new dog question

Question
Elaine, We recently had a cocker spaniel of 12 years that died of cancer.This dog was adopted from a local ASPCA at just over 1 year and had an unbelivable temperment;calm, friendly and never showed any type of human aggresiveness.

Recently we found another cocker spaniel at a city shelter. He is 2 years old and was found wondering the streets with another dog. He did have a collar and appeared reasonably well taken care of;fur was not matted and relatively clean and nails short. So ofcourse we adopted him.

Although he has a different personality from the first cocker, he seemed great. He has a lot of playful energy,as is expected from a 2 yr.old. He shows signs he was somebodys pet, such as rolling on his back wanting his belly rubbed and prefering to sleep and rest mainly on the kitchen floor. When left home alone the people on the first floor say he cries and howls incessantly. Overall a great dog.

The first time I noticed aggresion was as follows. The backyard is fenced in and the driveway has a chain link gate fence. The other dog respected the gate and would never try to force his way out and could be left unattended in the backyard.Although the gate closes there is enough gap/play in it a determined dog wouldnt have much trouble getting out. Ofcourse at first I held the new dog on a leash to see how he would react and it was clear he would get out if not controlled by the leash.He shows a determination to get out through there.

This dog is also very quick.I underestimated that being used to the first dog.One time I let him out and went to close the gate. Not paying attention he snuck pass me as I was closing the gate. With no leash I stopped him with my hands around his side.I then started to turn him to guide him back in and he gave a menacing growl. It was brief and he did comply.It didnt seem too worrisome though it did surprise me.This was on the second day after his adoption.

This is what happened on the 3rd day. I wasnt home and my mother opened the front door to get the mail. The dog snuck right pass her to the frontporch. Again with no leash she grabbed him to redirect him in. This time he became really aggressive and bit her multiply times on the hand and wrist requiring a trip to the ER. No stitches were given but he gave her several gashes which they washed out and taped up. Her hand was so swollen they thought she had a broken bone and took x-rays.Luckily was nothing broke.

We had been planning to take him to the vet on monday, as we just got him on wendesday for a checkup,shots, and to discuss temperment and nuetering with the DR. Now we don't know if he can be trusted and are afraid of him biting someone again. Very regretfully, we are probably going to return him to the shelter.

Can you please give your opinion/input of this dog and what you believe happened.Thank you very much.

Answer
Sadly, I would have to agree. With full disclosure to the agency that you got him from. What you describe: multiple punctures, swelling, what I suspect will be black bruising, all imply a level of aggression that needs to be resolved before (or if) they consider rehoming him again.

While I know you had a cocker of wonderful temperament before, what you are seeing is not uncommon in that breed and most likely how he ended up in rescue. An escape artist who bites his owner when handled is not a dog that people come looking for. I am sorry it went this way and hope that it does not sour you on rescuing from a shelter again.