Springer Spaniel Aggression???

Question

my english springer spaniel (4 yrs old) has performed the occassional growl when i go to get her off the couch (which by the way she isnt supposed to be on, i dont let her) or when she is eating, but there has never been a serious problem. today she was lying on the floor next to my mom (who was raised on the bed) and i went to grab her collar, in a completely calm, friendly way, and she got up and snapped, barking and slightly snarling. this is the only time she has shown aggression without being provoked. any solutions? (i was not harmed, so she didnt actually try biting me, but i do think she snapped to scare me or something)

Answer 1

Sounds like you're having dominance issues with her.  

Google "NILIF" or "Nothing in Life is Free" and follow the steps detailed in the numerous websites that come up.  The idea will be to teach your dog to "work for a paycheck"......to perform a simple task, such as sitting or laying down on command, in order to enjoy daily pleasures like walks or meals.  Also, part of NILIF means that YOU instigate any playtime or attention towards the dog, not the other way around.  

It takes a little while, but the NILIF method works if you follow it closely and everyone in the house follows it too.  It works great for mild cases of dominance and snappish behavior.  If the behavior continues or gets worse, I would also highly reccomend you seek out the help of a professional.  Aggression isn't something to mess with, nor is it something that can really be "dealt with" in writing over the internet.  Good luck :)

Answer 2

Not in any of the other answers did I see any address to springer rage! Yes there is such a thing. If springer rage is the case then nothing can be done as this is a wireing problem in the brain. At 4 years old this is very possiable.  

Answer 3

Obvious to me, she thinks she is the boss over you, might try to re-establish yourself as the boss by not letting her get away with that type of behavior. but don't beat her, put her in time out.

Answer 4

If you have let her get away with growling at  you in the past she may be taking the part of head of the pack. If she has never shown any aggression in the past I would take her to a vet as there may be something sinister wrong with her...she may be in pain for some reason so don't let this go. If she checks out all right with the vet obedience school would be the next stop, you must establish yourself as alpha (no 1). Do not ignore this behavior.

Answer 5

Tess F, I like the personality of a english springer spaniel. They are so sweet.

Answer 6

I agree with the other posters, if it's a behavioural problem follow their advice.

However because it is so sudden it is possible that she is in pain. Animals will often react this way when we touch them in a painful spot. I would reccomend a quick vet trip if she reacts this way when you touch her.  

Answer 7

hi,

Though it seems to yield little benefit for the domesticated dog, canine aggression once served very necessary purposes: hunting down food and protecting territory and other pack members. For the modern dog, aggression toward people still surfaces as a result of a real or perceived threat--and often worsens because our two species don't naturally speak the same language.

here's more info:

http://dogtime.com/aggression-toward-peo...

hope this helps.

Answer 8

Put an 18 inch leash on her collar.  When you have to handle her don't touch the dog, only the leash.  also, remove her freedom.  Put that leash around the chair leg of any place you sit.  make her stay there until you allow her to move.  She needs to be checked back a notch in the pack.  The sofa/bed is a high spot and reserved for the leader of the pack..no others allowed there unless invited.  If you have to drag her off the sofa, just say "off" Grab the leash, Pull her off the sofa.  The second her feet hit the floor, praise her like crazy.  Stay calm and remove her freedom...it has to be earned.