A question that dog lovers want answered is this: are Cocker Spaniels aggressive? Cocker Spaniels are friendly, gentle, obedient, and loving. They are reliable dogs for families with children and those without.
Boasting high intelligence, Cocker Spaniels respond to training so well. Unfortunately, they are one of the dog breeds prone to unexplained aggressive behaviors. So, Cocker Spaniels can be aggressive for no particular reason.
This article enlightens you on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for unexplained Cocker Rage Syndrome. Let us proceed below to learn more about this dog aggression type.
Are Cocker Spaniels Aggressive? – Cocker Rage Syndrome
How aggressive are Cocker Spaniels? Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to a canine aggression called Cocker rage syndrome. The syndrome triggers extreme rage without a cause. Cocker rage syndrome has no known cause. It affects only 10 percent of Cocker Spaniels.
It is so abrupt that it catches most dog parents unprepared. Cocker rage syndrome affects dogs in various ways, including panting and drooling. According to some researchers, this rage happens because of epilepsy seizures. Others claim that the affected dogs inherit the genes from their parents.
No scientific research substantiates these claims. Most common Cocker rage syndrome cases occur when the dog is hardly eight months old. If your Cocker is older, it will probably never experience this unexplained aggression. Solid-colored Cocker Spaniels are more prone to Cocker rage syndrome than parti-colored ones.
These dogs can attack fellow dogs violently to achieve dominance. They can also attack people when you are out to walk them. Many other dogs experience rage syndrome, including Bernese Mountain, Golden Retrievers, Pyrenean Mountain, German shepherd, etc. Cocker rage syndrome is an exceptional thing because it seldom happens.
Behaviors of Dogs with Cocker Rage Syndrome
Are Cocker Spaniels aggressive dogs that suddenly get into a sudden frenzy? Not every aggression is Cocker rage syndrome. Like humans, dogs can get angry and show it directly. For instance, they can snap and growl when they do not want disturbance or want to guard their food or toys from a child or another pet.
This is normal aggression that can disappear if you remove the aggressor. Also, the pet may growl, bark, or snarl before biting. On the other hand, Cocker Rage Syndrome lands from nowhere when you least expect it. You cannot know when the anger outburst will happen because there are patterns to read.
This savage aggression often surprises and shocks dog parents in equal measure. The pet does not understand what is happening to it, and why its owner is shouting. Most people respond to the sudden anger by attacking the animal for fear of bites.
Can you see the rage coming? This devilish Cocker rage has no signs. However, you should keep these points in mind:
- Most Cocker Spaniels get the attack from their sleeping state. The anger spurs from nothing in most cases. Sometimes it may happen because of a strange sound or footsteps in the house. The dog dilates its eyes angrily.
- The dog cannot control its emotions during its Cocker Rage Syndrome episode.
- As the dog loses consciousness, acting as if it does not recognize anyone around it, most owners respond by attacking it.
- Most dogs get calm after the rage attack ends. After that, they can behave as if nothing had happened moments ago and can be the most obedient dog. That is because they often do not comprehend the rage.
Cocker rage syndrome is so random that you cannot recreate it once it passes. On the contrary, you can grab food from the puppy to observe its aggressive behavior afresh to find a solution. Do dogs with rage syndrome deserve destruction?
Before you label your dog’s aggressive behavior as rage syndrome, visit a veterinarian or an expert behaviorist. These professionals can observe the dog and determine if its aggression is normal. That way, you can protect your dog from an incorrect diagnosis that could trigger euthanasia.
Why Does the Cocker Rage Syndrome Happen?
Are Cocker Spaniels aggressive and what causes the rage? Veterinarians do not understand the origin of Cocker rage syndrome. Thus, they believe the following are the potential causes:
- Genetics – Rage syndrome might be a genetic syndrome as it only affects a small percentage of Cockers. If you can track your Cocker Spaniel’s parentage, you can discover if there were other dogs with sudden rage syndrome.
- Neurological Abnormalities – Why are Cocker Spaniels aggressive? Another cause of abrupt and violent aggression attacks might be a neurological problem such as epilepsy. Usually, epilepsy triggers violent seizures in humans. Veterinarians believe that Cockers that experience the rage syndrome might have a canine form of epilepsy. That is because they regain consciousness and normal behaviors when the attack regresses. Imbalances in the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and response to stimuli in dogs might cause rage syndrome.
- Abuse and Neglect – Cocker puppies can be angry if you abuse or neglect them. One-time act might lead to a normal aggressive behavior. However, dogs subjected to daily abuse and abandonment might display sudden anger outbursts. For instance, puppies from mills that focus on profit-making are likely victims of the rage syndrome. As you search for a suitable puppy, ensure it does not come from irresponsible breeders. These breeders use dogs that already display Cocker rage syndrome, thus propagating the problem.
- Low Levels of Serotonin – Do Cocker Spaniels become aggressive due to a hormonal abnormality? Serotonin is the hormone that triggers relaxation and calmness in the brain. Some experts explain that dogs with low serotonin levels are prone to rage syndrome.
Besides the above, people have created other theories around this problem. Some believe the owner’s inability to control the dog’s behavior and instill discipline can trigger anger outbursts. Others claim that rage syndrome is more of a mental lapse situation that can occur even in well-trained dogs.
How to Diagnose Cocker Rage Syndrome
Can you diagnose the rage syndrome problem correctly? Cockers that show aggressive behaviors need a proper diagnosis. Avoid jumping to conclusions when you notice a Cocker gaining dominance among other dogs occupying its presumed territory. It could be a case of dominance aggression.
Another example is a dog getting aggressive to guard its resources such as food. You can interpret aggressive dog behaviors incorrectly if you are not careful. Instead, take the pet to a veterinarian or a dog behavior specialist.
Ensure you can describe your dog’s anger attack to the veterinarian. How did it behave before and during the attack? Did it calm down after that? In short, only dog behavior experts and veterinarians can diagnose Cocker rage syndrome with precision. They will do the following:
- Ask for your pet’s medical and physical examination documents.
- Run blood tests to see if the pet has hormonal imbalances or a disease.
- Carry out MRI and CT scans to see the brain condition.
- Do behavioral assessments to evaluate if the dog has rage syndrome or just controllable aggression.
How to Handle Aggressive Cocker Spaniel
Are Cocker Spaniels aggressive and can you handle it? Veterinarians may suggest epileptic medicines for puppies with Cocker rage syndrome. If medicines do not help, the dog will undergo euthanasia. The last part hurts because they will destroy the dog for its inability to live with humans.
Ensure it has the Cocker rage syndrome before having it euthanized. Dog breeders should observe the best breeding practices to reduce the number of puppies born with the rage syndrome. They can help the country reduce the destruction of Cocker Spaniels and other dog breeds that cannot live with humans because of rage.
FAQ
1. Do Cocker Spaniels tend to be aggressive towards people?
English Cocker Spaniels are more aggressive towards people than the American Cockers. However, a well-trained and socialized Cocker does not hurt strangers or bark aimlessly.
2. Is it common for Cocker Spaniels to bite?
Cocker Spaniels without the rage syndrome give warnings before biting. If the dog does not want to play or to see you near its resources, it can become aggressive. It can growl and roar before offering a bite. Kids should be careful with a Cocker that does not want disturbance.
3. Are Cocker Spaniels more aggressive than Rottweilers?
The Royal Veterinary College based in London claims that four to twelve percent of Cocker Spaniels are aggressive. The ones with a golden coat are more aggressive. Rottweiler dogs are way bigger than Cockers but far less aggressive since only 7.46 percent show rage. Hence, Cockers seems more aggressive than Rottweilers.
4. What is the most aggressive dog?
The American Pit Bull Terrier could be the most aggressive dog in the US. It has inflicted many serious bites than any other dog breed so far.
Conclusion
Are Cocker Spaniels aggressive? This guide has all the answers you need. Cockers are generally loving, kind, gentle, and close to human families. However, some may have inborn issues like Cocker rage syndrome.
This sudden fury can surprise and shock those who have never seen it before. Have your pet screened medically and physically by a veterinarian. They will decide if it can respond to medication or should face destruction.
Leave A Comment