Expert: Delores Beck - 8/7/2009

Question
i have a six years old female cocker spaniel and on last Tuesday she bite me when i embraced her. i had to go to a facial surgeon and had eight stitches on my face. she becomes aggressive with me and my husband when we try to correct her every time. now he wants to put her to sleep and her vet told me to consider that option. i also contacted a counseling trainer before taking this hard decision. she is like my little girl and i love her too much. i will really appreciate any advice from you.

Answer
It's extremely rare for a dog to suddenly turn vicious.  I'm totally shocked your vet suggested that and didn't give her a full physical checkup.  Very, very often a sudden change in behavior indicates a health problem.

I'm glad you're contacting a trainer and would like to know exactly "how" you correct her and for what?

If what you're saying is that she's been a lovely girl for 6 years and then out of the blue has become aggressive then I'd most definitely get an opinion from another vet AFTER a full check up with blood panel and most especially, a thyroid test.
Delores