hi there,
i was wondering if anyone could give me some advice?.
the situation is, we have a lovelly springer spanial bitch (Holly) who is now 8 years old, she doesnt come into much contact with other dogs and when she does she is quite aggressive!. Allthough she had pups of her own when she was three and was fine with them. we have been offerd a cavalier king charls pup and wanted to know any advice on helping them meet and interact together? also when hollys alone she barks constantly is this common practice for springer spaniels and will having another dog stop this problem?
any advice much appriciated, thanks philg

>also when hollys alone she barks constantly is this common practice for springer spaniels and will having another dog stop this problem?

Having another dog I am afraid is very likely to increase your problem, you will have two dogs barking instead of one.

There's a fair size difference between an adult Springer and a 10 week old Cavalier, so if she is aggressive to other dogs you will have to be very careful that she doesn't hurt or scare the puppy, possibly giving the new puppy behaviour problems relating to other dogs too!

I have to say when I had Cavaliers they were incorrigable barkers until extreme old age! :-)

My boy certainly is, though in his defense he only answers other dogs he hears in the garden! And he sings for his morning walks!

None of my Cavaliers have been barkers. :) (I've had 4.)

My Springer can be agressive to other dogs (poor socialisation before I had her, she's fine with the adult dog I had when I got her from rescue).  Puppies tend to be a whole different ball game, and although she's now pretty laid back with most dogs (so long as they aren't too 'sniffy') she really dislikes the over exhuberance of puppies :(

I shan't be getting a puppy when there is a vacancy in this house .....

PS - I think the barking is a defence thing, although it can be excitement, I doubt it in this case, I'd suggest she's trying to drive the other dog away.....

My boy answers other dogs as I said above, and my Cav puppy has this adorable squeaky bark/growl of frustration when her Kong has rolled under the coffee table and she wants us to get it out! Total irrelevant I know but she's so cute!! :-D