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[kaycay]

I’m new to cocker spaniels, but have had dogs before. We got max about a month ago when his owner died. He’s a lovely dog and very good and clean in the house. We love him to bits and would not be with out him now. (By we I mean my 10 year old and my self) but sometimes he turns on us, usually if we try to make him do something he doesn’t want to do. I know we have to get used to each other’s ways a months not that long, but I'm worried he might bite my son who loves him dearly. I keep a close eye on them when they play. Can anyone tell me how to stop him doing this?                      

[Jane S]

How old is Max, Kaycay? Also how much contact did he have with children in his previous home? Dogs generally have to be socialised with children from an early age & if they don't get this socialisation, they can find it difficult to know how to behave with them when they're older. Its difficult to advise on this sort of problem via the internet so I would recommend you find an experienced trainer local to you who could observe Max & make suggestions as to what you might to do to improve the situation. Have a look at www.apdt.co.uk to see if there is someone near you who could help.                    

[Hel]

Without knowing much more about his past history and meeting the dog, it is impossible to say safely what the problem is and how to fix it.  As Jane says, look for an experienced trainer who can observe Max and your behaviour.  

However, can you say what you mean by 'turning on us'.  Is he growling, snapping or bitting? When does this happen?  Is he protecting food, his bed, his toys, etc?  

I have rescue cockers and also foster rescues, but would not be happy that a dog was snapping or bitting me after a month (I don't have children) without some very good reason.  Growling, ok - it is their first line of defence but I would expect to know after a month what made the dog do that.

Dogs do take time to settle and if Max has been used to living with his old friend, on his own and getting his own way, he may take more time to re-adjust to his new home with a child.  However, during that time, there may be a danger to your child - depending on what Max is doing, when and why.

Please give us more info, but as Jane says, only someone experienced and seeing the dog and you can really help with the problem.                    

[kaycay]

Thank you for the help. I’m not sure of he’s age the vet said round 5.we didn’t know his owner I got him from a newspaper ad. They said he was fine with children; I’ve no reason not to believe them because every thing else I was told was true.He growl's he's not bitten. Maxs mostly does it when my son trys to make him go to a room I'm not in, he seams to like to follow me around, but he does'nt when I'm on my own, I think he's trying to protect me. I'm letting my son feed and walk him  to see if that helps.  I’ll try what you said if it doesn’t get better with a little more time.                    

[Hel]

Please make sure all feeding and walking by your son is with your supervision.   Buying from a newspaper ad does mean you have no idea of the dog's history - only what you are told.  

Many cockers brought into general rescue by their owners are for reasons which don't exist - he howls constantly when left  (not with me he doesn't), he wees when left (not with me he doesn't), he destroys the house when left (ditto), and the best ever - he gets onto the settee when left (yes he did that!).  However, dogs advertised in the ad pages seem to go the other way - rather than looking for an excuse to get rid of the dog, they say it is the most wonderful dog ever, but unfortunately they are moving, an allegy has appeared, the owner has died, etc.,etc.

The dog may have had a bad experience with men, may just not recognise your son as a leader in the pack, or many other reasons.  Does he growl at you?                    

[Sue H]

My cockers are pretty growly - you should hear Bramble when we have to comb his knickers!!  Also he bites and gnashes (but never actually seems to connect if you know what I mean..)  I had a Lab before, & I when I first heard Barley growling when she was playing with the kids I thought she was ripping their throats out - I have found that they make a lot of noise, but if you are firm and don't take any nonsense, they are just like the kids ....  Re-directed biting causes a lot of problems, and trying to force them to do something they don't want to do can cause problems, but please try treats or other coercion (?) or firstly firmness and a non-negotiable approach so that they know that messing about will get them no-where!  Cockers are such characterful little monsters, sometimes all the other ways go out of the window - do be aware though that there are people who can help and don't let your doggies rule the roost!                    

[kaycay]

thank you for All your help everyone. He seems to have settled down a lot now. Poor thing must not have known who to trust. Still gets a bit funny if Daniel try’s to make him go somewhere he doesn’t what to go, but he knows now not to force him.
     You’re right about their characters.  Max is a right little devil sometimes, he go’s mad when the phone rings, chews up my mail if I don’t get there first, the little devil lies in wait for the post man.  (Didn’t know dogs could tell the time) His latest party trick is pinching my knitted Santa that mom made a few years ago, looks like poor Santa won’t see another Christmas. He’s funny with chews has well if they are not the right shape (thin round one’s) he won’t eat them. He’s so comical he keep’s us on our toes. Love him to bits.
               Merry Christmas everyone xxx