Cocker pup aggressive play

Question
Hi, i just adopted a 20 week old cocker as i wanted a companion for my 2 year old schnauzer. Since she arrived they get on well but constantly play fight and she is getting more aggressive during play, showing her teeth and growling a lot. She is also biting me when i separate them. She is also getting possessive over toys and if my Schnauzer tries to take a toy she is interested in then all hell breaks loose! Any advice welcome... thanks

Answer
How very smart you are to address this "now" when it's easy.

She's not being anything other than a puppy "in a pack" and fighting for top dog position.

Here's what to do:

At ANY growl - get down on the floor (and if you have to, grab her by the scruff and make her face you)...say NO in a quiet, firm voice and eyeball her..do NOT lose eye contact!  Count to 3...NO..full eye contact...NO!  Stay with it until SHE breaks eye contact.  You just won!

For the moment I'd eliminate toys until this is under control.

At her age, by the end of a week this should be history IF you stay on it.

Everyone thinks cockers are so cute & cuddly..and they are..but they're also very dominant dogs.  Take charge now and start her general training.  Never raise your voice - it just puts more "excitement" in the room - firm, quiet, and vaguely "threatening" is the tone you want.  Just like the alpha dog in a pack would do - they don't get hysterical or over-react..a serious warning growl will do it and "the alpha stare" :)

Let me know how that goes - I have other tricks up my sleeve for naughty puppies :)
Delores