I would be grateful if you could give me some advice on my cocker spaniel who doesn't seem to like my 18 month old son.  I am very wary when she is in the same room as him and try very hard to keep them separate at all times which probably makes the situation worse as she may feel pushed out.  However i do not feel that i can trust her and so feel i have no choice.  do you have any suggestions on what i should do, i would be very grateful for the advice.

Thank You

Rebecca

At 18 months your baby is turning from a relatively imobile object, who was no threat to your adult dog, into a toddler, with grabbing hands :(

What indications do you have that she doesn't like your son?

Make sure you praise her (the dog ;)) at first when ever she looks at the baby. Make being around the baby a time of good things happening.  Make plenty of fuss of her when she is tolerating the babies presence.

It's a really hard thing to advise about on the 'net without seeing the dog 'in action' and I'd suggest that it's possible most of her behaviours are actually seated in fear rather than dislike, but fear is also often behind agression, so it's really important to get the right angle on the situation.  What you want to avoid is lots of 'soothing and comforting' when she behaves differently, especially if she seems scared, as she can then get the idea that you aren't comfortable either, which is not a good thing.

Could you ask your vet to refer you to a member of the UKRCB or APBC?