3yr old male cocker growling?

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I wonder if you can help me!! My 3 yr old english cocker spaniel has a
habit of making a growling noise when he is being petted, by myself or
anyone. He wags his tail at the same time, and it sometimes changes to a
higher pitch when you talk to him, almost as if he is talking back! He has
never shown any other signs of being aggressive, never bitten or nipped, but
generally seems to be getting a bit above himself. I understand that dog
reach maturity at his age, and would just like some advice as to how to re-
affirm his position in the family, and how to stop his 'noise' when people are
fussing him, as to a lot of people it can be quite disconcerting and sounds
aggressive. I hope I have given enough detail of the problem, Thank you for
your help!!

ANSWER: Hello Emma,
I need to know one thing before answering.  Does he do this when he comes to you for attention or when you go to him?
Or both?
Delores

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

QUESTION: He does it on both occasions, and more so when he goes to my older children
for attention (they are twins aged 10, a boy and a girl) . He also does it more
when I am giving him attention and there are others nearby, possibly very
protective?

Answer
Okay.  I really think this boy is just "talking".  He's coming for attention - tail is wagging - and he's making a growling "purr".
Unless he's showing ANY other sign that might indicate it's something else, I don't think I'd worry about it.

I have an elderly (14 yrs) cocker who makes a similar sound when being petted.  It's almost inaudible but "there".
If you stop petting her and walk away, she follows.

Personally I think this is just a "happiness noise" and has nothing to do with aggression.  A test you can do is to sit down with him when he comes to you...pet..then stop and just wait to see what happens.  Does he indicate he wants more?  Does the grrring sound stop, then start again when petting resumes?

This guy just sounds like a very vocal dog to me.
Tail wagging just isn't enough for him :)

Try the test and let me know.
Delores