Cocker Spaniel Growling

Cocker Spaniel growling, like the growling of any other dog, is typically a sign of aggression in either play or potentially threatening situations. Young Cocker Spaniels will growl when playing with their littermates as a way to establish dominance. If a Cocker puppy growls at a person in play it is their way of trying to show they are stronger, tougher and more aggressive than the person. Immediately stopping the play activity and ignoring the puppy typically stops this issue since the puppy really wants to have lots of interaction.

It is important not to encourage Cocker Spaniel growling with puppies or with dogs, no matter how cute it may seem at the time. Once a dog begins to think he or she is the pack leader, following commands or listening to humans will become more and more of a problem. There is no need to specifically pushing the dog, simply ignoring the behavior and stopping the interaction is all it takes to prevent growling from becoming a bad habit.

LEARN How to STOP Cocker Spaniel Growling once and for all!

Some Cocker Spaniel growling may occur if the dog has not been properly socialized or obedience trained. Typically these dogs are very territorial and possessive; however this is not a trait of the breed rather a sign of poor training and socialization. Providing structured interactions with a firm, consistent trainer as well as providing opportunities for the dog to interact with different people is often all that is needed to prevent the problem from escalating.

When other strange dogs are present Cocker Spaniel growling is likely used to establish their territory and develop a sense of which is top dog in the group. Often this type of growling includes a lot of posturing with heads raised, tails raised and the typical sniffing and testing behaviors that is common in all dog breeds. A certain amount of this is very normal and instinctual, however with Cocker Spaniels there is rarely any actual aggression. As your Cocker becomes more accustom to being around a variety of dogs, especially in the dog park, at shows or during competitions this issue will resolve itself provided you praise the dog for greeting other dogs calmly and without and avoid aggressive dogs.

Cocker Spaniel growling in adult dogs is more problematic because it often signals signs of pain or health conditions. Often a Cocker Spaniel that growls when picked up or when playing may have some time of internal pain, muscular or joint problem. Hip dysplasia is very common within the breed and can cause significant pain even with younger dogs. Any sign of stiffness, lameness or inability to easily move from a sitting to a standing position needs to be completely checked by a vet. While there is no cure for hip dysplasia it can be treated using non-steroid medication or corticosteroids if it is in an advanced state.

Growling in Cocker Spaniels can also occur if eye problems are an issue or if the dog is having difficulty in seeing clearly. Any discharge from the eye, tearing or changes in the dog’s ability to see should be checked by a vet. Often medical reasons for Cocker Spaniel growling will be immediately corrected when the medical issue is addressed.