What do you feel like saying, right now?

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by Sciencewoman

He's always been kind of possessive about people. When we first met him, he snuggled on my lap and fell asleep. One of his litter mates tried to squirm in, and he growled at her. I didn't think too much of it, but that was exactly what's he like. So if he's sitting on my husband's lap, he doesn't like it when someone approaches. When he stays at his breeder's he plays well with the other dogs, but he also likes to snuggle on her lap...she says he'll share, but he's not moving. He's just not the typical "friendly to everyone" Cavalier personality like Teddy was. He bit my son a couple weeks ago. He rumbles first. It's just different. Then he'll go 3 weeks and never do this. He doesn't it when our house cleaner stands over him and tries to pet him. It seems like he's going on the offense to try to protect himself, but no one is actually threatening him. He's very reactive toward other dogs and cars on his daily walks. Nothing is new, it's just him, but I'd like to know what's going on on his dog mind so we could help him chill and be more trusting.

To me, it sounds like a mix of resource guarding and fear-based reactivity, or possibly pain related aggression.

Daisy had a ton of the typical Cavalier health issues, and Syringomyelia was one of them. I’ve seen it in several patients here, and back when I worked in Michigan. It’s pretty common in that breed. If Pippin’s dealing with chronic pain from SM, his fuse is going to be short. A full vet exam is step one to rule out anything physical before addressing the behavior. That’s where I’d start.

As for management, I’d have your house cleaner and guests completely ignore him. Reaching over a small, insecure dog is a classic bite trigger. And if he growls while sitting on someone’s lap, you should place him on the floor. He can’t guard something he no longer has. Know what I mean?

I do think you’re right about involving a behaviorist though. The longer you wait, the more likely those warning signs, like the growling, are just going to escalate. But you’re doing the right thing by trying to get ahead of it.