Q: I have a male Cocker Spaniel, about to turn 2 years old. He tends to be rather moody and temperamental at times--grumbles and growls, showing teeth or wrinkling that snout when he doesn't like something, or does not want to be bothered or handled. It's understandable to me to want to communicate such a thing, however he has shown quite an anger like he would want to bite, although I could softly talk him calm. He tends to want to stay near me a lot, if he withdraws from others not wanting to be bothered.
As time has been moving along he has been getting much more aggressive with quick bites and nips. I took him to vet being concerned about distemper and the vet explained part of this is his nature--common with male Cockers--and the other part is learned behavior. This time at vet Rocky had to be muzzled and it seemed to have humbled him for a bit.
I must mention that I have 2 teenagers that I believe have created some of this aggressive behavior, as they would always say, "I'm gonna get it"--meaning his food, treat or toy or doing the tug-of-war thing with blankets and pillows. I have always expressed by disapproval of such but you know how well kids can listen, though they have gotten better with it. Rocky tends to always be very alert--listening up and ready so to speak--and will get nervous at times.
Recently we had a terrible incident occur. It seemed as though Rocky was showing he was in heat, wanting my cats and other dog, and he even went after the legs of a chair when someone moved it. I would separate them but Rock's tongue was hanging out and he was panting, acting hyper and extremely moody. He tried keeping to himself after a while, as everything was making him very nervous. My teenage daughter wanted to cuddle him and he grumbled to let her know he did not want to be bothered. I explained to her to leave him be and why. She of course got an attitude towards him and spoke meanly to him and he seemed to know that. Rocky was sitting next to me being petted when all this was happening--just then my daughter plopped on the bed next to us, knocking the pillow towards him and Rocky absolutely lost it. He was like a wild animal!! He had me and would not let go, I could not pull my 1 arm away, and had to use my other hand. Of course both of my hands got torn up and I had to go to the hospital to be treated because he did such a number on me.
I did not become angry with him. Somehow I really thought he may have had the pillow at first instead of me as he's never been like that with me. I'm still totally stunned over all this--besides sore! Monday I intend to speak to the vet about all of this. I'm trying to keep police out of this for now because its the first time. Truly though, I am scared to think of what he is actually capable of for such a small dog! I had spoken to the vet about having him neutered and she said it may help some. Would/could that be the answer? I have recently started a training program, David Dikeman's Command Performance. I'm only in very first stage but the response has been pretty good.
I have crated him since incident, letting him out for a while at a time as long as his mood is okay, or back in he goes for time out and he's been pretty good with that. However, yesterday he was lying on the couch with me for a bit and I wanted to cover up with a throw. I did it slowly but he jumped up crazy and grabbed for blanket clutching it in teeth, eyes bugging and just staying still. I did nothing but talk to him to calm and tell him NO, but didn't touch that blanket. I then lured him into crate with a treat for time out and he went to sleep.
Rocky really can be very loving and playful, quite an enjoyable character, but one never knows when he's going to react now, especially after this incident. I just never in a million years would have expected him to do what he did; he was just so vicious! I'm really not sure what to do?! Do you think if I continue the training and crate business, get a muzzle and have him neutered, that it would help make a difference? Sometimes I tend to think something else might be wrong with him but vet says he's healthy. Some say once he's done such a thing--draw blood--he's bound to do again! My kids are terribly upset to think I'm considering putting him down, but I just can't have this happen to someone else. He did not just bite or nip me--he attacked me and he can really do some damage.
I am just so distraught over this, I would appreciate anything you would have to share. I'm sorry if this letter is so lengthy, but I felt some detail of over-all picture would be more helpful in getting a more accurate idea of what this dog is all about. I really hate the thought of having to put him down because I do know he has a lovable side to him and I guess I'm looking for some alternative suggestions that would not involve a major expense. I'm willing to put the time and effort into him and apparently my kids now see the importance of it all too. Thank you for your time.
A: This is such a tough problem with no easy answers. You could go for a veterinary behavior specialist to evaluate him--some of it sounds like he has gotten the wrong idea about how to react to humans, and some of it sounds almost like a seizure disorder. With Cockers, you can also get aggressive, defensive reactions to human touch and approach due to sore ears or matted hair (the skin can actually get maggots from the sores under the mats). My guess is that this is not just one problem, but is complicated.
It would be irresponsible of me to advise you to put a dog to sleep, especially without meeting the dog. It's a tough decision that only an owner can make. I agree with your veterinarian that this temperament sometimes occurs in the breed, and that neutering can help--although I wish it had been done before he was a year old, better results then.
Since money is an issue, the veterinary behaviorist approach may not be feasible for you--ask your veterinarian for information on the nearest veterinary university, then you can call them and get an idea of the cost. Also, no one can guarantee there won't be another serious dog bite--it sounds like it could happen any minute to someone in your home. The kids are used to the dog, they're not taking him very seriously, and he is escalating.
As I'm sure your experience showed you, a dog bite to a human is not only painful and disabling, but also quite expensive. If the dog bites someone else, the legal situation could force you to have him euthanized in a much more stressful way for him. The law may require him to either have the head sent for rabies analysis, or else the dog be held 10 days to 2 weeks at the vet's or the animal welfare division of your area before euthanasia, for rabies observation.
People do successfully keep aggressive dogs, usually by managing them very carefully concerning their contact with other people. However, this time it was the owner that got bitten. As you say, it may have been misdirected aggression, not originally aimed at you. The dog might be salvageable, but it would take in-person professional help, and certainly he will never be reliable with small children or other delicate situations. With your kids being teenagers now and the dog being 2 years old, you are likely to have grandchildren during his lifetime, something else to think about. The dog in your home needs to be very good with little kids.
Talk with your vet. Schedule a time when the vet has time to help you think this over. Putting a dog to sleep is permanent, not a decision to be made quickly or lightly. It sounds like your vet has known the dog for awhile and will be of great help to you in deciding what is best.