You are here:

Cocker Spaniels/My cocker puppy is nipping and biting

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/26/2011


Question

My puppy Sammi
Hello,
We have a cocker spaniel who is about 5 months old now.  He has just recently started growling, nipping and biting not only myself but my 14 year old and my Husband.  It only seems to happen when we try and take something away from him weather it is a toy or food.  This morning he was licking a bowl and I went to take it from him and he groweled and nipped at me.  I dont want to get rid of him because I love him so much.  I guess what I am wondering is if getting him fixed if that will help to slove the problem?  Any help you can give me would be so appreciated.  Thank you again.  Michelle

Answer
Since this just started it can be fixed fairly easily.

Try this first - the next time he growls don't try and take the item - get down on his level,
be physically "still", STARE into his eyes (think Clint Eastwood:), and say NO in a firm but calm voice.  Do not lose eye contact - continue saying NO every few seconds until he breaks eye contact and turns away.

When that happens - you just won!  Then take the toy, walk away.  No yelling, no scolding.

If you're consistent and keep cool, this behavior can be history in a week.

So give that a try and let me know what happens.  I have a few other tricks for little boys who are trying out for the position of Top Dog :).

In a pack if he tried this on the Alpha dog - first he'd get a very low "warning growl" and then the head would slowly turn and he'd get "the stare".  Most puppies will back off pretty fast.

Your warning growl is "NO" with the very threatening "I mean business" stare.  Alpha dogs don't get hysterical - they rule with authority.

And yes, it's time to get him neutered.

Cocker Spaniels

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Delores Beck

Expertise

Health, nutrition, training. Please note: I used to highly recommend Innova products but, unfortunately, as with Canidae, they have sold out to Proctor & Gamble. This guarantees lower quality to a dangerous point so I will no longer be advising anyone to buy it.

Experience

20 years of owning this breed.

Education/Credentials
Psychology, MA

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.