Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My husband and I adopted a super cute Cocker Spaniel from an animal shelter about a month ago. She's about 5 years old to the best of their knowledge. She's been a very calm dog for the most part. We LOVE her!!!

We had some of our good friends over this past weekend, and our Dolly bit my friend. My husband and I were standing in the kitchen cleaning up; we were close to Dolly, and my friend was bending over gently petting her on her head. She moved Dolly's ear, and then she bit her! I'm glad that my friend moved her hand back quickly! I felt absolutely AWFUL! Later that night another one of my friends stopped by and wanted to pet Dolly. I explained to her what had happened earlier, but she still wanted to pet her. She was put up for biting, but I took my other friend to see and her she snapped at her. The other friend was also standing over Dolly.

I wonder why she was acting like this? Was she scared? Has anyone else had anything like this happen? Any advice would be wonderful! I've tried to research, but I've not been successful.

Thank you!

Unfortunately biting is one thing a dog will do that we wish they didn't. Even a breed as lovable as the Cocker can have dogs with a temperment outside of breed standard. I would first have to ask if the dog has any medical conditions or ear infections that might have caused the biting? Some dogs especially smaller breeds simply do not like being hovered over and still others do not like being pet on the head. Even a simple gesture to extend a hand to pet a dog can trigger the defense mechanism. It's what dogs do to protect themselves and rather than be punished it's better to seek a solution. I would suggest you keep a few of her favorite treats nearby when you have guests. If they want to pet the dog give them instructions to do so. Have them take a treat and offer it to the dog. Next have them standing near the dog and ask them to get on one knee and call the dog over. Instruct them to start petting the dog on it's side working their way over the back and then a simple scratch on top of the head. Make sure there are no quick movements. It could be the change in her surroundings has her out of sorts and she needs to regain her trust in people.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Does she have an ear infection? Pain easily causes a dog to be uneasy about it's head being touched and cockers are infamous for getting ear infections. So get that rules out first.

IF she is pain free, then there's a behavioral issue and it's hard to know exactly why she reacted the way she did. She was obviously uncomfortable. Sometimes the latest grooming experience a cocker had was a bit traumatic and that leaves them wary of strangers touching them. Grooming the face is difficult sometimes and groomers sometimes are not sensitive to how scary it is for some dogs.

Positioning oneself directly above a dog and reaching for their face is scary for a dog. For unknown dogs I won't do this. My dogs have been conditioned to accept it from strangers, but I can tell they don't enjoy it overall. Have your friends not pet a dog on top of the head- have them appraoch from the side and pet under the chin or on the chest. Most dogs love being touched there and it's not as threatening.

Good luck and post back with the vet results or info about grooming. I'm almost sure this pup has an ear infection.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

We've ruled out ear infection already. The same friend that Dolly bit was back over at our house last night, and Dolly was fine the whole time! She went up to my friend and seemed to enjoy every mintue of it.

She pooped in the floor though. We've not had a issue with this. She came to us copmletely trained. We took her out to potty before our friends came over. Any ideas as to why this would've happened?

Thank you!

Cocker spaniels have some odd personality quirks at times. She sounds insecure and scared. Has she had any formal training? Taking this pup to a positive reinforcement obedience class and maybe even an agility class and showing her how to succeed and give her a job may be very helpful to her. If nothing else, taking her out and going to fun places like the pet store and giving her treats for being out and about might be fun. Don't let strangers pet her though. She needs to learn to take direction from you and trust in you before others start coming into the picture.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles