Need serious advice about aggression?

Question

My cocker spaniel is close to 1.5 y/o. In the passed month he's become aggressive, it's mostly safe guarding or if another dog makes a dominance move on him he freaks out and becomes almost vicious.

Him and I have been through training, he's well socialized, we go to the dog park almost daily, I also make a point of exercising him morning and evening. He loves the company of people and other dogs, his aggression seams to be caused by very specific situations.

I have contacted my trainer to know where I should go from here but I would like very much to have your input on this.

Answer 1

Start by neutering him and have his thyroid levels checked.  In the meantime, quit bringing your dog-agressive dog to the dog park.  That is a disaster waiting to happen.

I would question his genetics here.  As long as he is not showing human agression, I suppose you could keep him away from all other dogs since I would not trust him at all.

Answer 2

Could he be trying to protect you? If so it means he probably thinks he's dominant and not you. A good way to tell is to put something of yours on the floor and walk off, (I used a packet of crisps when my trainer told me to try it) if he strolls up and finishes the pack without so much as a look at you, he's in charge. If he sits there looking from you to the crisps and back again, drooling, then you're doing a good job and it's not dominance.

If it is, I would do alot of alpha rolling as soon as he starts getting tense towards another dog, before it gets to aggression. Make sure to let the other dog he's aggressive towards sniff his butt while you have him rolled and pinned on his back. It's your way of saying "i'm in charge of this situation, and I say you should be nice to this dog!"

I hope that helps, I'd talk to your trainer though as i'm not a proffessional, that's just what worked for me!  

Answer 3

Likely causes - Thyroid disorder - go to vet to draw blood and ask for a FULL panel not just a Free T4 - but complete.

Rage is possible - if that is the case you would see escalation of behaviors with no triggers.

Eye issue - if a dog is loosing their vision they can become quicker to take an aggressive stance.  Take your dog to a Vet Ophthalmologist to look at that.

Answer 4

Do what the trainer says to do. He is trying to be dominant and you have to show him you are boss and that he needs to behave.

Answer 5

Spaniels are prone to a disorder called Rage Syndrome. Did any of his parents or lineage have problems with aggression?

this a PDF article done on Rage Syndrome

http://members.lycos.co.uk/ragesyndromei...

Its long but it helps. RS is considered a Neurological disorder in dogs, mainly spaniels, but can happen in any breed, that causes the dog to misinterpret movements, and body language.

Its blocks something in the brain that tells the dog what is harmful movements and what is normal. The dog becomes Hypersensitive and attacks with a glazed look... a spacey abandonment. Sometimes there is very little or no warning impeding the attack. If he starts with dogs its a possibility that he will go to humans next. The best thing is to try to recognize the nature of these episodes to rule out RS.. there is currently no treatments. They have experimented with Epilepsy medications but there is no solid proof they do much. Its something you live with and you safe guard people from it as best you can.

Is you cocker a SOLID buff, red or black? these are known color patterns of Cockers with this issue. Its due to bad breeding and indiscriminant breeding.

Answer 6

You asked for "Input", and I believe Vet Teck gave it his/her best shot.  

I myself would agree that this is a "genetic" problem.

NOW, to top all this, you are going the best route!  My very first suggestion or thought would be to hire a personal "Behavior Trainer".  Someone comparable to Cezar Milan that is experienced in these areas.  Someone that can observe your dog smack in the midst of this aggression situation, and can stop it in it's tracks.....before this continues.  

And as for taking him to the park (or any park), that is a NO NO until you get his aggression under control and nipped in the bud.  That type of attitude is plain unacceptable.  Vet Tech is right.....please don't take him to the park until you get him under control.  He could hurt another dog or even a human that would try to stop the situation.  

Most dog parks are "off the leash".  Is yours?  If so, I hope you keep your dog "on the leash" until his bad attitude is adjusted.  

That is my input.  I wish you well.  Sounds like you are taking the right steps to conquer the problem.  :o)