MEU

Hahah too funny - I'm visualising it! Thanks for your email. I think I better get the expert in and see what she says - nip this thing in the bud :-)

Hahah no not taken the wrong way, I know what you mean. Yep think it's time to call an expert. Now the real question - anyone know anyone good in Perth?

Sadly, most vets have no idea of how a cocker should behave as they have met so few well bred ones. The fact is that a cocker will walk all over you if you do not raise them with a firm and consistent hand. The more you tell us, the more I think this girl has been allowed to become a spoilt little princess???? Would I be right You need to examine how you react to her when she is being clingy and demanding. Do you pander to her? Does she know the word NO? I'd be giving this girl some "ignore" treatment. She needs a timeout place for when she misbehaves - unacceptable behaviour, put her in the laundry or a crate for a short period. If she jumps on you up for attention, pretend she is not there and just go about your business until she settles and then praise her when she is quiet. I would also suggest it imperative, you seek some advice from a qualified dog behaviouralist. Hmm spoilt princess?? Hard to say really, I'll have to ask a third party for their point of view. She definitely knows 'no', she is very quiet around the house and if I'm lazing around then that's pretty much all she'll do too. She's not allowed on the couch or my bed etc. I wouldn't say she gets heaps of cuddles but she will get the odd hello pat if she comes to talk to me. She comes when I call her, she sits....and generally yes she does listen to me. She's spoilt in the fact that I take her in the car to the shop and she comes to visit people with me but I'm not sure whether that would effect her behaviour???

Hi Kavik She is worse when on a lead, she's even more protective I think. This is what I do (wrong or right I don't know?) I let her run around off the lead and she is fine to talk to other dogs if I'm not too close. She runs straight over to other dogs and is instantly on her belly in the submissive position. As soon as she's said hello she races back to me (which usually results in them following her) and that's when she starts barking and carrying on. I ignore her and walk in another direction and pretend I'm not interested which as I said, if I'm far enough away she plays okay but she always uses me as a base and doesn't let me out of her sight?? Michelle

Hi Toohey No I only have one dog but when mum and dad come to stay with their dog she's also very bossy - massively competing for ALL the attention even to the point where (occasionally) mum and dad aren't supposed to be talking to their own dog. It's mainly just me and my dog (Saffy) at home most of the time and she follows me absolutely everywhere, constantly under my feet. She craves attention - if I move on the couch she's on her feet wondering what I'm doing. Hmm as I'm typing this it sounds a bit like separation anxiety could be an issue too?!?! I'm also wondering whether some of her behaviour is to do with her breed. I know when she was a pup the vet told me I should get her well socialised early as she has known cockers to be a bit snappy?! (Trying not to stereotype )

Thanks Megan. I haven't done any research into fear aggression so might have a bit of a google on the subject. Yes, other dogs don't always tolerate it which is why I avoid the dog park - hate tears! Cheers Michelle

Hi Corvus Thanks, this sounds like a good place to start. As I said, I'll try anything and why not something as simple as this to see how she reacts! Cheers Michelle

Hi Tony Thanks for your email. Yes you're right, jealousy is probably a human emotion but being a human thinker this was the best way to describe her behaviour (I think we all got the gist). The reason I posted my query is to get as much feedback and as many suggestions as possible. I can read through and see which may or may not apply to how my dog reacts to different things etc but at this stage - yes I'll try the positive reinforcement suggestion, I'll look into consulting a behavioural expert and I'll also have a 'hard look' at myself with regard to my management and leadership - thanks for everyone's feedback so far!

Hi all I'm really stuck as to what to do about my 2 year old cocker spaniels jealousy issues. She is highly jealous of other dogs 'talking' to me. I take her to the park and she basically rounds other dogs up if they get too close. She will have a go at even the biggest dogs if they're coming in my direction and growls and barks and snarls and occassionally snaps. I don't believe she'll hurt the other dogs but it does start fights and I'm worried she'll choose the wrong dog one day and it'll get messy I now avoid taking her to parks where other dogs play but worried this will probably make it worse. Any suggestions on how to curb this behaviour?? I'll try anything!