My husband was going to take a couple of bales of hay to another pasture. I loaded up my blue heeler female (21 mos), Bob, in the gator and started for the pasture. I had to put my husbands 2yr old heeler in her crate as she has tried to jump on Bob in the past with Bob quickly getting the best of her. I got out to close the first gate when the Aussie and BC loaded up. The Aussie(Aggie) rides in the floorboard and the BC in the back with Bob. After letting my husband through the next gate, I drove to the tank to let the dogs have a drink and a cooling swim. I untied Bob to let her get a drink. Big mistake. She jumped Aggie in the tank, had her under water for a few seconds before I could get there. Fortunately Aggie managed to lung out of the water with Bob attached. I was able to get Bob off and leashed. Aggie has a very thick coat which is probably all that saved her this time.

I am still furious with Bob, which is why she is still in her crate. I know better than to do anything with her while I am angry. I am still puzzled as to why Bob jumped her. Aggie and the BC were both getting in the tank to drink when Bob and I followed. Aggie did nothing to provoke the attack.

Bob has a fairly high drive to work and is eager to please. Typical of most heelers, she can be hardheaded. She quivers with energy all the time. I am not sure how to drain that much eneregy but will get on that immediately as I feel that is a contributing factor in this incident. I will implement the NILF and increase the exercise, physically and mentally. We have not done much in the way of exercise this summer as the heat has been unbearable. Any insights or suggestions will be much appreciated.

It is 89 degrees at 10 a.m. and feels like 96 with the humidity. The dogs lay around in the shade between dips in their swimming pools. I see some early, early morning sessions in my future.

Being last to get into the tank? Maybe that's what set her off.
If Bob would run by the Gator perhaps she'd have less energy for bossing her housemates and more for her real job.