Why is my dog snappy on the lead?

chelle

I have a spaniel terrier cross, she is just over 1 year old.

The past few months, she is snappy to dogs when on the lead.
It is not all Dogs, and she is fine when not on the lead.

Is there a way I can address this?

Thanks

pawsies

Could be in pain, could be coming into season, could be fear aggression.

In short we don't know. Seek the advice of a behaviourist.

Or possibly upload a video of it up here but as we don't know the history of the dog it'll be hard to advise.

krlyr

Sudden changes in behaviour should be checked out by a vet to rule out a health issue. If/once that's ruled out, look up dog lead/leash reactivity. Also read up on trigger stacking as this can often explain why a dog is OK sometimes but not others (to sum it up, their reaction can depend on whether they've had a string of slightly stressful things happen to them in the buildup - so an evening of fireworks stressing them out 2 days ago, builders next door making lots of noise yesterday, a scary vet trip in the morning, etc. all building up to make for a nervous dog who reacts badly to the dog they meet that evening)
A good, simple booklet to read would be Patricia McConnell's Feisty Fido
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Feisty-Fido-Help-Leash-Reactive-Dog/dp/1891767070/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345485567&sr=1-1

Here's a blog entry of hers that explains reactivity
https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/dog-dog-reactivity-treatment-summary

Some good commands to teach, that will aid with reactivity, are
"Watch me" - eye contact on command (build up the duration, from a glance to maintained eye contact - you can then get the dog to maintain eye contact as you walk past the dog with no reaction)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHLvt6TQzqA

"Look at that" - a glance at the trigger followed by looking back at you (some dogs find it more reassuring to be allowed to look at the dog but you teach an automatic look back at you so they don't stare at the dog and work themselves into a state or cause a reaction from the other dog, if it doesn't like being stared at)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdraNF2hcgA

"Touch" - dog touches it nose to your hand (again, you work up to a longer duration and can refocus the dog from the trigger dog to your hand as you walk past)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWSJVwZybwo

A dog behaviourist can be a huge help, not just to give advice but to watch you and see if you're doing anything to worsen the situation. Tension on the lead can make reactivity worse but it's hard not to get into a vicious circle - you know the dog is going to react, so you tense up and hold the lead shorter, so the dog is more likely to react..a behaviourist can help you to identify whether you're doing this and advise how to change it. Find one that uses fair, modern methods on http://www.apbc.org.uk
If you're struggling to control her then a headcollar can be a good quick fix until you deal with the behaviour, but should be introduced slowly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw3ovsOvTss

Sally_A

Some dogs are much more defensive when on a lead, as they don't have a means of escape so feel more threatened; also as they are attached to you, albeit by a bit of string...they also feel their responsibility is to protect you too, which makes walkies a stressful time rather than fun.

Best advice I can give, is to meet up with some dog walkers that you are friendly with, and won't get uppity with the odd bark or snap, and let them all off the lead for a bit of rough and tumble (ie the dogs, not the owners). Similarly I always allowed my dogs to be sniffed at by a new pooch on the block, I'd chat away to the owner and ignore the dogs - if the dog sees both owners getting on OK, the dogs will also tend to get on; then work this like a chain reaction, if Spot and Rover get on OK, then owner number 3 comes along with new pooch Rex, they will all gradually make friends. Think networking for dogs!

Normal well integrated dogs prefer play to aggression, a bit of a bark, a chew and a snarl is communication, not aggressive. Especially if the snarl/growl is done with head down, but bum up in the air and a wagging tail. If it all goes a bit pear shaped, just run away whilst calling the dog, much easier than piling into the heap, as you won't get bitten, and some dogs think you are joining in the kerfuffle, which makes it worse.

I've had a brother/sister combo who loved each other to bits, but let them off the lead and they are running full pelt, barking and trying to chew each others scruff of the neck - it's excitement, and fun, nothing sinister.

I've had dogs calling at the door as much as to say "are you coming out to play?" it doesn't get much better than that.

As for your dog, spaniels are nutters, terriers can be snappy, and particularly defensive to an owner, especially an over protective owner.

Your best line of defence is prompt recall, whether this is a favourite squeaky toy, a ball, or a treat - just make sure you are the most interesting thing on the planet, even if it entails bribery.

Also, don't forget that at about 1 year old, they are turning into adolescent - ho hum, and good luck!

chelle

Thank you everyone.

She has been neutered, is very well socialised and lives with another !!!!!.

It is always dogs she doesn't no, and it is sort of a playful snap - but she pounces!

I am going to look into everything you have all recommended and hopefully start resolving it.

Thank you