i am not sure if this is helpfull but i would never back away from my cockers, as you are letting them think they are top dog, stronger than you, sort of thing, you must keep their respect or other behaviour problems could follow, perhaps in cuddle time or play time place your hands gently in a non threatning manner, around the neck and pet the ears or a place he likes, and treat him and say good boy or his name, and with his toys place them on his head or his back, as they drop and he catches it or runs after it, he will may be see the neck area less threatning i have not had this with mine so hope this helps, goodluck :wink: