Urgent Help - Whippet Bitch

[Janetta]

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Hi,

I have 4 lovely whippets, but we have a major problem with the young bitch (18 Months).

When out she attacks other dogs no matter what their size is. She is getting a bad name. We

know that this could be a pack thing, as when away with my husband she was lovely and didn't bother anyone. At the moment she is kept on the lead because we can't trust her, I have thought about getting her a muzzle so that she can run freely.

Has anyone got any advice for me or any books we can read to help us because we are very worried about her.

At home she is quiet and looks at if butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.

Jenny

 

[Paultavernor]

Hi there.

this must be very distressing and I have only experienced this with a labrador bitch. She also would have a go at anything on 4 legs and in particular with one of our other labrador bitches. This was very unpredictable and there was no real pattern to it. Food, attention, toys or anything like that she would just pile in a nd have a go.

Does your bitch have a go at her other companions or is it strange dogs?

Does she do this when she is on her own or just with her companions?

Can you spot any common denominators that might trigger it eg food, small dogs, big dogs, yapping dogs etc?

I am no expert but may be able to pass on some advice.

Regards

Paul (Hopefully soon to be a Whippet and Lab owner). :blink:

 

[~Helen~]

I don't have any experience, so can't really offer any advice, but if one of mine was doing that I would certainly muzzle them so they couldn't do any damage Plastic racing muzzles are inexpensive and give them plenty of room to breathe, I think Vicky on here sells them, so maybe have a chat with her. The one I bought was under a fiver :thumbsup:

I don't know if it's any use to you at all, but there's a really interesting article in FAQ which might give you some understanding into the way dogs think and feel when they're out and about. It's not specific to your problem, but might help you think in the way your bitch is thinking, and point you in the right direction for identifying the triggers which make her flare up.

inside the mind of a dog?

edited to add - I just re-read your post and saw that she's fine with your husband there. Could it be that when she's with him, she trusts him to be in charge, to keep the pack out of danger etc. But when she's with you perhaps (for whatever reason) she doesn't see you as Alpha Bitch. Perhaps she sees her role as being top dog in your husband's absence and protecting the pack (including you) and keeping trouble away? Just a thought...

It might be worth doing a bit of research and working with her to reassure her that when you're out and about, YOU are in charge and she doesn't have to worry. In that case, there's a really interesting thread on here called Demoting Digit by a member called Urchin, I'll see if I can dig it out for you :thumbsup: I think Jan Fennel does a lot of work in this direction too, although I haven't personally read any of her stuff.

 

[dawn]

Hi Jenny

Try putting Mikki Muzzle on her when you got out, these are not as rigid as the racing muzzles. It sounds to me as thugh she is protecting and gaurding the others.

Hope you get it sorted

 

[~Helen~]

demoting digit to stop him running up to others and barking at them etc...

 

[Janetta]

Hi there.this must be very distressing and I have only experienced this with a labrador bitch. She also would have a go at anything on 4 legs and in particular with one of our other labrador bitches. This was very unpredictable and there was no real pattern to it. Food, attention, toys or anything like that she would just pile in a nd have a go.

Does your bitch have a go at her other companions or is it strange dogs?

Does she do this when she is on her own or just with her companions?

Can you spot any common denominators that might trigger it eg food, small dogs, big dogs, yapping dogs etc?

I am no expert but may be able to pass on some advice.

Regards

Paul (Hopefully soon to be a Whippet and Lab owner). :blink:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Hi Paul,

No she doesn't attack any of the others, they can all eat out of the same bowl, cuddle up together. She does play flight with her brother and mum but not for long.

It is only when she is out, she especially dislikes collies. We think she wants to be leader of the pack.

Jenny

 

[Janetta]

I don't have any experience, so can't really offer any advice, but if one of mine was doing that I would certainly muzzle them so they couldn't do any damage Plastic racing muzzles are inexpensive and give them plenty of room to breathe, I think Vicky on here sells them, so maybe have a chat with her. The one I bought was under a fiver :thumbsup: I don't know if it's any use to you at all, but there's a really interesting article in FAQ which might give you some understanding into the way dogs think and feel when they're out and about. It's not specific to your problem, but might help you think in the way your bitch is thinking, and point you in the right direction for identifying the triggers which make her flare up.

inside the mind of a dog?

edited to add - I just re-read your post and saw that she's fine with your husband there. Could it be that when she's with him, she trusts him to be in charge, to keep the pack out of danger etc. But when she's with you perhaps (for whatever reason) she doesn't see you as Alpha Bitch. Perhaps she sees her role as being top dog in your husband's absence and protecting the pack (including you) and keeping trouble away? Just a thought...

It might be worth doing a bit of research and working with her to reassure her that when you're out and about, YOU are in charge and she doesn't have to worry. In that case, there's a really interesting thread on here called Demoting Digit by a member called Urchin, I'll see if I can dig it out for you :thumbsup: I think Jan Fennel does a lot of work in this direction too, although I haven't personally read any of her stuff.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Hi Helen,

Sorry I didn't explain it very well re husband, he took her away by herself for a week and left the other 3 with me, she was fine because she was alone.

My husband takes them out in the morning and lunch time and this is when she attacks others, we are not sure whether she is trying to be top bitch over the other four, protecting my husband or what.

In the house she is calm, shares food with the others, cuddles up to them!!!

Jenny

 

[Nicola]

I think this behaviour is fairly common with nervous whippets, who feel they have to protect you or the pack. They are especially bad when on a lead.

Has she had a bad experience with another dog? This can often set them off. My whippet has these problems, and is especially bad with collies too.

I distract Fred with a biscuit or say hello to approaching dogs in a very friendly voice, depending on the circumstances. I also let him off the lead in the park as he is better off lead and his recall is good, so I can call him to me if I see another dog he doesn't like.

It's a difficult one to crack....I have good days and bad days...but I do make sure he can't attack another dog. Good luck :luck:

 

[Paultavernor]

Hi there.this must be very distressing and I have only experienced this with a labrador bitch. She also would have a go at anything on 4 legs and in particular with one of our other labrador bitches. This was very unpredictable and there was no real pattern to it. Food, attention, toys or anything like that she would just pile in a nd have a go.

Does your bitch have a go at her other companions or is it strange dogs?

Does she do this when she is on her own or just with her companions?

Can you spot any common denominators that might trigger it eg food, small dogs, big dogs, yapping dogs etc?

I am no expert but may be able to pass on some advice.

Regards

Paul (Hopefully soon to be a Whippet and Lab owner). :blink:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Hi Paul,

No she doesn't attack any of the others, they can all eat out of the same bowl, cuddle up together. She does play flight with her brother and mum but not for long.

It is only when she is out, she especially dislikes collies. We think she wants to be leader of the pack.

Jenny

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

It sounds like exactly that rather than anything else but it is worth muzzling her as you do not want her to get a bad reputation. Dogs are strange creatures at times and do have ther foibles. With our Black lab who had a similar unpredictible tendency particularly with one of our other bitches we rehomed her to a couple who are retired. She gets lots of love and attention and seems to be better on her own than with the other dogs. We did this really because we thought it best for her and our other elderly bitch who was always in the firing line.

I am glad though that she is fine with the others and feeding is a good measure of that. Your problem is more containable than mine.

We have done some obedience work and when we have had a new dog attend the club that is inclined to aggression the trainers use a small water spray and that does seem to work. Often the therapy is intensive walking the dogs around and in between a roomful of other dogs who are sitting and as soon as the offender makes a move the water is sprayed in the dogs face. Ihave seen this work very well. It doesn't harm the dog but is a definite deterrent. The spray is just a fine spray as used with household cleaners. Well washed out and then filled with cold water. Might be worth a try when you are out walking but obviously you would hve to have her on the lead.

Good luck :wacko: :wacko:

Paul

 

[jezza]

I would seek help from a qualified behaviourist. Was she well socialised to other dogs as a pup? Sometimes it can be easy to think that just because the dog is living with others, that they will have no problems with other dogs. Not always so. Speaking from personal experience here!

I've been seeing a behaviourist with one of my dogs which displays behaviour similar to what you mention above. If the problem is as bad as you say I would definately book an appointment to see one as soon as possible. I tried to tackle the problem by reading books first but didn't get very far :lol:

Having said that, I would recommend reading books by Jean Donaldson (esp. The Culture Clash and Fight!) or Patricia McConnell.

Also, I have never muzzled Lenny as I was advised not to. This was because he is a very nervous dog and muzzling him may make him react worse as he knows he cannot attack to get rid of the other dog :wacko: makes sense if you think about it though. A bit like when dogs get more aggressive on-lead as they know they can't run away. Is your dog nervous around other dogs.

I hope that you get this sorted soon as I know how horrible it is. Lenny is getting better but we've been at it for 9 months now!

 

[jezza]

Wanted to add, my dog also doesn't like collies! Ithink its because they look like they are trying to herd him up :lol: He doesn't like staffies either, think thats because they tend to stare a lot 8)

 

[dessie]

I really don't like the idea of muzzling dogs especially when they are off lead. I am no expert but I am very impressed with Victoria Stillwell's methods and her book is very easy to read and follow.

I am all for this reward good, ignore bad, behaviour idea and distraction & reward seems to be the main thrust of her training methods. Your bitch sounds as though she is just coming into that adolescent period and pushing her luck

 

[jezza]

I really don't like the idea of muzzling dogs especially when they are off lead.  I am no expert but I am very impressed with Victoria Stillwell's methods and her book is very easy to read and follow. 
I am all for this reward good, ignore bad, behaviour idea and distraction & reward seems to be the main thrust of her training methods.  Your bitch sounds as though she is just coming into that adolescent period and pushing her luck

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Yes I like her too, I love watching her TV progam. Its on tonight about 2 dogs competing for attention which sounds just like my two :lol:

Yes I should have thought about the age thing too, I should've mentioned that Lenny has always been like it. Hopefully your little bitch is, as Dessie says, just being a teenager! I think I do tend to think the worse, but thats cos Lenny used to try and take chunks out of other dogs :angry:

 

[Janetta]

Hi there.this must be very distressing and I have only experienced this with a labrador bitch. She also would have a go at anything on 4 legs and in particular with one of our other labrador bitches. This was very unpredictable and there was no real pattern to it. Food, attention, toys or anything like that she would just pile in a nd have a go.

Does your bitch have a go at her other companions or is it strange dogs?

Does she do this when she is on her own or just with her companions?

Can you spot any common denominators that might trigger it eg food, small dogs, big dogs, yapping dogs etc?

I am no expert but may be able to pass on some advice.

Regards

Paul (Hopefully soon to be a Whippet and Lab owner). :blink:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Hi Paul,

No she doesn't attack any of the others, they can all eat out of the same bowl, cuddle up together. She does play flight with her brother and mum but not for long.

It is only when she is out, she especially dislikes collies. We think she wants to be leader of the pack.

Jenny

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

It sounds like exactly that rather than anything else but it is worth muzzling her as you do not want her to get a bad reputation. Dogs are strange creatures at times and do have ther foibles. With our Black lab who had a similar unpredictible tendency particularly with one of our other bitches we rehomed her to a couple who are retired. She gets lots of love and attention and seems to be better on her own than with the other dogs. We did this really because we thought it best for her and our other elderly bitch who was always in the firing line.

I am glad though that she is fine with the others and feeding is a good measure of that. Your problem is more containable than mine.

We have done some obedience work and when we have had a new dog attend the club that is inclined to aggression the trainers use a small water spray and that does seem to work. Often the therapy is intensive walking the dogs around and in between a roomful of other dogs who are sitting and as soon as the offender makes a move the water is sprayed in the dogs face. Ihave seen this work very well. It doesn't harm the dog but is a definite deterrent. The spray is just a fine spray as used with household cleaners. Well washed out and then filled with cold water. Might be worth a try when you are out walking but obviously you would hve to have her on the lead.

Good luck :wacko: :wacko:

Paul

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

Hi Paul,

We don't have problems with her except out on this particular walk that my husband does in the morning and at lunchtime.

She goes to ring craft, lots of shows, visits lots of friends with dogs and never attacks any of them. When away from the others she is quiet and wouldn't say boo to a ghost. She adores her mum. brother and dad and spents hours washing their faces etc.

We will have to purchase a field of our own.

Jenny

 

[dessie]

We don't have problems with her except out on this particular walk that my husband does in the morning and at lunchtime.
She goes to ring craft, lots of shows, visits lots of friends with dogs and never attacks any of them.  When away from the others she is quiet and wouldn't say boo to a ghost.  She adores her mum. brother and dad and spents hours washing their faces etc.

We will have to purchase a field of our own. 

LOL, a little extreme but I do know people with Salukis who have done that, not because they are unsafe with other dogs but so that they are in a known safe enclosed area!!!

Jenny

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

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In that case I would go a different way just to break the pattern. Or try a flexi-lead (not that I am a great fan of these either!!) or long training line so that he has some control over her running up to other dogs and can distract before she has gone. Does she incite the others to riot or is it just her that is the prob???

 

[FeeFee]

I would try a spell of walking her alone for a while and make an effort to do lots of positive socialisation with dogs out and about. Lots of good encounters and rewards for behaving 'nicely' and lots of distraction and getting her to pay attention to you if she doesn't. It is really hard to do this unless you are one-to-one.

Then maybe introduce walks with one of the other dogs (the calmest and most dog-friendly one) and build it up slowly so she doesn't see other dogs as a source of worry, or feel it is her job to protect anyone.

Personally I'm not a fan of using water sprays or any other aversives in this situation. If her underlying problem is that she's nervous with other dogs then being sprayed with water when she tries to 'defend' herself (as she sees it) will only increase her stress levels and make encounters with other dogs even more frightening.

 

[Seraphina]

I also think she needs lot more exposure to other dogs. Put her on leash if you see another dog approaching and introduce her to the dog at first then let her run. I make first sure that the other dog (and his owner are OK) before I let them play. Make sure that she understand you like all these dogs, say hello and pet them. The way it is now you (or your husband) tense up when you see another dog and she feels it and is more likely to react badly. It becomes a vicious circle. I would take her to at least few obedience clases, where she could meet large number of dogs under experienced trainer's guidence. :luck: :luck: :luck:

 

[Strike Whippets]

I really don't like the idea of muzzling dogs especially when they are off lead.  I am no expert but I am very impressed with Victoria Stillwell's methods and her book is very easy to read and follow. 
I am all for this reward good, ignore bad, behaviour idea and distraction & reward seems to be the main thrust of her training methods.  Your bitch sounds as though she is just coming into that adolescent period and pushing her luck

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

​

I completly agree with Dessie :thumbsup: ......I've emailed you some tips :luck: Hannah ......

 

[Kath]

To be honest, I know these dogs personally and they are well socialised. When they came to spend a weekend at my house they got on with my dogs brilliantly. They ate together, slept together and played together with my Whippets and my Jack Rusell. They all ran free together down at the park with no problems whatsoever. Even the other dogs on the park did not cause any bother, but I do have to say there was not a Collie among them. Perhaps as you say, it might be just that she hates those Collies, or their owner. Has the Collies owner ever caused a problem there to begin with?

 

[Seraphina]

To be honest, I know these dogs personally and they are well socialised. When they came to spend a weekend at my house they got on with my dogs brilliantly. They ate together, slept together and played together with my Whippets and my Jack Rusell. They all ran free together down at the park with no problems whatsoever. Even the other dogs on the park did not cause any bother, but I do have to say there was not a Collie among them. Perhaps as you say, it might be just that she hates those Collies, or their owner. Has the Collies owner ever caused a problem there to begin with?

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If it is only Collies she is worried about she needs to be properly introduced to and socialised with Collies.