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Canine Behavior/9 month springer spaniel bitch

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Expert: - 4/24/2008


Question
Our 9 month ESS bitch has been well socialised, attends training classes and socialises well with dogs when out on walks on and off the lead, although is often submissive when meeting dogs.She is yet to have her first season. In the past 2 weeks she has snapped twice at my friend's 2yr old unspayed bitch and once at another friend's 1yr old dog. This has happened at my friends' houses on both occasions. My dog does not have that regular contact with these dogs. In the case of the bitch, my dog greeted her excitedly on a walk at the next meeting. In the case of the dog, they had spent an hour together earlier that day sitting in a park on the lead. As young puppies they took part in lots of play fighting but I have noticed when, on the odd occasion we go on walks with these dogs, mine would now rather do her own thing. She spends a lot of time with a male neutered 2 yr ESS both at our home and my friends and we have had no issues. They play together, eat together and walk together.
This behaviour is out of character and would welcome any advice as to what might have triggered it and preventative steps.
Thank you

Answer
Your bitch is most likely close to going into heat and should be allowed to do so.  She needs the resolving influence of hormones released during the heat cycle.  She is most likely responding to increasing estrogen.  To spay her now would be to put in place this estrogen driven behavior, something you do not want.  Once she is well past her heat cycle (at least 8 weeks) have her spayed.

It's not uncommon for a bitch close to heat cycle to suddenly develop issues with another bitch (whether spayed or intact.)  This relationship might continue to deteriorate, or it may resolve in the next months.  I would not encourage this in any way; maintain this relationship while both are on lead or you may find yourself paying someone else's vet bill.  This is a clear indication that you cannot introduce another female into your home, at least not until you see the result (after months) of the spay.  This behavior does not indicate any problems with the temperament of your bitch, except that she is demonstrating a low tolerance level for others of her sex (especially if the appear equal in rank.)

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Jill Connor, Ph.D.

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I have spent my entire professional life rehabilitating the behavior of the domestic dog and I can answer any question regarding any behavior problem in any breed dog. If you are a caring, committed owner and need advice, I'm here for you. THERE ARE NO QUICK FIXES for serious behavioral issues; not only is it unprofessional to offer same, it is also unethical. IF I ASK YOU SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONS, I NEED YOU TO INTERACT WITH ME. More information equals more credible answers and a more successful outcome. If you want ANSWERS THAT WORK, participate in any way I request. I'm quite committed to working on this site for YOUR benefit and the benefit of YOUR DOG. Help me in any way you can.

Experience

30 years of solving serious behavior problems in domestic dogs; expert in dog to human aggression; Internet columnist for ThePetChannel.com for 5 years; former radio talk show host, WHPC.FM, Garden City, NY "Bite Back" (1995 through 2000). List owner, international animal behavior experts, K9Shrinks@egroups.com. Seminar leader: "Operant Conditioning and Learning"; "Aggression in The Domestic Dog"; "Solving Problem Behaviors" -- conducted for various training facilities on Long Island from 1993 through 2000. Former clinical director of "Behavioral Abnormalities" in conjunction with Mark Beckerman, DVM, Hempstead, New York.

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Member, APDT (UK); Psychologists in Ethical Treatment with Animals

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Harcourt Brace Learning Direct: "The Business of Dog Training" "The Fail Safe Dog: Brain Training, not Pain Training"

Education/Credentials
Ph.D., UC Berkeley

Past/Present Clients
Board of Directors: Northeast Dog Rescue Connection; The Dog Project; Sav-A-Dog Foundation; etc. Pro Bono counselor: Little Shelter Humane Society My practice is presently limited to forensics. I diagnose cause of dog bite, based upon testimony before the Court, for attorneys and insurance companies litigating dog bites, including fatal injuries. I also do pro bono work for bona fide rescue organizations, humane societies, et al, regarding such analysis in an effort to obtain release for dogs being held for death in municipal shelters in the US.

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