cocker spaniel growls when eating

Question
Hi Delores
Our 5 month old cocker bitch is very well behaved in all aspects except when it comes to food in her bowl, i can put it down on the floor tell her to sit and leave and she will only eat when told, but as soon as she starts eating she growls you can tell her to leave and she does but as soon as she starts eating again she growls and her tail is wagging all the time also she is a really greedy dog she gulps her food down in under 30 seconds yet any other food such as a treat she is quite happy for you to take it away we can leave our food on a plate on the floor tell her to leave and she does, have tried changing bowl, hand feeding, feeding at different, times nothing seems to work the growling frightens the children any advice would be greatly recieved thankyou

Answer
Well...I think she's just "talking".  Aggressive dogs don't "leave when asked" or wag their tails
so you don't have an aggression problem here.

And if she'll only eat when given permission, you've done one unbelievably good job of training.

Personally, I'd feed her alone in a quiet place and let her eat in peace.  This is all just "vocalization" and nothing to worry about.  The children need to understand even dogs need "alone time" :) so don't let them really bother her while she's eating.

Also - at 5 months I'd still be feeding her 3 times a day.  Same amount of food - just divide it up.  She's also in a massive growth spurt so I hope you've giving a premium food?  If you'd like to discuss nutrition, don't hesitate to write.

Best of luck - it sounds like you've got one good little girl there!  So nice to hear from an owner who's put in the time and effort and has a wonderfully trained dog.
Delores