Hi, I don’t think you‘ve done anything wrong, cockers do tend to get pretty excited anyway. A trainer is a good idea as he/she can probably assess whether its fear based or just over exuberance (which is my guess
) and tell you how to deal with it. In the mean time, these are a few of my tips:
- where possible try to circle around the other dog, i.e. avoid face to face approach - dogs off lead will always approach this way. Obviously on a busy street this isn’t always practical but you can possibly cross over or turn around.
- avoid getting cross and pulling or shouting but rather offer reassurance that you are in charge and have the situation in hand (particularly if its fear based) and praise and treat when she‘s quiet.
- make her sit and wait before you give her the ok to approach the other dog. You can distract her with a toy or something to get her attention first but don’t bribe with treats to quieten her otherwise she‘ll see that as a reward for the behaviour you’re trying to stop.
- avoid contact generally to strange dogs on the lead. Insecure dogs on the lead have no escape route which can cause them to bark in panic, aggresive dogs on the other hand often feel more powerful with their humans behind them. If you’re introducing her to another dog, allow a very short sniff to start with and only when both dogs are calm and you’re confident that the other dog is friendly.
There are lots of things that can cause them to start behaving „badly“, my dog isn’t fond of whole male dogs but he’s been attacked a couple of times so I know its fear reaction with him, he‘s also not very fit anymore which probably makes him feel more vulnerable. If you can note exactly the situation in which she’s reacting it‘ll help you and the trainer to deal with it more easily.
Can‘t help with trainer recommendations unfortunately but I‘m sure there’ll be help from other on here.
Don’t get disheartened, its all very young cockerish
, but it doesn’t mean you won’t overcome it.
Jayne x