Suddenly Misbehaving

Question
I have an 8 year old male cocker spaniel, neutered. I have had him since he was a puppy, and he is usually extremely well-behaved. With the exception of the occasional 'begging for food' he has never been so bad before. When we leave the house we leave him in the bedroom, it has always been this way. The last week or two weeks, he has figured out how to get out and destroy everything! He is into the garbage, eating off the tables, even now he has started doing this when we are around! I dont think anything has changed, not his diet, not his walks, I don't know what to do, it feels like my dog has gone crazy! Also, he has been much more agresssive when playing and anytime really. HELP!

Answer
Such a personality change at that age is unusual.  I would have the vet take a look.  The only other thing I can think of is even a neutered male may go berserk with a female in season up wind.  If so, he may settle down again in a couple of more weeks.