I've been taking my 1 year old golden retriever bitch to ringcraft classed since she was a puppy, but no matter what I do, she just won't stand still, she always shuffles forward and she has recently started snapping at certain other dogs when they come near her when she is on the lead. I'm at my wits end with her. She has always been quite dominant, particularly for a goldie, though she loves people, a bit too much sometimes! I'm about to pull out of showing and get her spayed, as even going to ringcraft is stressful. Please help!!!

Without knowing more about it it is difficult, but it's sounds like you need to go to a basic obedience class first and then go back to ringcraft. The two disciplines are totally different and your dog will cope with both. The APDT would be a good place to start, or ask in your vets or local pet shops for classes in the area

http://www.apdtuk.f9.co.uk/

PS Leigh....rescue me if the above link doesn't work - ha an old dog & a new trick - wag wag

Looks like you managed fine without me Sarah. :-) Leigh.

Has she recently had her first season by any chance?

Pam

Yes, she had her 1st season at 10 months, and has been to obedience classes and did quite well, unbelievably! She is a very loving dog, but very hard work, especially compared to my other 4 year old goldie, who is very placid and loves everybody. Why do you ask about her season?

I imagine that Pam was asking about her season as some bitches have personality changes around the season, or after the season if they have phantom pregnancies, which could start her snapping at certain dogs.

Believe me, ALL puppies are harder work than the one before! I always say, "Never again!" but like a fool, I still end up with another. At 10 months old when she came into season and now 12 months old it's about 60 days which is the classic time for any hormone problems. I've had broody 60 days, holes in the garden at 60 days, I've had the, "Don't bug me, I'm with puppy!" 60 days. I'm afraid some bitches are just like that. Of course your trouble may not be connected to the season but it's worth giving it a little time to see if things clear up on their own.

Regards, John

Thanks John, i've got all that to look forward to!!!! Midget is just finishing her first season and I hope, you notice I say HOPE!! to show her at SKC, we are not there yet, she will probably be going through these phases then, the joys of having a puppy!!!!!! would not change her though.

Oh the joy of it all Irene! And we still keep coming back for more, don't we !

John :)

Thanks everyone, I'll just have to be patient with her, I think. I never realised the effects of her season went on for so long, we had our other bitch spayed before she had her first season, so I don't have any experience of all this. I'll know better next time :)

Anyway, I've now joined this board and I look forward to talking to you all again

Paula

Welcome to the forum Paula. Glad you decided to join us :-) Leigh

Many young slightly insecure bitches find their new found attractiveness to other dogs, especially after a season difficult to cope with. They simply are not mature enough mentally.

My advice is to be firm but kind and reprove her for showing 'unwarranted' aggression to nosy dogs, but of course do not allow them to be a nuisance to her. Be quite jolly, and try to feel happy as she will pick up on your tension. Keep her on a loose lead, but further from the other dog than its length, let her relax and get up the courage to interact with other dogs on her terms, she will feel on a loose lead, that she can get away from them if she wishes, if she lunges at them for no reason, check her, and again give her SLACK lead!

Whatever you do do not give up classes, try to keep away from the most sexy or bouncy dogs, she is bound to have particular ones she likes, let her regain her confidence with these!

Good Luck, and relax, this is the most important answer to your success, be watchful, but don't let her know it.