Over Protective Cockerspaniel

[jls]

Thanks for your reply. He now sleeps outside and enters and exits doors behind us. He is not allowed on furniture anymore and eats after us. We are taking turns feeding him. This has reduced the amount of aggression

Good for you. I think your making head way with this little guy. We had an identical prob with our old cocker, who was also deaf, who used to sleep in our rooms and under beds, including cots.

Our well intentioned visitor wandered in to see our youngest sibling at the time, only to be bailed up. Not good~!~

Just keep up what your doing,he'll be a great family member soon, with just a bit of hierachal conditioning, so he knows in the pack, you and hubby are king. I doubt it's due to him being an overly aggressive animal, just bet, he's going through the same stages as all pets ususally do.

Depending on which pet is top dog, feed the top dog first and away from number two. And if both dogs ever present for attention, ie pats etc. to save aggressive behaviour, always, pet top dog first. Gradually, when ranking is established, it should settle down. This applies to playing ball as well, top dog first, insubordinate last.

All the best,

jls

Edited July 14, 2006 by jls