Unexpected aggression advice please!

[SJ]

Hi, I'm after some advice. I have recently rehomed a greyhound bitch. She's lovely and we can not fault her, she's been too good to be true! She's been fine on the lead with other dogs, just sniffing and not too interested. But today we walked past two cocker spaniels who were keen to say hello. She didn't want to go near at first, I stopped to talk to the owner (she was standing away from the dogs) and she slowly came round to sniff them. They were trying to get close but I don't think they even touched her when she let out an almighty bark and snapped in their face. One of them yelped but I think it was out of fright.  I didn't scold her (I was in shock) but she was trembling. The owner was ok but I could tell she wasn't happy and I wanted to cry!

Im really confused as there was no warning growl or negative body language. I guess her not wanting to go near them was fear but she walked up to them herself quite calmly and then just snapped in their face. I'm really not sure what to do now. I'm obviously going to be wary of approaching other dogs, it was all going so well 

[alexandsteve]

Is she muzzled? If not, get one better to safe than sorry - lots of folk use a muzzle on their dogs x

[SJ]

Thanks. I did muzzle her at first but she's been fine. It's so out of the blue. I guess I'll have to keep the muzzle on a bit longer and see how it goes.

[kamkay]

I think you got your hound at about the same time as Guinness moved in here. He is still muzzled and will be for a while. He is my second greyhound and I know that there is a definite honeymoon period-Guinness has shown absolutely no aggression towards other dogs,but I still do not yet entirely trust him. To be honest, I would not feel at ease taking him out unmuzzled-he doesn't mind as the muzzle means good things ie a walk and I am well known in our local area, so no-one judges me or him. Jet, my first grey, was muzzled for well over six months Guinness might not take that long but I'm willing to be patient. I also ask other dog owners if we can meet and greet in a controlled way.

[sassbu]

She's settling in, finding her feet and it's probably lack of socialisation around other breeds. She's become confident enough to start shouting at them, this sort of agression is usually fear based and very common in greyhounds. Use a plastic muzzle like a breezy muzzle and try to introduce her to areas where there are lots of breeds but from a distance and not up in her face. Find a high value treat that you don't give her at home, like cheese or sausage and take some in your pocket and treat her just before she's about to snap or when she starts staring too much, this is to distract her and for her to turn her attention to you and so you can praise her for her good response. It may take time but pretty much all greyhounds that go through this become very manageable

[sassbu]

P.s. if I remember right you have a toddler too, so if you are walking with your toddler who is at mouth height, then the muzzle is especially important as sometimes greys can get frustrated (mine still does it today if he sees a squirrel or a cat) and then snap at something close to them, it only lasts about three seconds but you don't want to take the risk, it's not personal, they can't help it, there's no intent on their part to hurt the nearest dog or person, they are just letting off steam, but it's not worth the risk, everyone will be safe then

My husband forgot to muzzle my grey the other day, he then spotted a cat before my husband did and lets just say is nether regions got a nip! Yes I''m afraid i did laugh, my husband should know better

[ragsysmum]

It might just be something about spaniels though. I've had several dogs who were fine with other smaller dogs but for some reason didn't seem to like spaniels.

[SJ]

Thanks everyone. I was so surprised when it happened I couldn't make sense of it, especially as there was no warning. My previous grey would growl and the one before couldn't even look at another breed without going crazy so I just assumed no reaction at all was positive.

Anyway, we went out again today and I gave her a treat everytime we saw another dog. We even saw a chihuahua and she didn't even blink! I guess it was the over excited spaniel she didn't like. Obviously doesn't suffer fools gladly. At least I know now. Luckily my toddler was asleep in the pushchair when it happened, he usually is when we go for a walk. I couldn't control both of them on the lead!!

[greybeard]

Still early days - Perry walked regulary with Jet and was muzzled for longer,mainly cos the greedy pig would try to snaffle food at every opportunity.We've had Jem since mid September and still can't see her being unmuzzled - far too keen on small furries(though not necessarily dogs) and of course any available passing food! And you don't know her past history - something could have made her react to spaniels.Was she from RGT?Only asking cos I've found their advice a bit unrealistic - need to be muzzled for a short time,can be off lead after a short time.And it depends on your grey - you are still getting to know her,listen to her,try to get into her head(not easy cos greys do think differently from other dogs). Enjoy her -but for your own peace of mind keep her muzzled for the time being.Jem hates her muzzle, see other thread for that,but she does know wearing it means she can do interesting things - Cath.

[sibs]

second the keep muzzling in environments which you can't control.