Hi all, we have a nearly one year old working cocker. I have had a lot of dogs in my life, mainly working dogs, but not for many years.
He's not been the easiest dog to train and he's still on a long line after his perfect recall evaporated as a teenager and has still not returned enough to abandon the long line!
I've been on the look out for resource guarding as it's a typical spaniel trait and he shows no signs of food or toy issues. However in the last month, I've noticed him make a conscious decision to jump on my lap when dp leans in for a kiss or a cuddle. I know some may not think it's anything but I know that look in a dog's eye when he's making a conscious decision to move in and 'protect' someone.
There's no growling, no aggression, no barking...nothing but I'm also aware that those are later stage and this is potentially one tiny step towards those things.
Has anyone successfully deterred it at this stage? I spoke to the trainer and she said I should just stop him from being allowed to jump on my lap which I will do but also want to make sure I don't make it worse unwittingly