Selective Aggression

by Lucy Randolph
(London)

My brother recently came to stay with his recently acquired 4 yr old english cocker spaniel - a trained gun dog.

The dog is very friendly to all adults and older children, is exercised very thoroughly each day, fed well and cared for. Outside he ignores other dogs and if faced with agressive behaviour from them retreats from conlict and actually cringes. He is very obedient to commands.

However, on two occasions when indoors, without any warning he voliently attacked two small dogs in the house. On the first occasion this was immediately he saw the other animal and on the second occasion it was after being in the company of the other dog for an hour or so. There is no doubt that had we not responded very quickly, injury would have resulted. He totally ignores our cats.

He can also quietly growl in the presence of smaller children but has never done anything.

Can you suggest what this "Jekell and Hyde" behaviour might be?

Lucy

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