My cocker hates my 14 year old son!

Question
QUESTION: I have a usually adorable 4 year old blue roan cocker but he seems to hate my 14 yr old son. This has worsened recently as he "went for" him when he went to stroke him for no apparent reason. My son is relatively quiet and not overconfident and i dont think he would do anything to antagonise the family pet. I need to address this, i do not want to rehome the dog as we all adore him, but i cant risk a worse incident occurring. I will say my dog is quite spoilt by the family! Do you think training could help sort this or is he too old to change? Thank you.

ANSWER: It's never too late to train.  But I'd like to know how long you've had the dog?  And how long has this been going on?

My suggestions will depend on the answers.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We ve had him since he was about 4 months old. He has never seemed to like my son as much as the other children, but he has got much worse in the last couple of weeks. I dont think it is relevant but my eldest son left home a week ago!
Thanx for your help.

Answer
Probably that is relevant.  Was the dog attached to your eldest son?  If so - and now he's gone - the "pack order" has changed.

First I think you need to have an in-depth chat with your 14 year old about his relationship with the dog.  Things can be going on you just aren't seeing.

If this upsets your 14 year old then I'd strongly suggest he take over certain duties with the dog.  Number One would be feeding.  And the dog needs to "sit" on command before he gets food.

Number Two would be walking the dog.  And I mean teaching him to walk properly - not running all over and pulling on the leash.

An in-house trainer would be ideal but if budget doesn't allow - then inexpensive obedience classes.  Your son should go with you and the dog.

Can this be solved?  Absolutely.  But it'll take the entire family getting involved and letting this pup know where he fits.  Very doable.

If you'd like some ongoing coaching :) - feel free to write me at DeeBeck7765@aol.com
Delores