Expert: Delores Beck - 2/4/2009

Question
Hi.I am an Indian live in China. Love dogs. Specially my pet cockerspaniel female 7-8 months old.
A vet gifted her to us when she was 4 months old.Been with us for 4 months.
At first, she was biting shoes, wood etc. But that was due to teething.
She got her periods 1-1/2 months back. Was quite then.
But since 1 month, she has 5-6 spells everyday when she starts growling, barking, even attempting to bite us.
For no reason whatsoever !
We treat her extremely well. Pamper her with toys, snacks, food etc. Take her out 3 times a day.
When she enters these growling-barking-biting spells, no one can control her. Even light hitting with newspaper, or Stern voice commands, even cookies dont work.
I am lost : local vet says She could be in heat. Need mating with a dog.  Another vet says, hit her hard on her nose with newspaper......make her realise who is boss.
Someone suggests shock collar to stop barking.

Anyone with above similar experience can guide me.

Personal vet says her earlier owner sort of abused her by not caring about her at all. Her feelings are hurt, thereby causing mis-trust. Will be okay in few weeks time.

We are lost.
Pls advice.

Answer
When you say she does this "for no reason at all" - can you tell me exactly what is happening when she growls.  Where is she - what is she doing.  What are you doing?

Never hit her.  That will only make the situation worse.

I'd also like to know why she hasn't been spayed?

Delores