A reluctance to engage

My springer spaniel has always been on the nervous side and has never had any desire to engage with other dogs. If they keep themselves to themselves, she is quite happy. However, frequently on a shoot, other dogs will come bouncing over to greet her and get right in her face and she has started to snap at them. How can I stop her doing this?

This is not uncommon and sadly it would be your dog that was criticised if she were to go through to the bite. However, in public or at a shoot, she should not have other dogs bouncing all over her or socialising. Dogs are there to do a job and should be trained as such.

Unfortunately, a lot of dog handlers are relatively clueless to this fact and do not see the harm in their overly friendly dog being rude to others. Your best defence, if possible, is to avoid these situations. For example, in the morning and during lunch/break times, put her back in the car or, if possible, out the way of others so she can relax.

When she is out, you need to take charge of other dogs approaching her. As they come towards her, lift your lead up and put her firmly behind your legs. Then take a step towards the incoming dog and use your spare hand and legs to physically block the other dog. Your spaniel must see that you will protect her from boisterous rude dogs so she doesn’t need to react.

Then, in controlled situations at home, build her confidence with calm dogs off lead. Try to introduce dogs that show little to no interest in her, so she can take her own time to approach or greet them. Then if she decides she is uncomfortable, she learns she can move away and doesn’t need to react. ES