations still arise that take him by surprise and he panics. However, the walks are much better than they were a year ago!

[tallulah0710]

Teamwork Training are based Lincolnshire and they specialise in aggression. (I will be attending Paddy's workshop on aggression later this year). It may be worth contacting them with details of your problem and things you are trying. Like others have said there is no quick fix for aggression. Good luck with Lenny.

[Top Barks]

Mark, sorry for using the quote button (done in error whilst working out how to use the site!) Thanks for your reply. Lenny does go to a behaviorist at The Field Of Dreams in North Lincolnshire. I suppose perseverance is key. Again, your comments are very welcome and much appreciated.

Thanks Phoenix and I agree I need to continue with professional support here.

Hi Elaine, Lenny is mostly relaxed off the lead and often stays with 10 dogs when we're on holiday and shows either little or no aggression. Lenny has also been attacked whilst on the lead which is probably where it all stems from. Unfortunately it's a catch 22 situation as he runs in one direction off the lead (To the horizon) and comes back when it suits him! I'm currently using a long lead and treats to remedy this. I I'm fed up of avoiding dogs and certain walks/ routes in the park as the reason for getting a dog was to enjoy the country and meet other like minded people. Your comments are very useful and I'm glad to hear it's not just me with a challenging Cocker Spaniel, thank you.

Hi Jennie Bee, What's has worked best for you to resolve lead aggression?  Again you're comments have been very welcome, thank you.

yep I know Pauline and her husband Bob at field of dreams and you are in good hands there but paddy at teamwork in Lincoln is brilliant, I have learned so much from her over the years.
I would not hesitate in the slightest to recommend her as she has probably forgotten more than i know.
With any thing like this it does take time and careful management on your part to make it better.
Mark