Growling Cocker

Question
We have 2 cocker spaniels and are having a problem with one of them growling. Karl is a 6 year old cocker-mutt, that we've had for 4 years. James is a 7 year old full breed cocker that we have had for about 9 months & we (ironically) picked because of his laid back temperament and his ability to get along (submit) to our 1st dog.
I was the primary feeder/walker for the 1st 6 months. Now that my husband is done with school, he is feeding them 5 out of 7 days and we walk them both together. James has had about 5-8 separate occasions where he would growl/snarl at my husband. These had all occurred at night (pm - Midnight) almost always in our bedroom (it seemed as if he was "protecting" me or the bed. Because of this we keep him crated at night, at the foot of our bed (while Karl has free roam of the room). At first, all of them happened right before we realized he had an ear infection. And we chalked it up to him not feeling well.

But, about 6 weeks ago, James had another ear infection, and for the first time my husband gave him his drops and it seems if it has changed his personality. Roger would bring him downstairs to let them out in the AM and then when James would come in he would put in his drops, give him an antibiotic covered in peanut butter, and a cookie. This was exactly what I had done, except I had given him his drops upstairs in our bedroom and then let him out. Since then it seems as if he lives in a constant state of fear. He has to be put on a leash in the morning to go downstairs and outside.  He tries to hide in his cage (even though it has been over a month since he has had ear drops) and growls his entire way outside. When we let him back inside, he is fine, like nothing happened. He is fine going outside the rest of the day and is completely confident and happy. But, he growls at night when we try and put him out, as if he is now scared of the dark (we do have a light out back and our other dog goes out fine). I am at a loss at what to do to make him less afraid. Last night he growled at me when I tried to coax him outside which he had never done before, he always obeyed me before. I know we have to do something, but I am at a loss to what we should do. I am afraid if we wait much longer, he is going to turn really nasty.

Thanks for whatever advice you can give...

Answer
Well, you did the right thing about the bed episodes "for the moment" and that can be handled with some training.

I'd first advise a vet visit to make sure this is nothing physical .

First, I'd try a few experiments to see if we can determine what's spooking him.  It sounds like there are a few problems coinciding here.  He now knows he goes out at night and is then crated.
I'd try not crating him and put both dogs in the kitchen (or wherever) at night.  

The growling at your husband - did this ever go past growling?
Does he come to bed later than you?  If so I'd change that sequence and have your husband keep James with him...take him out on leash..then come to bed.  I'd also perhaps take him out a different door and go for a 2 minute walk on leash on the street.

So..at this point..I'd try changing the sequence of events and see what happens.  He needs to be taught to get "off" any couch/bed when commanded.  That's pretty easy.  Put his leash on him..say OFF..use leash initially...praise & reward.

James has to learn he doesn't get on the bed until invited.  It's not unusual for dogs to behave this way about the bed.  Your husband needs to teach him OFF as well as you.  This "tells" him the humans are the pack leaders and it IS their bed.

Now as to his ear infections, I highly recommend Zymox for cockers.
They have a cleaner and two different meds and it's truly amazing stuff.  I order it from EntirelyPets.com but I believe PetMeds also carries it.

Also - any growling can usually be averted by making eye contact and saying NO firmly but quietly.  The eye contact is key - you continue saying NO until James breaks eye contact.

Rita, this may need some more conversation so feel free to write me directly at DeeBeck7765@aol.com.

And don't be too worried - he's not so bad and something has triggered some fear aggression.
Delores