2 1/2 year old cocker spaniel

Question
Hi Delores,

I have a cocker rescue who was going to be put down for aggression issues. The previous owners had physical/ behaviour consultations completed for the dog.  Tentative diagnosis was protective aggression with some dominance agression. Two courses of treatment was suggested: (1) behaviour modification and (2)behaviour mod and meds. The family decided after a few months that it would be better to put him down. Having met the family and dog a few times, I didn't want to see him put down at that time so I took him in.

I started using the nothing in life is free training method when he arrived. This dog is a pure pleasure most of the time. He is very willing to learn, trains easily and listens to most commands promptly.

However, once every 4-6 weeks (used to occur more frequently) he will steal something - usually certain types of food - and he will immediately become aggressive when you attempt to remove it from him.

This problem occured originally with many things, shoes, tissue,etc. but now seems to only occur with food. He has bitten me once which caused minor bruises. When the behaviour occurs I spray him with a water bottle and put him in his crate very quickly. He sometimes continues to bark and will run at the door of the crate aggressively.

My question is of course, do you think this is an issue that can be resolved? We are in a child-free home (for now) and do crate when there are small children visiting. However, when the behaviour occurs I wonder if we are doing the right thing by attempting to rehabilitate him. Your help and opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Answer
Hello Jen,

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Jen, below is the answer I sent you.  If you would write me via email I think there might be more.
Delores
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I believe you are doing the right thing.  And I can say this from going thru the same experience with my own now-adorable cocker.

It sounds like the dominance issue has been dealt with and now you're into possession-aggression?  The best thing to remember is this IS decreasing.  It doesn't resolve quickly and, quite honestly, it will always be something he's capable of and even now I make sure anyone around understands exactly "how" to remove the latest treasure he's guarding.

The water bottle spritz is good...but I'd go a step further and buy a remote-control citronella training collar. No, it's not hurtful and just gives a big snort of citronella up his nose when he doesn't "leave it" immediately.

I asked my own trainer your same question about Biscotti
and now I'm glad I hung in there.  We initially just "trained and trained" until there was no doubt this (smart) pup knew exactly what was wanted.  Then came "the tricks"..:)
Yes, he'd "leave it" when commanded UNLESS it was something he really wanted.  The first time I used the collar I almost laughed out loud.  I'd never seen such a look of shock and surprise on a dog's face.  Within a week I never used it again and all I had to do was point the remote control "thingy" at him and he'd drop whatever like it was on fire.  (You can also use plain citronella spray..sold at most pet stores..but must have it "in hand" when needed.
This is why I put the remote control on a ribbon and just wore it around my neck)

The other trick which can be very successful is to get some empty pop/beer cans...insert about 15 pennies..tape the top..and command NO..then give it one big crack downwards (from a raised arm..like you're going to throw a baseball)..pause...maintain eye contact until he backs down and turns away.  If he doesn't..move a bit closer and repeat.  This freaks most dogs out.

This dog is definitely worth working with and since he is "easily trained", this really should take effect quickly.

So..to sum up...make sure he knows the "leave it" command (or whatever phrase you use) and if he doesn't..then something unpleasant happens without any yelling or contact from you.

The next step is the establishment of the ritual you use to make him leave it.  I've found a quiet "NO" - pause - LEAVE IT works.  As soon as he does...go into the "high voice" of praise and "let's go get a cookie good boy..what a good boy..let's go right now" and walk away.  Watch carefully and if he makes a pass at retrieving..LEAVE IT..return to praising voice.  You act like it's a done deal.  Give treat - go back & get stolen object telling him to stay.

I have to tell you that after a year of golden behavior from this boy, I forgot this..got complacent..and just went in and grabbed...got a bite.  My fault.

Put this into his training routine..give a toy..make him leave it...praise...treat..he walks away from object.  When he steals..you do the same thing.

We've had kids around (not toddlers) and I carefully explain that IF he has anything he shouldn't they NEVER try and take it, but come and get me.

Biscotti was considered unadoptable since he'd seriously bitten twice.  Now..basically in two years there's been that one episode that I didn't handle correctly.

The only issue here that I see is your saying "child free for now".  Mind you, NO dog should EVER be left alone with small children..not even one who's never shown any signs
of temper.  However, you have him now and I'd simply progress with him and worry about that if that time comes.

I hope that's helpful.  I think you know what you're doing is "right"...most dogs deserve an owner who goes the extra mile.  Cockers are definitely thieves :) - and personally at the point mine is now, if it's not dangerous for him to have...what the heck !  Still..he needs to obey for the times it can be a bad thing.

So train the "leave it" a lot - reward.  The collar or pennies trick - no reward - ignore him for ten minutes
until he arrives trying to make up.
Best of luck,
Delores
p.s.  I found the "I'll trade you that for a cookie" approach absolutely enraged him.  The conflict of desire was just too much.