Meet Norman

This is how the cushions on the settee are all over the place when I come back from school, Norman is making himself comfortable.

He's got his feet under the table in no time, hasn't he glass?

I think your right when

Some very sad news Norman has had to go back to the rescue centre, he bit DGD, only a nip, but when her Daddy stepped in he took a chunk out of his hand...blood everywhere.
I am pleased SIL was able to step in as I dread to think what could have happened if not, so I feel dreadful and that I have failed. I had hoped we could give Norman a good home but it was not to be, I hope the centre now has more information to be able to rehouse him with a couple without children.
I did feel he was starting to assert himself in the house so maybe this was his way of showing to DGC that he was the boss. So sad . My DD and SIL insisted on going out and getting a puppy as they didnt want DGD to always to be living with a fear of dogs, so there is a new 10 week old sprocker called Jack.

What a shame Glass, but you had no choice! I hope Jack is settling in well.

I do hope it works out this time glass

Such a shame glass but good that you have a new puppy who you can train properly to make sure he has good manners and a kind heart. Looking forward to seeing a photo - soon?

How sad for you Glass,you did all the right things as well.
One of my earliest memories was being smacked, probably only remembered because it was the first and last time that I was smacked, because "You should never disturb a dog whilst it is eating." Not long after the pup went to a nice home in the country were he would have more room to play. I can only hope that was true. I found out much later that he had gone for me as I watched, in three year old fascination him eating his dinner.
I didn't disturb a dog eating for years though. Not until we puppy-walked guide dogs and had to do it as part of their training.

Sorry,forgot to say have fun with Jack and show us some photos soon.

glass so sorry to hear about Norman, but you did the right thing. It's one of those decisions that is made beforehand, in the hope it never happens, but your reaction was appropriate. Our golden/red cocker was adorable but cantankerous and quite bad-tempered, but fortunately didn't bite anyone. There are still some breeders of red cockers whose dogs carry this behaviour trait.

Hope you have happy times with your puppy

Glass You have NOT failed! x

What a shame. I was concerned that Norman was a red/golden cocker but I'm sure you said you'd had a golden one before and I thought that the temperament problem with golden cockers had been sorted out with more careful breeding. When I bred blue roans a lot of people phoned me wanting a golden coloured dog and wouldn't listen to me when I advised against it, thinking I was just trying to sell them one of my dogs. At the time [this was a long time ago] about 1/14 golden dogs had to be euthanised because of temperament problems. The problem was that, to get the solid colour you had to mate father to daughter etc. I wish I'd said something now [I did mention it once before I think] but, as I say, thought the problem had been ironed out by better breeding. I'm so glad you've got Jack [but feel awful that I didn't say something sooner; I'm really sorry].

Welcome to wee Jack. Norman wasn't right for a family, but no doubt he will soon be found a home where he can settle with an adult (or two). You all tried very hard, glass.

What shame glass but good to have found out have fun with puppy!

My King Charles Rosie is hopelessly spoilt and very harp with ther dogs but totally gentle with children and us she would let me take a chew out of her mouth but look upset !

Our last King Charles would snap at children don't think you gan generalise with a breed.

Aw, glass, that's such a shame, but you haven't failed. Best of luck with the puppy.

Glass you certainly haven't failed. We once had to have a much loved lab put to sleep because she became aggressive. This was almost unheard of in that breed however she suffered from hip dyplasia and was in constant pain and eventually she snapped at my toddler. You had no choice.

Thank you everyone.