why is my dog insane?

Question

my dog, ever since he was little has had a problem. when he was little we would pick him up and he would make this little sound, that we didnt know what was, we later realized it was him growling as a puppy, now he is grown and he will be completely fine one minute, and then the next he is growling and snarling like he wants to kill you, but after awhile he will be okay again, but it has recently been getting worst, and anytime we walk by him or make one wrong move, he starts growling, i was just wondering if anyone knows the term for this problem, and if there is a certain food or nutritional supplement he could take to help stop or atleast make it happen less, it is slowly becoming a huge problem with family, please help?

putting him down is not an option, he never bites, he just growls and snarls, and whats wierd is he isnt aggressive with other people, he loves complete strangers, he just gets aggressive with us, except for my dad, he loves my dad more than anyone else, and wont even growl at him unless he steps on his paw or something

he is a cocker spaniel, and no hes not spoiled, and we have established dominance since he was little, im looking for something to help, hes not just some dog that needs to be trained, he has a problem, please serious answers only!

Answer 1

The problem is AGRESSION..... what on earth do you call growling other than a nasty display of agression and bad temper!!! Would you tolerate such agressive behaviour toward you from another adult... I dont think so, so why on earth are tolertaing such behaviour from the dog (and if anything encouraging it to not only continue with the agressive displays but more than likely GET WORSE and take a piece or two out of you or some inocent visitor/child).
WISE UP.. dont put up with this as you are creating one really big problem for yourself that will only get worse and potentially dangerous.
You should immediately do two things
(1) consult a vet- get them to recommend an appropriate training course/behavioural expert- and start asap!!
(2) ask the vet about medication to make he dog more controllable until the training etc takes hold
(3) Is your dog neutered? If not have a think about it as a bit less testosterone my help.

Answer 2

Well... It'd help a lot if you told me the breed of the dog and what his physical history is. There are some breeds, such as Dobermans, who have aggression problems because of the way their brain developes to a point there's too much pressure in their skull and this discomfort and pressure cause them to become highly aggressive. I'd suggest seeing a vet, get him checked out, rule out all physical ailments and then go from there. I know it's been a problem since he was a puppy but for all you know, it could be a genetic problem that started that early or possibly a tumor in his brain causing pressure in a certain area... There's so many physical problems that could be causing this. After talking with your vet, if there isn't a physical problem, then the next step is training. You have to establish dominence with all animals, other wise, they'll think they can control you which is obviously what he's succeeding in. You don't want him to fear you but you want him to respect you as the Alpha in the pact. He's at a point where he's too aggressive to train him on your own, you should've started establishing dominance when he was a puppy and now your only option will be a proffesional trainer. They're expensive, yes but it's better than putting the animal down or trying to cope with a dog who could be seriously dangerous to you and your family. Especially if he is a big dog... He has the ability to kill and that should be taken very seriously. Imagine if he decides to go off on a neighbor... You have an incredible lawsuit on your hands and at that point in time, your only option will be to put the dog down because it will most likely be court ordered. People don't take kindly to having animals attack them and it's a serious problem in large cities.

Answer 3

You really need to consult an animal behaviorist. Your local humane society should be able to recommend one. Also a thorough vet exam may be in order. The dog could have something that causes him pain that is making him act strangely or maybe even a brain disorder.
I don't know if dogs can suffer from mental illness like people do but you might want to check that out as well.Above all BE CAREFUL! Especially if there are small children around the dog. It would be a shame if this dog harmed someone, especially because it sounds like whatever is wrong isn't his fault.
Good luck!

Answer 4

You have a larger issue on your hands than you realize.. if that dogs gets ahold of a person/child you could lose everything you own...not to mention you would have to live with knowing you could have stopped it from happening because you knew he was an issue... I dont know/think that obedience classes would even help.... You need to make sure it has no way of getting loose in your neighborhood and keep a close eye on it at all times he could do some serous damage to you/you family/your neighbors/your neighbors children...alot of thing to consider....You should ask you vet.. but ultimately I hate to say it but you will probably be facing putting your dog down... its probably a genetic problem and there are no meds that will help you....sorry.....

EDIT: dont be a hater....this is just truth... as I have seen it happen before....sorry but putting him down might be your only option if this does escalate and it does sound like it is a PROBLEM....its time for a reality check... its going to get worse as it has already.. you need to think "Whats next?" it is a HUGE problem and its not going to go away.. by the way what type of dog is it???pitbull?? rottie??? Shephard??

Edit.... any dog can cause alot of harm to a human/child... be forwarned you have a LARGE problem on your hands and it is only going to get worse...sorry but truth hurts sometimes!!!

Answer 5

I had a dog like that too. She would snarl and growl and look like the most insane vicious carnivore on the planet, but she never bit anyone and a kind word turned it off in a flash. I think of it like this, every year a dog lives with us is like 7 years of living with our in-laws. Enough to make anyone snarly!

Answer 6

I have used a HUSHER--in the house for short periods of time as a training tool. They can still pant and drink,and it was very successful for me with an alpha dog. I would also consider a muzzle when you are out of the house.

Answer 7

Dogs can have multiple personalities too, they just can't tell you that. I suggest checking up alot on cocker spaniels and checking their temperment, and any history about behavior problems. It could be common, and you might not be able to get it fixed, but you will find ways to calm it down at least. It sounds to me your dog has terets.hehehehe

Answer 8

You have to get attached to your dog or make him get attached to you.You should wear protective hand wear like thick leather gloves and allow him to bite you there(if he bites that is)If he does then allow him to do so.Love him,hug him,let him know that you are there.But when he is over the top biting people,well sorry to say but you might need a small whip to hit him.He has to know who's boss and cant go about his business.Maybe he growls to get attention.It is best to be commanding and also to be loving and caring for him.It will workout so you can chill a bit.Also consult a good doctor.

Answer 9

Its called aggression. You need to get this under control now. I would advise a trainer or some obedience classes.

Answer 10

I think you need to take him to a vet and get him checked out, I haven't heard about this before, but he may one day attack someone, so better to try and get this solved before it is too late, good luck.