Expert: Delores Beck - 9/17/2011

Question
I have a 1 year old female cocker. We have had her since she was 8 weeks old and she is very loving, playful and obedient. She has been to puppy training classes. Me 8 year old son has ADHD and every time he goes near her she will growl at him to warn him off, but he'll try and stroke her and she will nip him and it is getting worse, she doesn't do this to my other 3 children and they all adore her, it would be a shame to have to get rid of her as she is a part of our family now, but I am at my wits end, I am sure she can sense that he has a different kind of energy to other people but I do not want her to think that he is below her in the 'pack'. Any help would be of great use to us. Many Thanks.

Answer
There are two things you can begin immediately that will help.

ONLY your son feeds her.  The person controlling the food is a pack leader.  Have him call her and ask her to sit before he puts the food down.

Begin having your son do some unbilical training with her (under supervision, of course).
This means she is attached to him with her leash to his belt loop and where he goes - she goes.
No conversation.  5 minutes a few times a day.

Can you explain to him to allow her to come to him?  Not vice-versa.  Kids love to "teach" and perhaps if you take that approach it'll help.