ginny attacking other dogs

[ginnygirl]

Hi I am feeling very sad as  Ginny may have to be rehomed. In the last 3 weeks she has gone for 3 dogs whilst out walking and last night she went for our yorkie Marcus. She had him pinned down and was holding his kneck, he was really screaming and trying to get away. She wouldnt leave him and I had to physically seperate them. I thought she had injured his shoulder but he is okay. These attacks appear motiveless and I cant predict them happening. It is a nightmare as I am now having to keep Marcus seperate from Ginny as he is so small he could easily be injured fatally. Poor Bella our 6 month old pup was quite traumatised and confused when last nights incident happened as Marcus was squealing and my daughter was really upset to

She has 'snacked' at me and my Dad also recently when asked to do something she doesnt want to do....like getting of the settee.

I feel realy sad and guilty about rehoming her but I dont feel I can trust her. She is a lovely dog apart from this, has anyone else had experiences like this? She and Marcus usually love each other; they snuggle up together to sleep 

[Crazy Cocker Gang]

when you say gone for was blood drawn/vet treatment needed on any of the dogs?

What was happening before ginny "went for them?"

[Top Barks]

I think before deciding on a course of action think strongly about have your dog thouroughly checked by a vet and then be referred to a behaviour councillor who may be able to help.
With issues of aggression it is so important you get the right advice and quickly.

[ginnygirl]

No blood drawn and no vet treatment needed. on the occasions where we were out walking she just attacked the dogs, two of them she had met and been ok with before. There did not appear to be any reason for her to do this, one little border terrier ran away near her owner and Ginny ran at her again. There had been no incidents for over a week and then this one with Marcus last night. We had been out for our walk and they were lying around in the kitchen whilst I prepared tea, i did not see the moment it began as i wasnt looking in their direction everything was peaceful and then she had grabbed him and wouldnt let go; she was using her paws to hold him to. There were no chews or anything in the vicinity; I have no idea what triggered it. Marcus is a very calm little dog who isnt a pest, you hardly know he's there.

[Crazy Cocker Gang]

How much individual walks and training do you do with her?

ireally wouldnt call it an attack if there was no blood etc

[MegandMolly]

Has she had her first season yet?
 I was wondering if she was feeling a little 'hormonal' / under the weather and resenting other dogs being near her 

Do you know the sex of all the dogs she has attacked? Is it only males she has fought??

[Sarah.H]

How old is she? Have you had from a pup? As Topbarks said you should really get her checked out by a vet first, if something is causing her pain it may be making her act strangely.

[ginnygirl]

Thanks mark I think I will check her out at the vet.

I spoke to a lady at a rescue place and she is of the oppinion that working cockers should not be in homes and feels she is a frustrated dog and this is how it is manifesting itself; she also said she gaurantees i will have the same problems with Bella my other working cocker.

I feel so bad about the situation I have cried loads today.

Ginny along with my other dogs gets two good walks a day and loves to do training in the house for treats; I was too scared to take Marcus with us today and am keeping them seperate in the house.

I was also asked Ginnys colour (golden/red) i am wondering if this is also a factor. Last time I was at my vets we chatted about the difference in temperament between Ginny and Bella (who is black) as bella is so calm and Ginny is like a whirlwind and the vet suggested this may be due to her colour.

[Crazy Cocker Gang]

There is absolutly no colleration between behaviour and colour.

TBH I do think she sounds frustrated which could be because of her hormons or could be because she not getting enough stimulation.

She really needs walks and training on her own away from the dogs.

Working cockers can live in a house, I have six that do but for them to make good pets they need their needs met both mentally and physically and need one on one time. They also need something to do.

I would definitely get her vet checked but by having three dogs under 13mths there not always going to get along and will have spats.

[Helen]

Forgive me for being blunt - yes I think she is a frustrated and bored working cocker, yes I believe that 3 dogs so close in age together is not a good idea and Ginny is of an age where problems are more likely to start occurring now and no, I don't believe it is ANYTHING to do with her colour.  She probably just has a higher work drive than your young puppy (but your 6 month old could well change over the next few months as she matures too)

Because they are so close in age your 2 cockers should be walked and trained outdoors separately for a start  

[ginnygirl]

I know what you mean by no blood but her whole stance is very aggressive and she just would not let go of Marcus. She has had a go at male and females, of different breeds and sizes; a lab, a cocker and a border terrier...and then Marcus.

i think I will be going to the vet tomorrow, I had thought of this but she seems well and happy otherwise......she is snuggled up to me while I type....as if butter wouldnt melt.

I have noticed since she turned one she has become calmer lying around in the house more than she used to.....settling down earlier in the evening. This is why I am surprised and upset at the recent events.

she is usually walked with my other two dogs, I do training with her a few times a week individually, just at home, she does things like pressing a button when asked in order to get a treat. Their walks are off lead in the woods and round a lake area. Her recall is great and she will sit , with the other two when asked while horses and bikes pass.

[ginnygirl]

She was spayed before her first season on advice from vet

[Sarah1985]

Working cockers need a little more mental stimulation than a few sessions round the house each week. Have you thought about taking up a doggy hobby to keep her active mind focused? As well as helping you rebuild your trust in her. Its also worth thinking about this for Bella as well as she'll need an outlet as wel pretty soon

Its prob best speaking to a local behaviourist about it all. Preferably one expereinced at dealing with cockers or working gun dogs. They will be able to assess her much better than we can from your description on here and then recomend an approach for dealing with her.

[ginnygirl]

Thankyou all for your advice.

I feel really bad about this situation and think I have misjudged how much stimulation Ginny needs.

[Crazy Cocker Gang]

Thankyou all for your advice.

I feel really bad about this situation and think I have misjudged how much stimulation Ginny needs.

It will be Bella too.

Seth is a similar age to her and he hardly ever gets walked with the other dogs and he will stay like that until hes at least 18mths.

I had two pups close together in age but walked and trained them completely separately.

If I were you I really would start taking your dogs out individually at least once a day at their age.