Naughty Tyke

[milkonit]

6 months ago we took on an English Springer Spaniel who we think had been ill treated, we have had some naughty moments so to punish him we give a quick squirt with water which seems to work. About 6 weeks ago he took a dislike to my husband who is absolutely lovely with him, growling at him when he comes home from work or when he enters the room. There is no rational reason for his behaviour and he has even snapped at my husband who tried to calm him on several occasions. Has anyone else had this problem. I can do anything I like with him but it is my husband who will give him the best walks etc. We have never hurt him

[milkonit]

Yes we had thought of that so I even took a step back and let my husband do everything for him but no use - sometimes he will shake when he is growling. He plays with his toy on the sofa with my husband and they have a real rough and tumble - next minute out sticks his tail, eyes glaze and he growls, then like a flash he reverts back to pawing my husband for more play. We will not give up on him though!

[Nannyjill]

Maybe he has been ill treated in the past by a man and something your husband inadvertantly did(like walking in the same way or whatever)reminded the dog of the abuser. As the dog is shaking I'd be inclined to think he is actually scared but is trying to show your husband aggression to stop doing whatever the dog thinks he might be going to do, if that makes sense.

We took on a GSD who acted abit like this after we'd had him 3 months but if ever I walked towards him he'd cower and shake but still growl. After about 9 months he stopped doing it.I'd never hit him either.

[kita1]

The first thing you need to do is get him completely checked over by a vet.

It could be something medical causing the problem. It is possible it may be a type of mild fit or something.

I would definately not confront him or back him into a corner as this will possibly escalate things and you could end up getting bitten. When he growls totally withdraw, don't say anything and don't make eye contact with him. Leave him totally alone until he relaxes.

Did you get him from a rescue centre? If so it may be worth giving them a ring as some offer back up in the form of training/behaviourists.

Once he has been seen by a vet and any medical cause has been ruled out it may be worth joining a good reward based training class (your vet may be able to refer you to a good one).

It is almost impossible (and is definately irresponsible) to give advice over the internet about aggression problems. Unless you can observe the dog and people involved any advice could well make things worse.

[wendilla]

I admire you for taking on a dog and giving it a loving home.But maybe you made him a bit nervous and losing trust in you by squirting him with water as you do know know what ill treatment he had before. Try just the firm command and tell him he is naughty if he is nervous it will take time. I had my lovely golden Labrador (13) put to sleep 2 weeks ago .He is still everywhere I still shed tears as he was my faithful friend..You dog will reward you .Best take vets advice as Kita said.

[ummmm]

I took on a Springer that had been ill treated. Bless him. If we even raised our voices he'd pee on the floor. It took about a year for him to realise we weren't going to hit him. He became the most soppiest dog ever and it was like having my own personal stalker. He became full of confidence in the house but if we took him out and a stranger approached he'd cower away.

[milkonit]

Thanks to you all for the answers. We had him checked by the vet as soon as he arrived.He is the sloppiest loveable dog most of the time and we spoil him! When I said we squirted him with water that was when he was really naughty and it was only one of these hand held spray bottles, which unfortunately has now lead to him playing and drinking the water when the garden hose is going. When he is growling I can go up to him and hold his muzzle and tell him to stop and there is no aggresion to me or our other dog Hector. I think 'Nannyjill 'may be right in that something that my husband does unconciously is triggering something from his past. We'll just keep persevering with the little luv and hopefully like 'ummmm 'said he'll right him self. We have had GSD, labradors,spaniels, retrievers but have never had one lwith problems ike Tyke