Growling Cocker Spaniel

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have a 5 year old cocker spaniel and he is having some problems. Firstly he is a very soppy, loyal pet and is excellent around us and when he is out on walks.

1) He does have a wilful growl sometimes, when we pick him up, sometimes when he is lying down and we stroke him, and sometimes when we just go near him, he know's he's doing something wrong as is very meek afterwards and his tail goes down, but he doesnlt seem to associate the two. When we tell him off for grwoling he doesn't instantly stop.

2) He is wary around children and growls when they stroke him, sometimes if he is harrased he may have a little nip or give them a warning, this is a worry for our future family as we are expecting children in the next few years.

Do I need to go to a specilist or can you help me?

many thanks

Pete

ANSWER: Hi Pete,
First I'd ask if he's neutered?

I'm also assuming he's been doing this all along?

Next time he growls...don't "tell him off" but look right into his eyes and say NO quietly but very firmly and do NOT lose eye contact until he stops/looks away/leaves.

When he breaks eye contact - you won !  By staring him down you're exhibiting alpha behavior.  Alpha dogs don't yell - don't over-react - or appear upset.

In order for this dog to be well-behaved around children I'd say yes, you do need a one-on-one trainer.  He's gotten the idea (which you have encouraged) that he's top dog.

Since he's not exhibiting any serious aggression..but more "I'm irritated..so bug off" type behavior..this really isn't so difficult.

A good trainer will start from Square One with him and give you a daily "training routine" and instructions on how to feed him (make him sit and wait..always feed him AFTER you),
never let him precede you out of a door, never let him on the furniture (this tells him he's your equal), and never allow him to growl.

And no...he's not associating the action with your reprimands since you've allowed him this behavior.

Ask your vet for a trainer recommendation or write me back and I'll look up a qualified one for you in your area.
You need a good one and the kid at Petsmart won't cut it :)

Don't be too worried - this can definitely be changed
IF you tackle it correctly.  

I wouldn't worry too much about the child issue at this point.  It sounds like you're not planning on this for a few years and it's only when kiddies become "mobile" that dog interaction enters the picture.  So you have a LOT of time to retrain him and he'll be much older at that point anyway.

In the meantime, with other small children...well, I firmly believe children must be taught to respect animals and not to touch or bother them without permission or supervision.
That would go for even the most even-tempered dog.
Until you solve this issue, do NOT allow small children to pet or play with him.  With kids around - he's on leash or crated and that's that  !
Delores

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

QUESTION: Ok, tried some of those things, here are our latest results.

Toby (our dog) seems to only growl when he stroked sometimes by my wife and not by me, it's more like a grumble than a teeth showing growl, but it does turn into a growl if he's wound up. she says no and he doesn;t stop, he just gets very subdued and seems to want to apologize but he doesn't seem to know what he's doing wrong.

He does seem to see me as alpha male and he doesn;t growl much when I play with him.

He is in no way agressive but i think if we can stop his growling ( grumbling ) it may stop other progressions.

Are there any tips you could give me for my wife to make him behave how he does around me?

Due to work schedules I feed him in the mornings and evenings ( after me ) and I walk him more, could that be a factor as he see's me as the provider?

Thanks again in advance for your help

Pete

ANSWER: Absolutely yes, he sees you as his leader/provider.

I suggest your wife start feeding him AND make him work for it.  Make him sit.  Put the bowl down with only a small amount of food in it.  Have her ignore him for a minute.
Do it again.

Are you saying NO and eyeballing him?

Pete, I really think you need a trainer and this shouldn't take long to sort this out.  This isn't an aggressive dog - he's a bit spoiled and "wants what he wants when he wants it".

If you can tell me where you are (city & zip) I can do a bit of trainer research for you.

I think two or three sessions would do it.
Delores

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

QUESTION: I am based in the UK, Brockham in Surrey. thanks for all your help i'll get a trainer to help for a while

Answer
Pete, I can't find any trainer associations to check out for you in the UK.  I'm sure a good one is available somewhere near you.  After all, you Brits are known for having well behaved dogs AND children ! :)  Do a search "Dog trainers in Surrey" and see what pops up.
Tell them precisely your problem and don't be afraid to ask how much "successful" experience they've had with this particular problem.

I'd hate to see this go on and then small children are in the picture and the dog is out of luck.

Another tip besides the feeding - both of you should once a day attach his short leash to your belt loop (or whatever works) and without chatting to him just have him go where you go.  This is a big message for a dog who's having alpha dreams.  It says "you go where I go - when I want - for how long I want - so you'd BETTER pay attention to me". 20 minutes for each of you should do it.



Just go about your business..make a phone call, brew up a cup of tea, sit and read the paper.  And ignore him.
A short command 'Let's go" is okay...but no conversation.
If you're making a phone call..."sit - stay" but no "attention, petting or chatting".

These are things a good trainer will ask you to do, so it'd be helpful to get started.
And on walks or going out the door - he NEVER goes first.

Every day in every way he should be being taught his place in the pack.  He'll be a happier dog.
Best of luck and write anytime,
Delores