I have got a gorgeous seven year old black and white English Springer Spaniel called Bernie. He is a really lovely dog, he's very affectionate and great with kids but the only thing is that he growles at other dogs. He was constantly attacked by the jack russell accross the road from us where we used to live, so he naturally doesn't like small white dogs, but ever since he has had the snip he growles at other male dogs. I hate it, it's quite embarrassing so whenever I see another dog, I have to put him on his lead. I really don't know what to do with him. Can someone please help me and give me some advise on what to do?

The problem with snipping a dog that already fears attack by other dogs, is that you have taken away what little confidence he had. His status is now lowered, he is apprehensive of other dogs because of past bad experience, and other males are inclined to treat him as a bitch, or their personal fag/Punchbag, knowing that he hasn't enough confidence to stand up to them. Also you may find other male dogws will try to mate him, and he probably realises their intentions are not honourable and growls in an attemp at warning them off.

We have a lovely Springer male at class, who was castrated at a young age as a matter of routine. His owner cannot let him off the lead in the park where there are other dogs without him being molested, as he is such a submissive soul.

When he first came to class this made him terrified of other dogs. Gradually under controlled exposure he has made a lot of canine freinds at the club, and can't wait to come to clas. He is slightly less frightened of dogs when out, but they still wnat to mate him, so he has to be kept on lead.

I agree with much of what Barbara has said. Testosterone doesn't actually make a dog aggressive, but it does help him cope with other males and ptotects him from feeling fear in social situations with other males.

There was an excellent article which involved discussing this hormone in the February edition of Dogs Today.

In some circumstances the snip can greatly improve matters, I have a friend with a very happy beardie who had the snip and she is thrilled with him now, but he waas always fine with other dogs and not at all nervous. I also have a friend with a flatcoat who is a typcial teenager, very hormonal with the other boys, but she is wisely waiting to see and is hoping very much to not have him done.

I would tackle this from the viewpoint that perhaps training and behavoiur work with him mayhelp. For example if you have an understanding trainer they may be able to help him, at least improve a bit so you feel better about it :) Take a peek at www.apdt.co.uk and see if there is anyone suitable near you.

Lindsay