I'm a bit new to forums and this is first time I've posted one, so please bare with me.
I need some advice on two dogs I have recently purchased. two cocker spaniels female 18mths and male nearly 2. as it turns out I think these dogs have had very little human interaction. Now I was told that the female was a bit shy and the male had quite a playful personality, and that they had no experience with small children. I have had these dogs for nearly a month and although they have coped with my children they still just run away from me all the time. now they are fine once I have a hold of them I can do anything with them (groom etc) but won't willingly come to me ( the only one they seem to let get close enough to catch them is my 3yr old daughter). I've not had previous experience with overly shy dogs. the funny thing is when I come home they are really excited to see me, (wagging tails, jumping around), but if I try to pat them they run.
I have had progress with lead trainging as they had had none. We took them to the beach and they loved it.
The male will come and take treats from my hand, but will take off if my hand moves toward him. the female won't take any food from anyone.
It has as I say been only a month, I just thought I would have seen better progress from them, or am I expecting too much?
Any advice would be appreciated.
thank you