Hi,
I would like some advice on how to cure my 10-year old cocker spaniel of the sudden aggression she is showing towards other dogs. When I take her for a walk at the park she will go up to other dogs and go for them. The park is one where animals can be "off lead" and it doesn't seem to matter to her if the other animal is on or off a lead. She has done this twice now and on both occasions I've put her straight back on her lead and taken her home where I've left her while I go back and continue my walk on my own. She is normally a very placid dog and though her hearing is deteriorating I know she's not totally deaf and I can't blame her not hearing the other dogs as she was eyeing them directly when she went for them. She has had a major trauma in her life recently with the loss of my husband but I've tried to reassure her as best I can. I know I must try to be the pack leader and dominate her but I would appreciate any suggestions others might have as to how to break her of this sudden development. Many thanks.

I wonder if she is feeling very protective about you? Have you ever thought about walking her on an extender lead? You wouldn't need to let her off the lead but rather allow the lead out and if another dog comes close then clamp the lead so it will not extend any further. I wondered if when she starts being aggressive to the other dog that you give a quick tug on the lead, say no, bad dog in a stern voice, make her come to you, turn and walk her away from the dog, continue on your walk. When you are away from the dog then let the extender lead out again so she can explore the park but ready to repeat the exercise when you sees another dog. I hope this helps.

Alison

Thank you so much for the advice, Alig. I have an extender lead at home and will give that a try - I have been putting her on her normal lead every time we see another dog in the distance and it can be a right, royal pain - bend down, clip the lead on, bend down realease the lead! Now that it's getting dark so early putting her on a lead is a must anyway as I can't find her in the dark! She is, as you say, being very protective of me so I don't feel I can be too hard on her. Definitely will be "firm but fair".
Thanks
Fluffy Tiddles