Pup growling ….

[Judy]

Is this pup a Cocker?

[DavidB]

No Judy … I hadn't mentioned breed as I didn't feel it was relevant. He's actually a working clumber - he comes from FTAW lines so should be good in the field … I can see that already. Both mum and dad are very biddable and dad is a very powerful dog in the beating line.
PS why do you ask? I've never seen an issue in a cocker?

[Judy]

Only because my Cockers are possessive little oiks!

Are you sure he isn't tensing up ready to run away with his prize? Its what pups in the litter often do when growling doesn't work. Whatever, same advice as above, swops and teach a good "leave it" or even "give" command.

[DavidB]

I must be lucky - my cocker is absolutely laid back with me … not other dogs though! Having said that the possessiveness is linked to drive so it is all a balance. I feel we are making some progress with the ideas above already - we'll get there or at least I will die trying!!!!

[Terry]

PS why do you ask? I've never seen an issue in a cocker?

You obviously never read the dozen posts about Bertie.!!!

18 months now , not as much growling but if looks could kill.!!!!!

[DavidB]

I am new to the site Terry so no, haven't heard about Bertie! Perhaps it is the name as a friend of mine had one who in the end was affectionately known as Bertie the B*****d! I think you know what I am saying … a great hunting dog but definitely lived his whole life in the kennel and was never retired to the house!

[Terry]

Bertie was Bertie the B*gg*r but now he has "nearly" turned the corner He Lords it in the house .
One thing for sure i learnt which was a massive mistake was I confronted him and that is defo not
the way with a cocker, I really wished i had been aware of this from the start because it would have saved months of getting the trust back.
Even though he had transgressed.
One needs to be a bit softer with them imho as they are soooo different to other Gdog breeds.