Expert: Delores Beck - 1/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: So I have a 2-2 1/2 yr old cocker spaniel and he has aggressive tendencies he is overly protective of me my mom and our baby boxer. He is also very aggressive over human food, which we never give him. He usually becomes violent when he feels cornered. He is this way to ppl and other pets. I'm very confused and don't know how to break the habit??

ANSWER: Can you tell me exactly what you mean by "overly protective"?  Give an example and tell me what's going on - what he does (growl? nip? has he ever bitten?).

You say he becomes "violent" when cornered.  Does he have something in his possession when that happens?  Is this about food?  Toys?

How is he on his walks?
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: well mostly he just growls and nips but if you continue to invade his "bubble" he can bite but doesn't unless provoked. Well as far as overly protective um if my boyfriend tries to tap me and i tell him no the dog wont let my boyfriend anywhere near me. and if my mom is sick he wont let me near her. Mostly when he feels cornered its because a roommate is yelling at him so he runs and she chases then he growls and nips. He doesn't particularly like to walk near other dogs other then ours he is ok with apply, but wants to chase ever car.

Answer
I'm a little confused about how many people live in your house and what you mean by "if my boyfriend tries to tap me".  Why is "a roomate" yelling and chasing him?

I'd really like to help but I do need specifics to understand what's going on with him.

You mention "invading his bubble" - exactly what has gone on before this happens?  What provokes him to bite?  What is happening to make him feel cornered?
Delores