Only dog lovers will understand

We had a rescue red spaniel many years ago that after a year started to bite and snap. It was sad for us when the vet said it had a brain problem and couldn’t be cured. Sadly she was put down.

It is heartbreaking to have to do this; it can feel like failure but you have really done the best thing for everyone. I wish you the very best of times with your new dog.

I know just how you feel @Sarnia.
We've had springer spaniels for years, and now have a bitch with her sprocker (cocker x springer) son. They are generally adorable, but you do get the odd one. Have you thought of adopting an older dog, where the personality is already known? You can at least be happy that you didn't have to have him put to sleep.

Sarnia my heart breaks for you, but you have done the right thing for him and your family. The biting could of gotten worse and maybe it would of been one of the children. I got bitten by a dog on my face when I was a child, it just missed my eye. It was a friend's dog and it had to get put asleep, just think that your little man has a chance of someone else to care and love him.
After I was bitten it never put me off having dogs, I adore them. When I got my latest rescue I was nervous of her at the beginning, a little wire fox terrier, but I soon got her settled. She was a stray found on the streets so I knew nothing of her past history, but I know she had it bad before me. A nervous wreck came into my life, frightened of everything, but now is a sassy little madam.
I'm sure the house is so quiet without him now, they bring so much joy and love to your home. You will find another little one when you are ready, one that fits well into your family and one that you won't worry about around the children. ?

You did the right thing here! For everyone especially your dog!!
Asap try to start over with another dog.

Not to be an old misery, but in case anyone is thinking of taking on a border collie ,,,,,,
They can be the sweetest of dogs. And the most intelligent ( probably an argument there) but they can also be very erratic.
We had 2, and the male was very neurotic. He chased vehicles, was a biter and a spinner, .and circled/herded children. though he was very affectionate with us.
We were living in the country at the time so he had plenty of exercise.
The female was easier to manage but was starting to copy his behaviour, until he was finally run over. She lived to 15, a wonderful companion. I still miss her.
Hoping you find the right match.

My son had a border collie who was from working dog parents. He was a lovely dog, but very timid, and not at all sociable. If they visited he always tucked himself away in a corner and stayed there. He didn't like strange places, and liked to go on the same walk every time. If they tried another route he slipped away and went back to the car, where he would patiently wait for them. He emigrated to Australia with them, and took ages to settle, resuming his old ways, but was otherwise a faithful friend to them and never aggressive. Sadly he had to be put to sleep last year, at the grand old age of 14
When the children were young we took in a stray which had followed me home, and seemed very interested in my baby. She was terrified of loud traffic, and we wondered if her 'family' had had a baby, and decided to abandon her on the nearby M6 motorway. She was in a sorry state, but turned out to be the most loving pet. She looked like a Collie/Alsatian Cross and liked to try to herd the family when we were out walking.
I'm glad that OP had the courage to find a more suitable home for her dog. Upsetting, but much better for everyone, and I hope that you find one that fits in with your family.

At the end of the day- a dog's a dog and if it has any propensity to harm any humans, it has to go! Sad and probably result of I'll breeding choices but don't feel at ALL guilty. My mum saw so many brutally damaged children in A&E as a result of a ' playful beloved family pet' she lost count, I always imagine a toddler being badly bitten at the level of say a leg bite in an adult, catastrophic! Don't feel bad you did the absolute right thing.

I don't understand why someone who lives in a flat would choose a spaniel. They are such energetic dogs.

I feel sorry for dogs bought during lockdown which are now perhaps left at home all day getting bored and frustrated.

Marmite32

Not to be an old misery, but in case anyone is thinking of taking on a border collie ,,,,,,
They can be the sweetest of dogs. And the most intelligent ( probably an argument there) but they can also be very erratic.
We had 2, and the male was very neurotic. He chased vehicles, was a biter and a spinner, .and circled/herded children. though he was very affectionate with us.
We were living in the country at the time so he had plenty of exercise.
The female was easier to manage but was starting to copy his behaviour, until he was finally run over. She lived to 15, a wonderful companion. I still miss her.
Hoping you find the right match.

Snap! Border collie pup given away by far Dr he said there's always one that wants to attack the sheep- and she was it! Terrified my children herding, boarding preventing them moving from where she'd corralled them! Returned her to farm in tears , eldest daughter overjoyed! Just married an arrable farmer and needs good guard for when he was at market at 3am!! Good result but NEVER would I have another working breed!

You need to get over this dog so take time out, and consider a different breed as there is a condition called "The cocker rage syndrome" which makes them prone to snap. A retriever or certain terrier would be better. Border terriers are nice little dogs without any of the genetic problems in cockers. A pugalier would be nice. They have the cuteness of pugs without the health problems.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I've had the same experience with a poodle cross which we rehomed through a rescue 2 years ago.
She adored my OH, and he could do anything with her. But she hated me and would growl and snarl and chase me out the room. Also growling at visitors, and bit my DDs partner when he tried to move her.
As we have visiting DGC who stay for a few days at a time we realised it was not worth the risk so rehomed to a single person. She's doing OK there and has bonded well with the lady.
Still think about her often though.
We now have another dog who is very loving to everyone.

I don’t think I’ve actually chosen any of my dogs. I’ve just told re homers my life style and they’ve come up with a dog who’d suit me. I’ve had some wonderful dogs over the years and every one has been the perfect Wuff for me. Take advice about a dog BEFORE you get one.

I think spaniels are getting a bad rap here, cocker rage is very rare, and as a breed they are not more difficult than other popular breeds. They are intelligent and easily bored though, so best suit an active family. Individual dogs of all breeds have different personalities, and generally cockers are lovely, well natured dogs who love children and don’t bite! I’d never have any kind of terrier myself, because in my experience they are more likely to be biters, and are grumpy - but I recognise that’s just my experience, not the reality.

Casdon, I agree, spaniels are getting a lot of negative posts. I’m on my second blue roan - both from good breeders so five year pedigree and health checks
Like all dogs thru need a leader to set boundaries, routines kindly and consistently. I’m on Facebook spaniel pages. It’s clear some puppies come from puppy farms abd have health and temperament problems plus they’re from dams who have back to back pups, live in squalid conditions with no human kindness. First time owners find themselves dealing with sick puppies
Many treat their pups like babies, sleep with thrm, over feed, don’t set routines, let the pup and small children play snd get overexcited - recipe for disaster
Sadly our rescue centres don’t have the much loved-mongrels. More likely to have Woolf lookingbreeds, bull dog crosses, old German shepherds or rotties
Anyone looking to adopt may be better with breed specific rescues where the dogs are assessed in foster care

I’m so glad you had the strength to let your walker adopt him. A busy home with children is not where he ought to be. You’ve done the right thing.

You will feel better soon. May be you’ll still see him from time to time?

"Cocker rage syndrome" has been a topic of discussion for very many years, usually in solid colour (red or black) males - in the mid-'70s I worked with someone whose golden cocker male had serious issues that they were trying to work through with professional support, they had school age children and the dog was certainly triggered by them. I don't know the outcome in their case as I moved away.

I would never take on a 'rescue' dog unless I already knew the dog, the circumstances in which it had been living, and the reason for its rehoming. There only needs to be one ghost in its past for something to trigger either an aggressive or guarding behaviour, or cause a dog to bolt. It's hard enough for adults to be dog-aware, difficult for even committed and caring older children, and impossible for little kids. The dog can't tell you any frightening or upsetting experiences it had before whichever charity decided to get involved. Especially with dogs that have, by all accounts, been to hell and back in Cyprus or Eastern Europe, I think placing them in inexperienced homes, or with children, is asking for trouble, and it's no wonder so many end up being returned to the charity. The charities are actually funding big business with the people running the kennels which send van-loads of dogs over here for rehoming. I'd always prefer to get a puppy, from a breeder and dogs I already know, or know of, and be certain that nothing in any way negative has happened during its crucial period of socialisation and fear responses.

Hard as it feels now, I'd agree you made the right decision.

I've not read all the previous posts yet, so I apologise if someone else has already said this.

You say that the vet diagnosed this condition as genetic. As such, I would be contacting the breeder you had the puppy from and letting them know that the pairing they used for this litre is throwing an unpleasant genetic condition and they would be best advised to change parentage for future liters, not only for the benefit of the puppies and their new owners but for their reputation because of word gets out that they are breeding puppies with unpleasant/hard to handle genetic issues, they won't be able to sell their puppies.

Flipping predictive text.... should (obviously) read litter(s) not litre(s)

Sarnia
Don't feel even slightly guilty about your dog .

My family are dog breeders and trainers
and they've had their disasters ie : sheep dogs that "worry "the sheep .

I'm not nearly as accomplished as they are and am far more sentimental about dogs .

And I've had five rescue dogs which wouldn't settle with my family :

Two of them bit my children, one trashed the house and two of them stopped eating and pined for their previous owners .

I managed to rehome four of them and one had to put down .
I cried and agonised over it .
I was also criticised .

Just as it happens with people - it happens with dogs .

When they are a risk to your family - it is time to say goodbye .

Take a deep breath and maybe try a cross bred puppy from a known source .
Have a look at the parents .

Wishing you lots of luck .

Ugh. Cocker Spaniels. Yes. Extremely cute puppies. But with that KNOWN disorder. If you decide on another dog please do your research and buy from a reputable breeder.

All breeds have a known disorder INana2025, often more than one. Cocker rage is very rare, the vast majority of them are lovely family dogs - that’s why they are so popular. I do agree though that anybody looking for a new dog should do their research, and buy from a reputable breeder.

Casdon

All breeds have a known disorder INana2025, often more than one. Cocker rage is very rare, the vast majority of them are lovely family dogs - that’s why they are so popular. I do agree though that anybody looking for a new dog should do their research, and buy from a reputable breeder.

That’s the problem, people buying from puppy farms, or breeders who have no real knowledge, their poor bitches are turning out 2 litters a year. Puppies not give the care and socialisation they need in that 8-12 week window that helps set temperament.
Cocker rage is a rare neurological problem. Good breeders won’t breed from dogs with poor temperament or health.

Additionally - a word in support of rescues, I’ve adopted 8 and fostered a number. Never had a problem. They arrive with baggage, toy help them feel secure, they settle and relax, become the best family pets ever. Honestly - my current very well bred lab, from show winning heritage is more of a training challenge in adolescence than any rescue or foster. He’s very bright, very excitable but very delicious. He will make a great dog, he’s happy, lively, lives every person/every dog and I’m relieved he isn’t my first dog.
Pups/dogs are full on. If you can’t commit - get a goldfish
And I’m not referring to Sarnia

I'd love another dog but I know it's not practical.

And I don't want another bl**dy goldfish, had enough when the DGC had them!! ? Or hamsters, cute as they are or a guinea pig or rabbit.

Don't even mention a cat.

Sorry, my DC had goldfish.