Lily is an 11 week cocker.

Sometimes, when we put on or remove her lead, she becomes aggressive - snarling, trying to bite, twisting around so we can't get near her collar, etc. It tends to be worse when she is tired or over excited and when she comes in out of the garden. She is going out off the lead, but when we try to put it on when she is in the garden, it is bad. It also generally seems to be getting worse.

Any advice as to what we can do to stop this, please.

This is very similar to the problem i have been having with Oscar.

I am sure it is a temper tantrum rather than real aggresion but it is still worrying isn't it.

Does he carry on doing it once the lead is on??

I find asserting control by asking oscar to "sit" then treat and while he is chomping on the treat pop the lead on (or take it off). I use the words "lead on" and "lead off" while i am doing it.

Hi
One of my fosters used to do this... I found the best way was simply walk away and ignore!

He was a jrt x and as soon as I go the lead out he started snapping at it and snapping at my legs. He Really enjoyed his walks, so as soon as he started acting up I walked back into the living room, leaving him in the hall and shut the door.
It did take quite a while for him to realise, that he was NOT getting awalk unles he behaved, and would then sit and wait patiently for the lead to be put on.

Same with getting home, he started acting up when I tried to take the lead off.. and he always got a chew bone after a walk so I did the same, leave him in the hall with the light off and the door shut. Came in calmly and asked him to sit. If he acted up I walked out again. He soon learned that he got his bone when he had calmed down.


Try this and hope it works

x

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we used to have this with our cocker, we got round it by getting her to sit and treating whilst clipping lead on or off. Also spent slot of time grabbing collar and treating to get her used to having people hold her collar.
Now when she sees the lead she sits with her back to us, and kind of shuffles closer, but she gets so excited her tail wags and wags at the same time, very funny sight!

I am a qualified canine psychologist and specialise in aggressive dogs! Personally i would suggest you seek a dog psychologist (not trainer) to help you change the behavior that could escalate into a more serious problem! if you let me know which area you live in I will suggest some one to help you!

I have posted on another thread a problem the same as yours, take a look. 5 month Border collie nightmare

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Thanks for the advice -- will definately be trying these out! Has been a bit better today so hope the improvement continues!

Don't think we need to contact a pet psycologist just yet as it does seem to be just a temper tantrum, as Rainy suggested - she is only 11 weeks after all!

Good for you. I felt that was a bit unneccesary at this stage.

Glad we're not the only ones who think this, Rainy,lol!