Possesive pup?

[sloggue]

My sister has just got a 22 month cocker spaniel from a rehoming centre. She has only had him for 3 days and he is a liitle darling except for one problem. On a few occasions he has started growling at her and has once tried to bite. He only does this when her husband is in the same room.The rest of the time he is affectionate and playful. She understands that it is early days and will need to be patient. Toby was neutered about a month ago and was previously owned by a very elderly gentleman, more than that we don't know. Any advice greatfully accepted as she is quite upset and thinks the dog doesn't like her!!

[quibbmedusa]

hello there again sloggue, you do have your fair share of probs with puppies dont you!lol
hows the itchy terrier? better i hope!
well, whenever i have problems of a behavioural problem with my dog, i turn to Jan Fennels book "the dog listener"
Its absolutely brilliant!!!! and using her tequniques have turned my unpredictable jack russelll in to a reliably friendly little dog! she also deals with rescue dogs and aggression.Hope she can help your sister, she is brilliant, best of luck!!

[sloggue]

Thanx for your advice quibbmedusa. will certainly look out that book for my sister.
As for Billy ,he seems a little better with the piriton and tea tree treatment. Will be taking him to the vets next week to try and figure out what the cause is though so watch this space!
Many thanks again.

[Casualtybabe]

maybe you should get the dog to spend more time with her husband, like taking him for walks, playing with him, then try him with both of them, he might be scared of men from the past home, it might not be her that he doesnt like,
good luck anyway

[lindisfern]

Mixed loyalties,over primary programming.
The previous owner being male is imprinted as pack leader
dog has to show pack loyalty to pack leader,You are substitue pack leader in absence,
Difficult but not impossible to overide primary programming
as it is part inherited instinct,part parental learned and a big
chunk experience.
Restrict husbands involvemnt with feeding,occasional treats
only. Yes let him take the dog out for walks but only go one the best walks as a team,you give treats when out for a walk
and a big meal when he gets home(dog that is)
Dog will get to think pack leader not a good provider and
switch loyalties but stay with your husband as a pal.