Help me with this Dog!

[Small_Savage]

Hi everyone, I am having an issue with an English Springer Spaniel.  I more or less "inherited" the dog, I hadn't spent much time with him for a couple of years (he's 6) and I have found that he has changed.  A couple of years ago, he was a joy to hunt behind.  He ran all day and he was obedient.  He also didn't mind being around my other dogs. 

A lot has changed.  He has developed aggression issues that are difficult to deal with (I have border collies that I have to keep separate now, the springer attacks them).  The springer has been growly with me a few times and I definitely do not trust him around strangers or children.  I have taken him out a couple times to see what he naturally does anymore in the field and he sure doesn't listen as well as he used to.  He still seems motivated to flush, but seems to want to do his own thing. 

The previous owner maintains that all of this "just happened", and their seeming lack of disclosure is keeping me from figuring out what to do with this dog.  The re-training shouldn't be the problem, but the aggressive behavior isn't something I am willing to compromise on.  He needs to shape up. 

I am open to any suggestions, as this dog is now my sole responsibility and all I have had to work with on my own are border collies, and they sure don't hunt.  They like homerun derby, and that I can handle on my own

Thanks.

[runamuk]

you might want to read this article about springer rage and what is and isn't considered rage syndrome.  Just a thought.

http://www.essfta.org/Health_Research/aggression.htm

[Grizzly95]

i had a Springer that changed like that, we tried working with him more and more, but he continued to get more aggressive. In his defense he did get hit by a car and suffered a nasty head injury, thats when it started. I have owned several springers and that was the only one that did that. Eventually he escaped and drank some anti-freeze, by the time we got to the vet it was too late.

[Small_Savage]

Thanks for the article- that makes a lot of sense, and runs along the lines of what I thought the problem was. 

I had heard of other springers becoming this way but had never dealt with it.  Not having been around the dog that much in the last few years has made the changes extremely apparent. 

[Machias]

Just my 2 cents, with hounds if they were ever agressive towards humans or dogs they were put down.  Did not matter if they were a good hunting dog or not.

[Small_Savage]

I have never kept around a growly dog, either, when they become more of a liability.  That's what I worry about with this one.  There are a lot of kids in my neighborhood, too. 

Does anyone have a good resource or contact information for anyone that might want this dog?  Someone that has the time and ability to work with it?  Any further suggestions? 

[Grizzly95]

Try the Springer rescue group, just be upfront and honest with them.

[WAcoyotehunter]

Just my 2 cents, with hounds if they were ever agressive towards humans or dogs they were put down.  Did not matter if they were a good hunting dog or not.

It's tough, but a mean dog can not get two chances.  I would be sure to try to get him to show (put a hand near his food?) and be a little rough on the dog if he showed any aggression.  Get after him and let him know that growly behavior will turn out badly for him.

[Small_Savage]

When he gets aggressive towards me, I submit him by holding him down by his neck on the floor for a bit.  He chills out for awhile after that.  I don't even have to press down hard, he seems to understand and he lays there as long as I am willing to hold my hand there.  Obviously I can't make everyone do this to him, though.

[whitey]

I have had 2 put down 2 great hunting dogs down because they couldn't get along with other dogs.Zero tolerance for mean dogs regardless of Who's dog it is.

Speaking of mean dogs this dumpass let His Pit bull loose while I was working Harley on bumpers.The dog chews the *censored* out of Harley and Me both. We both received multiple stitches.I took them both for a swim.I had the pitbull by its ears and held them both under water. The pitbull couldn't hold his breath as long as Harley could and released Harley.I just forgot to release the Pitbull.
The vet bill was over a $1000.00 and Mine was real close to that (I had insurance,Thank God).
They (The State) pressed charges on the Guy.3 of them to be exact.Court Dec 9.Throw his dump a$$ in the tank.

So I am sorry about Your dog,But You just might have to take him on His last hunt.It is tough.
Good luck finding away to correct this problem..
Whitey.

[Small_Savage]

Sentimental value is probably the hardest part about this, but I have a feeling he's going to be "riding the needle" here pretty quick.

Thanks for the advice, I don't feel like such an A$$hole anymore.

[TEX-X]

any dog that has ever showed aggression towards me or the family tasted lead....  there is no excuse to put up with it....  and being aggressive with other dogs is a bad thing.... next time he gets in a fight grab him by the back legs and spin him in 5 or 6 fast circles... then let him down... might work... just a little wisdom taken from Delmar smith...

[Rowdy]

Too much risk and too many good dogs out there to waste the time, money and effort needed for a dog like this.  This dog sounds like it might have some health issues.  Regardless sounds like a high risk dog.

Disclaimer: it's just my opinion of what has been written but in my home there is ZERO tolerance for aggression towards people and especially myself.  I also have a VERY LIMITED tolerance for aggresion towards other dogs, depending on what the scenario is.  A hunting dog should have a strong bond with it's owner/handler and a good understanding of who the boss is.  

My two cents,
Jake

[Small_Savage]

I am so glad I found this site.  I am a girl, so most of my friends (chicks) have totally freaked out that I'd be "sending this dog to an early grave" and "why can't you send him to someone like Cesar?!"... yeah... the dog whisperer. 

Thanks for the help once again.  I don't come from a family of hunters, either, so I'm glad to have a community that I can relate to when it comes to this stuff.

Has anyone had trouble with a German Shorthair like this?  I'm very interested in them.  I have gone hunting behind one and he was great. 

[TEX-X]

I have three german shorthairs and i love them....  but mind you they are extreme athletes and if they are not worked... or at least excercised at least three times a week they get antsy....  but mine are very well mannered for the simple fact is yard training and obedience training is the first thing i focus on and i focus on it for a long time before i actually move on to working with birds...whoa training etc.  My dogs will do anything i ask of them... being a versatile dog they point and retrieve... and cover alot of ground in the process...