16 month Old Cocker Spaniel Is A Bully
How Can I Change This?

by Karin
(Pennsylvania)

I always wanted an American Cocker Spaniel and finally got one a couple of years ago. He became severely aggressive (champion bloodline) and attacked me and bit me repeatedly at 11 weeks of age.

Following expensive behavioral assessment and classes and individual work with a trainer, he continued to threaten me and I was advised to have him put down.

I couldn't bring myself to do this so I found a rescue that worked with severe aggression dogs and he was eventually re-homed in an experienced cocker spaniel home.

Thinking this was an anomaly, I decided to look for another cocker, but this time I went for an older dog with an established personality, a six month old pup out of show stock as well. Unfortunately, the breeder lied to me and said her dogs were never aggressive.

This fellow is not aggressive like the other dog, he's a cuddle bunny, but not to any of my other dogs.

I had been fostering dogs and this cocker felt so threatened by them that he attacked them with a shriek in his bark that was fearsome.

I have established rules, so this no longer happens. 'Cut it out' and 'Settle down' are established stop it commands.

I took him to obedience class and he was the super-star of learning.

I'm not fostering any dogs at the moment.

I lost a personal dog this summer, a mastiff of 12 years. I got an opposite sex mastiff puppy in October and since the get go this cocker will rarely leave her alone. His bullying is full time and he seems to think this is how to play. My puppy mastiff is developing into a fearful dog and I am getting quite concerned for her.

I have now started a zero tolerance of the bullying play, but my cocker continues to growl any time the mastiff comes close to me. Is there anything I can do to change this cocker's possessive behavior?

I am an easy going owner with structured rules to help with the whole dominance issues, but also believe in positive training approaches.

I am quite concerned that the puppy may become fearful of other dogs. She is in a kindergarten class and gradually playing with the other puppies, though it is taking her time to overcome her fear.

Can anyone help me here?