Help! ESS behavior issues Behaviour

Discussion in 'English Springer Spaniel' started by merrilysinger, Mar 15, 2008.

  1. merrilysinger

    merrilysinger New Member

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    Elizabeth

    Help! ESS behavior issues

    I adopted a one-year old male English Springer Spaniel from a shelter a week ago. I am wondering how long it takes for a dog to begin completely trusting his new owners? He knows commands and I have been reinforcing good behavior positively. I have child-proofed the house because he gets a hold of everything, from shoes, towels, etc. I have also provided him with toys, chews, etc. My only concern is that when I attempt to scold him for bad behavior, he acts out. When he takes something he is not supposed to have or is someplace he is not supposed to be, he will run around like a mad man throughout the house over tables, couches, and people. I do not chase him. If I try to calm him down during these episodes, he becomes very defiant and will attempt to bite my hands and arms. Ever since I got him, he has needed constant, 24/7 attention. He has not been left alone one minute. He also doesn't quite know how to play nicely as he becomes overbearing and begins to bite. I have no idea about his background, but other experienced dog owners who I have come in contact with, including myself, think he was abused. At the dog park, he will be nice to people and dogs, but gets scared for unknown reasons.

    Also, he has LOTS of energy. I have been taking him on a two-three mile jog/run everyday since going on a long walk and the dog park did not seem enough. Even though I do this, he does not get tired out. He will run around in the backyard even after going out. He will sometimes lie around the house, but it does not last long. At dark, he gets especially unruly and has energy outbursts where I can not settle him down. I have been trying to train him and have seen some progress, but I am not sure how much he will change. When he is good, he is pleasant to be around. But when he is bad, it’s a nightmare and extremely difficult. I have had experience with abused dogs before, except I am concerned whether or not this one will change. My previous dogs were field spaniels and cocker spaniels. My family-adults including two seniors- are having a difficult time adjusting to this dog because of his behavior. Can anyone give some guidance and advice?
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 15, 2008
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  3. Phil

    Phil Fondly Remembered

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    Phil
    Double post ?

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