Growling

[sjbarlow]

my cocker is four years old and recently has started growling at almost anyone who approaches him. It appears anyone who stands over him or bends down to clap him will receive an unwelcome growl, when some people get down to his level he can be alright but this is not guaranteed. As we own a guesthouse and have a number of people coming and going this is very off putting and frightens some people.
Any ideas how we can stop this?                    

[Jane S]

As this is a recent change in your dog's behaviour, it's always worth getting your vet to give him a thorough check up as it's possible there is a medical explanation for his growling - maybe he has some pain somewhere or perhaps a sight problem. Once you've ruled out physical causes, you could consider consulting an experienced trainer/ behaviourist who could observe your dog & give advice on retraining. If you have a look at www.apdt.co.uk, you hopefully will be able to find a trainer near you. Out of interest, can you remember any specific incident which may have triggered this behaviour? Did something or someone upset your boy at about the time the behaviour started? If something frightened him, then the growling could be a defence mechanism rather than out & out aggression.                    

[sjbarlow]

Thank you, as a matter of fact Wallace was attacked before this growling began by an alsation dog. He had to have stiches as the dog ripped the soft skin around his mouth. He seemed to recover well at the time.                    

[Jane S]

That's interesting - the attack by the Alsation could well be behind Wallace's behaviour now. Is it possible he still has some discomfort anywhere, perhaps a loose tooth? If not, then it is probably down to Wallace being generally shook up mentally by the attack in which case a trainer could help with advice on how to build his confidence up again so that he learns not to be frightened of visitors approaching him. In the meantime, I would perhaps ask your visitors to ignore Wallace which will put him under less pressure - I'm sure they would understand if you explained                    

[PennyB]

Some insurance policies would cover a referral from your vet to a behaviourist (friend's of ours have recently been referred to a vet school behaviourist after their dog's behaviour changed because of the new baby in the house and their insurance company are picking up the bill).

TTouch (Tellington Touch) may also help (the following give a list of practitioners):

http://www.pawsnlearn.freeserve.co.uk/basic.htm

http://www3.sympatico.ca/tilleyfarm/HomePage.html