My puppy ISN'T a scaredy cat!!

dachsom

New Member
Buddy is now 5 months old. Up until last night, we had concerns about his being scared of the silliest things. My DIL injured her ankle and is on crutches. This puppy is terrified of the crutches, to the point of shaking, crying and urinating out of fear. Anyway, last night, I was out walking him in the back yard. All of a sudden I hear this huffing noise and then a loud growl. I turned around and it was the dog that bit me, standing right behind me. Buddy went totally stiff then went into attack mode (he was on his leash). I guess he was protecting me. He must have heard my heart drop into my stomach and sensed my fear.
He is almost 50lbs now and it was all I could do to hold him back. The other dog continued to advance on us and I was too far from the back door to get into the house. Finally, Buddy lept out at the dog, snapping at him. Must have startled the other dog because he beat feet back home.
Never has Buddy shown agression to another dog. We go to Petco as a socialization tool for Buddy and never have a problem.
He is also starting work in the field and should be ready for his hunting debut by late summer/early fall. Just starting to work with guns--on a cap pistol now and will advance to starter pistol next month. Even if he doesn't cut it as a hunting dog, he will be great as a friend and protector.
He should be ready by next month for his first AKC certification---the good citizen one.
 

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dachsom

New Member
In a way I am glad to see this side of him but I hope it isn't a bad thing. If by chance he is showing aggresive tendacies, I need to make sure it was only because I was in danger. He is fine with my 2 dachshunds. I don't know of anyone in this area with English Springer Spaniels except Dr. Forrest at St. Mary's Animal Hospital (buddy's vet). I talked to the breeder this morning and there are no aggression problems in any of their dogs so I am leaning towards him just being protective. Will have to wait and see if this is so.
I am also looking for someone local who trains dogs for hunting/retrieving birds. Never done it before so I want to make sure I am doing it correctly.
 

seanflow

New Member
I see your concern. I do believe our pets can sense our energy, without sounding like Cesar too much here...I was out walking with my then 6 month old german shepherd mix and as we were wandering around near the edge of some woods a kid snuck up on us from behind on a bike...he didn't try to scare us, but I seen him out of the corner of my eye and instantly was frightened enough to loudly say, WOAH!
My pup, Hoshi, instantly got between the kid and myself and started growling loudly...luckily she is a very obedient girl and all I had to say was, Hey! She sat down and looked at me like, what?

I told the kid he scared me and he rode off...

I wouldn't be too concerned, he was just doing his job.
 
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