aggression

[samd]

Hi, my golden 3 year old Sam has suddenly started being very aggressive to other dogs (particularly Jack Russels and Staffie type breeds).  He starts by sniffing them then suddenly goes for them.  I haven't had a dog before and it certainly looks more aggressive than play fighting.  Does anyone have any ideas why he should suddenly start this - he is mostly gentle and friendly at home and is fine with children, but it is making me feel anxious when walking him off his lead in case he suddenly attacks another dog.  Any help would be appreciated.

[*jean*]

give mark top barks a pm he might have ideas. its difficult to say without seeing the dog . sometimes when they get a bit older they are less tolerant of other dogs and can take umbrage at a "ruder," perhaps younger dog who isnt reading their signals telling them to back off. and if they are onlead and the offending dog is loose that can make them feel threatened.
 for instance my rolo will happily meet and greet then they part and carry on their way BUT if the new dog gets a bit boisterous or places a paw on rolos head or looks like hes trying to dominate him rolo will give a soft growl and buzz off, hes been forced to shout at a couple of rude young dogs who have been a bit overly friendly and were trying to mount him but on the whole hes as laid back a dog as I will ever find.

[Angels of Fur]

Alfie seems to get a bit agressive too, usually though when another dogs comes near honey, so i know that Alfie is being protective.

Its obviously worries us as one day alfie snapped at a puppy red setter, i was so upset especially as the puppy had done nothing wrong, both alfie and puppy were on leads, Although alfie was a puppy still so just showing who's boss.

Since then i get concerned with other dogs, as soon as i see someone i dont know, we either put Alfie on a lead ) not always the case or we just distract him from other dogs with a tennis ball.

Does sam get alot of interaction with other dogs? Alfie dont like JRT's, or staffies, Westies etc usually anyway. But we find distraction with a toy, treats, or ball until the other dog has gone by always helps.

Wierdest thing being, we have never had any problems on a COL meet!

[Cob-Web]

Any "out of character" aggression could have an underlying medical cause - so a trip to the vets to rule out any pain, or discomfort is a good place to start 

If he gets a clean bill of health, then it is definitely worth taking a careful note of the circumstances in which Sam shows aggression towards other dogs; is he on or off lead? What about the other dog? Are they males/females/neutered/entire?  How have you "met" the other dog - suddenly, or has Sam seen them from a distance? How does he respond when he first sees the dog, before they meet?

All these things can help establish the reason for the aggression - fear, guarding or protection, for instance.  If you are in any doubt, then you could ask your vet for a referral to a cocker-savvy behaviourist (some insurance policies cover the cost) who can observe Sam and help you overcome the issue 

[samd]

Thanks for the reply.  Will take note of things suggested then perhaps speak to vet.

[bibathediva]

Agree with all Rachel has said...Lola our 18 month old cocker loves other dogs and was very tolerant of them and just wanted to play ,but she did start to go for other dogs if they went near her back end  even dogs she knew and was familiar with..she was already seeing the vet about occasionally lameness but after further investigation we have found out she has Hip Dysplacia,which would have been causing her discomfort    ...since being on supplements she has gone back to her playful tolerant self...not saying this is what you dog has got but its always worth getting them checked out for any medical reasons for there behaviour 

[LurcherGirl]

Definitely check with a vet, including a comprehensive thyroid test.

Vera