HI, I have a 3 mn old cocker spaniel, I'm a first time dog owner, and am very unsure of myself. Most of the time it's seems we are getting along great, learning tricks, playing nice, even got a grasp on house training, but there are these scattered problems. For instant; I took him out to eliminate tonight, got him back in the house, tried to clean his paws, and he challenged me aggressively, with a fierce growl and mouthing, (normal?). I responded with a quick "no bite" and a louder growl was produced. Then I grabbed his scruff and firmly told him "no bite" he squirmed, growled even more but eventually calmed. The major problem is, my wife won't discipline him like I do, because she once got attacked by a dog, and she is very afraid of him (she still loves him, when he's behaving). I guess what I'm wondering is what is normal for the puppy?, and will he listen to me as the alpha, but turn to this behaviour with everyone else, when I'm not around?

Jack - this is VERY nornal puppy behaviour. Puppies often don't like their feet being wiped and he is also seeing just who's the boss:D.You are doing the right thing in telling him "no" etc. Do be careful with scruffing him though is this can turn things worse. The biggest thing is to be confident in giving your instructions. What you could do is to do as you are with telling him no etc but after you have wiped hid feet praise and cuddle him and give him a really nice treat, a bit of cheese, sausage etc.

Where you do have a problem though, I'm sorry to say, is with your wife. It is vital that all people who live in the same house or have regular contact with the puppy are consistent in training him. Otherwise poor puppy just gets confused. One minute it's OK to do something, the next it's not. Cockers can be stubborn at times, so if he sees he can get away with things with your wife, he will do and this will only make things much worse. I understand your wifes nerviusness, but she must discipline the puppy too, not necessairly in exactly the same way as you, but firmly and consistenly not allowing bad nehaviour. If she can't, then she must do whatever it is that is then followed an unwanted behaviour. She must not let him in from outside until she is confident in wiping his feet. Dogs are very perceptive and he will pick up on her fear and he will then not be able to look at her as his superior.

Another way to approach the feet which would help your wife is to do it step by step. Get puppy in, give him a treat. Make him sit, give him a treat, gently, not even drying it fully, wipe one paw and give a treat, repeat with the others until done. It takes time and you may have to put up with a few wet paws for a few days, but while we have a dry spell this is a really good time to do this. Wipe his paws every time he comes in - even if it is dry. He'll then come to associate it with nice treats and want to have it done.

Good luck - hth

Pam n the boys