Post Partum change in personality

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
My working cocker had a litter of 6 in May. The mating went very well, as did pregnancy and whelping. She pretty much did everything for the first 3 weeks and was a brilliant mother. However, recently and since having her next season, she will not tolerate any male dogs sniffing around her - particularly her bottom. She does not bite, just tells them off big time. She was always placid and friendly with other dogs, verging on the submissive side, so this is a big personality change. She remains fine with female dogs.Is this normal behaviour for a bitch following a litter? Is this her just saying, I've been there and don't want to go there again so back off? Can you say whether she will go back to being her sociable old self?
Thanks
Janette

ANSWER: Janette, you don't say how old she is or how many litters she's had.  Or why you're breeding her?
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: She will be 3 at Christmas. The litter was her first, and she was mated during her 3rd season. I bred her because she is such a great pet and also a good working (gun) dog, with great working pedigree lines. She has a fantastic temperament and is very biddable. I took my time finding a compatible, proven and working stud dog with similar looks and good pedigree lines. I was there during the mating and can say hand on heart everything went very well and that she appeared not to be in any kind of distress. It was apparent as soon as they met that the timing was correct for a mating. The dog, to my mind, was gentle and undemanding. The stud owner was very knowledgeable and experienced in the mating process and even applied vaseline to help prevent soreness. The dogs tied for about 15 minutes.

Answer
Okay...I had bad visions of a backyard breeder with no clue.
Obviously not the case :)

Your question was whether she'd return to her sociable old self..and I'd say probably not.  A "big" personality change in a dog is something we need to really pay attention to.

It's a judgement call, but if it were my girl, I'd be getting her spayed.  You don't need reminding of all the health issues involved and I know you don't want to ruin this dog's spirit.  She seems to be sending an extremely clear message :)
Best of luck,
Delores