New to MN, anyone else got a mad cocker spaniel - got any tips or tricks to keep her sane

[Sassib]

Hi everyone
I have a 5 month old LO, and a 2.5 old cocker - who is the other baby. She isnt jealous of the LO, she loves her to bits, or seems to. guards her cot and loves to lick her feet. But she is possessive of her food and her area and me.

We have spoilt her a bit cos she has had 3 knee ops.. anyone got any ideas on how to stop her from growling at the cats when they walk past her food, eating the post?

I've got a mad springer, not possessive just typical of crazy spaniels generally. You need to tackle the possessiveness right away before someone vulnerable gets snapped at for being in the wrong place at the wrong time - www.itsaspringthing.co.uk will be able to offer lots of tried and tested suggestions on their discussion boards, lots of cocker owners there. Don't know how you feel about rank reduction but lots of people swear by those sort of techniques - Jan Fennel, Victoria Stilwell sort of approaches?

link for forum

thankyou

Hi sassib - I have a 1 year old cocker and he's absolutely crazy, he's adorable but is a scavenger and way too energetic. I had a springer before and a cocker so I'm used to them but I must admit, I am struggling with my current one.

Agree with vacua. Its absolutely essential that any pet dog knows its bottom of the pecking order but spaniels are so lovable and friendly its so easy to spoil them! But the reality is that a well trained dog is a happier dog as they are more relaxed if they know you are pack leader and in charge. Its never too late to train your dog so don't believe "old dog cannot be taught new tricks"
A book recommended by many dog experts is Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems by Cesar Millan - costs about £11 on Amazon
In the meantime you could if you want start her training by making sure you and your LO - and any one else in the family - always go through doorways before her. Call your cocker back if she goes through first and then invite her in after you gone through. If may seem strange especially inside your home but by doing this she is learning that its your territory. You need to do this outside too - always going through gates etc first as this is what the pack leader does.
Make sure she is always fed last, after humans (and cats!) even if it means she's fed late at night - and if she growls when someone goes near her food, take it off her! It won't hurt her to miss a few meals. If she growls or shows possessiveness for any other reason, say her name first and then tell her NO in a loud voice and shut her out for a few minutes but keep calm, don't make a fuss or say anything else and let her back in as soon as she is calm. You will probably have to repeat all this many times before she gets the message. What is absolutely essential is that you and anyone else in the house is consistent with whatever training methods you chose to use.
Finally if she demands attention when you doing something with your LO, then ignore your dog, don't even make eye contact. Any attention she gets must only be on your terms. It can be a long slow process and takes lots of patience but it does work and you will all be much more relaxed and happier. Good luck!