Startle reflex and biting, end of the road?

[CerealPosterHere]

Friend has a lovely 4yo show cocker. Really nice dog. They’ve had it from a 2yo, private sale. Dog resource guarded when they got it, they did consult a behaviourist at the time and that’s improved. Was only growling, not biting.

however he has a startle reflex and if he’s asleep under the table or on the sofa and someone next to him shifts position his instinct is to go from fast asleep to sinking his teeth into the nearest part of them. It’s a bite and release with no shaking, no sustained bite. Never needed stitches but does break the skin, there is blood and multiple punctures.

friend wants to persevere, is better at monitoring where he is. Her partner is at the end of his tether and wants the dog pts. Spaniel aid and two other rescues have turned him down saying you basically can’t train him out a startle reflex. Vet was very negative last week and said if it was their dog they’d pts. He is on herbal anxiety meds, vet didn’t suggest any other medication but friend didn’t ask.

just asking for advice really about any potential options we haven’t thought of? Rescue? Residential training camp? She is beside herself. He’s a lovely dog when awake, intelligent, does rally, very affectionate. He’s neutered which I guess if he’s anxious may not have been the best but was done before they got him. Shame he’s not a working cocker as I think he’d make a good gundog.

I suspect the previous owner caused the startle reflect. It sounds as though the poor dog didn't have a safe place to sleep without being trampled on (by young children, perhaps.)
He was also food guarding, which well-nourished pups simply don't do.

I'd create a sleeping den for him: an area under the stairs, or under a worktop or even a quiet corner of the room. Put a nice cosy bed in it and he will, with perseverance, see that as his den. This will make him feel more secure (and less reactive.) Leave some biscuits on it to encourage him to go and investigate. If he's gone to his den, leave him to it.

To be dead honest - I’m really not seeing why it’s hard for them to manage…

If they aren’t allowed on furniture, there’s very few situations where a dog is right next to you asleep.

He was on the floor next to the sofa last time. I do agree if it was my dog he’d either be in his crate for sleeping or on a mat in the far corner of the room.

If there were children, it would be different, but sleep startle shouldn't be a problem to manage in a home with two grown adults and no other pets.

Either the dog sleeps alone in its' bed or crate, or you just get into the habit of waking them up verbally and talking to them before you move off the sofa. It's really basic dog care, IMO.

I don't think a dog with a known history of several bites, whatever the backstory, would be welcome in the beaters' wagon. The beaters and the dogs end up jammed in together, and it is very much understood that the dogs should be stable and communicate appropriately. It's a (very) rare dog who falls asleep on a shoot day, but it's not a risk I'd fancy taking as either handler or fellow-beater.

I'm sorry, not what you wanted to hear.

No, I’m probably clutching at straws. Was just kind of thinking out loud. Though he is lovely and well behaved and calm when out and about. Gets on with other dogs and people and kids, wagging his tail and friendly. My friend hasn’t mentioned about rehoming him through anything other than asking some proper rescues.