My cocker spaniel had puppies 11 weeks ago.  The boys have gone to their new homes and I have kept a girl. 

Mum is very intolerant of anything the pup does even to the point that if they sit on the same sofa she will growl at her.  They cannot seem to play without it turning into all out warfare, teeth bared on both sides.  I thought it was just an over boisterous pup who does not yet know how to play.  Also I put it down to my girl who is 4 and has had my undivided attention, love etc. to date and suddenly has to share me.  I will be starting socialisation and training for the pup soon but I don't feel this will address mum's behaviour.  She will still clean the pup and is concerned if she disappears or seems in distress so she must feel something for her.  My pup has always been very boisterous and frequently 'scrapped' with her brothers.  I put this down to a small litter and each of them vying to be leader of the pack. Mum has never hurt the pup but I am worried that if I don't 'nip this in the bud' that something more serious may occur. 

I try to treat them both the same giving them equal love and attention and am very conscious not to let mum feel left out.  In fact I find time in the day when we both just go out together for a walk, like old times (I also walk them together which mum hates!).  Without doubt I have a very feisty little pup who I can clearly see is irritating to mum.  Also I have a mum who clearly over reacts most of the time to the smallest thing i.e. if the pup accidently touches her!.  My concern is will this pup turn from a feisty pup into a nasty pup.  Will mum learn to love her most of the time, or is this relationship just going to deteriorate. 

I appreciate it is early days but want to know if I should be doing any now before this behaviour becomes ingrained................... in both of them.

Today has been a particularly trying day............  The whole idea of keeping a pup was to give her a friend/playmate and who better than a daughter.  Now I am really worried that I have done the wrong thing for both of them.  Is this behaviour, by mum particularly, common because I am worried that the pup is learning the wrong behaviour from her.

Any advice gratefully received...................