Dog suddenly hates me

[aprilfools19]

Hi all sorry to cross post I’m just looking for as much advice as possible.
oook need some advice. I'm a nanny and my nanny family have a 10 month old cocker spaniel who is still quite bitey and barky with everyone but over the last week or so he's gone next level with me. he barks as soon as I walk in the door, growls at me, bites not playfully but he'll grab onto my arm and try and pull me like it's tug of warm. He's drawn blood twice. I have no idea what's caused this. My boss (mum of the family) said today in a jokey voice "jeez he really hates you what have you done to him when we're not here!" I know he meant it as a joke but I don't know if she actually thinks I have done something?? Like hit him or yell at him. I'm live in so if he does come into my room during the day I definitely remove him but always gently. If anything it's upsetting because when they first got him I knew, through having had puppies before, that they really weren't ready or prepared for a pup and a lot of the initial training I did myself. The dad can be pretty aggressive with him and mum is super passive and doesn't really train him enough and I feel like I've always been on "his side" and done the best I can in terms of lots of affection and walks etc if I'm at home. But man the dudes just gone savage on me!! any ideas?? its just been such a sudden change

[SuckingDieselFella]

If he's drawn blood you should probably get a tetanus jab.

[PhannyPharts]

The family should be taking this behaviour very seriously. Not laughing about it

At 10 months, that isn't puppy biting and it is escalating. They need to see a vet to rule out medical issues, then a behaviourist and fast or this will end one way.

[aprilfools19]

phannypharts the mum is concerned as to where it’s stemmed from. I’m just confused myself as to why he’s suddenly turned on me. I thought it seems too late for just playful “puppy biting” too but they keep saying how everyone they meet at the dog park reassures them it should stop at a year old. I’m only with them another few weeks anyway before I have to leave the country (I’m here temporarily) so since it’s only me he’s like this with I guess they aren’t too concerned.

[Blackberrythief]

Ditto what @PhannyPharts said, get the dog checked out first. Is it a golden cocker? Google cocker rage. Otherwise has he been neutered? Testosterone could be fuelling some guarding behaviour. If the family haven't done much training with him and it sounds like the handling is inconsistent (the husband is rough and the wife is too soft) then the dog probably doesn't know what to expect from people. You've done some training initially with him, could you feed him his breakfast or dinner? Just to help rebuild the bond. Does he like a ball or have a favourite toy? When you enter the room with him, perhaps throw the ball or toy to get him to fetch it to redirect the behaviour rather than letting him jump up and attempt to bite you. However I do think it's something the owners need to look into themselves (it is their dog) and potentially get a behaviourist in to rule out any other causes for the behaviour.

[MamaDane]

Dog biting and it's not playful? It should be put down. I wouldn't work under those conditions.

Christ, some dog owners are garbage.

[RightOnTheEdge]

I'm sorry I haven't got any advice about dog behaviour, I just wanted to say that's terrible for you!

Nobody should have to put up with that at work. You need to do your job in peace without worrying about being bitten.
I'd be worrying about the children as well.

You need to say it's unacceptable and they need to sort it out.

[KonTikki]

If he has bitten you and drawn blood you have every right to demand that the dog is not ever in the same room as you.
What do they think you are, some stuffed toy it can chew on.
If they are in denial and can't see for themselves how bad your situation is becoming, then tell them you plan on leaving early.

[Windyatthebeach]

I would be getting a nanny cam. Not to observe you op. But someone is mistreating/rough housing that ddog imo...

[aprilfools19]

Thanks for all the replies! To answer a few questions-

He’s a golden cocker and was neutered about 6 year weeks ago. It’s very different to be in a separate room from his as the house is one story and essentially one big room. Like you walk in and it’s straight into the main part of the house which is kitchen dining living room all in one. Bedrooms are at the back and there’s a baby gate in between the two parts of the house.

I suppose there isn’t consistency in the way people treat him so yah it’s true he doesn’t know what to expect from people. My bedroom is kind of underneath the house and there’s a lot of stuff in my room at his level so I don’t really like him coming in as he tends to grab stuff and run out with it. So when he does come I do get him by the collar and lead him out but always sort of talk to him as I’m doing it gently.

I already regularly feed him both dinner and breakfast. Tonight I was just sitting on the couch with the 3 year old (whole family were home. I often hang out with the family as I get on really well with them even outside work hours) and he walks up to me and just starts barking. Out of nowhere. Then went to latch on to my arm and pulled backwards like he was trying to run away with my arm lol. So yeh it’s all just really weird and confusing and it’s been so sudden. I’m wondering if I get him to sleep in my room and have some extra bonding time could that help?? It’s really not nice to be around him at the moment and I’m trying hard to look back if there’s anything that’s happened recently that would make him suddenly hate me. I really can’t think of anything other than as I say not letting him in my room. Is there anything else I can do to “bond” with him maybe start some training again ? Basic stuff like lay down, paw etc?

[champagneandfromage50]

so what did you do when he started barking and went for your arm? letting him sleep in your room wont resolve this issue.

[aprilfools19]

champagne at first I tried ignoring him. Standing still turn back etc. Then I guess I started to freak out a bit hah like tried to stay calm in my voice. Kept saying “down” and was just scanning the grass tying to find anything I could throw to distract him

[champagneandfromage50]

You all need to be consistent in the house on how you deal with the dog or he will get confused. He should have been told a firm no. I would suggest you keep him on a long lead in the house and remove him into another room when he is being aggressive. Running around screaming and / or being passive is going to confuse the dog

[aprilfools19]

I agree for sure. They rushed into getting him and the 6 year old in particular has been a nightmare around him. Chases after him yells plays with loud toys around him. He’s definitely not had the best start and has been around a lot of chaos. We do put him in the laundry when he’s going crazy but it’s not doing much. I’ll suggest the long lead. I know it’s completely dumb to take a dog’s behaviour personally haha but I can’t help but feel a bit upset that it’s just me he’s suddenly gone wild at. I’m not sure what I’ve done to trigger this in him.

[Bramleyapples]

I don't actually think it sounds like this dog doesn't like you, I think he has identified you as the person most likely to listen to him in the household, so he is directing all of his communication at you. Puppies grab with their mouths like toddlers grab with their hands, and it doesn't sound to me like he is actually being aggressive towards you? It sounds like he is trying to initiate play, but is too rough. What do you think? Try to always carry a toy that you can redirect his biting to, something long like the tie from a dressing gown.

It's not your dog or your responsibility to train this dog but if you search dog training advice and support on facebook you should find a fantastic group that has lots of information that may help you to understand the puppy's behaviour, and prevent the unwanted behaviour. It sounds like it would be more useful for the parents of your family to join though!

[PhannyPharts]

If a dog is biting and drawing blood please just seek professional advice in real life not on an internet forum- there is a lot at stake by speculating and getting it wrong.

[CappyCapCap]

Can I just say this is not rage syndrome.

That's a neurological disorder that is like seizures. The dogs attacks, but is confused and appears not to remember when it comes round.

Theres no treatment for rage syndrome. Unfortunately often escalates until the dog needs to be put to sleep.

Cocker rage is an inaccurate term as it impacts lots of breeds. It is not a badly behaved or ill tempered dog.

Not sure why people roll out 'cocker rage' everytime a cocker spaniel is poorly behaved.