Hi
I have two spaniels, a 5yo sprocker and a 2yo springer. Love them both to bits.
The sprocker is a total dope, temperament to die for....bit naughty occasionally, but a very loving and trusting dog.

The springer is totally different, but also a lovely dog. Apart from his undying burning desire to catch birds, he is almost impeccably behaved....no naughty side, doesn't chew anything, he's not destructive, lhe listens !!.....all this with no formal training.....he's a natural!

So what's the problem?

Well it's not easy to explain really, in a nutshell...he growls if you try and give him too much affection....like hugs or anything.

First time he did it I was trying to lift him up on to the sofa to give him extra affection.....he didn't appreciate it. Now he's been known to growl when I'm taking his picture even!!
Last night I was petting him, he offered me his paw....which i shook....then i called for his paw and he growled!!

Now I know springers are mental anyway.....but I am getting a little concerned.

He's never shown his teeth.....and one opinion I have is that the growling is not aggressive on his part....maybe he is trying to talk to me? Is that mad?

He does get jealous when people visit the house, he likes to get all the attention....he will get quite nasty with my other dog at times. Are the two characteristics related? Is he a ticking time bomb or just a nutter?

Help and opinions appreciated. Thanks

Cant believe what i have just read, our first springer sadly was put to sleep last may age 8, was exactly like you have described yours, i have never heared of this behaviour before from otherwise a lovely dependable dog and we just accepted that it was just how Monty was.

He did all that you say yours do,he could be layed at our feet and we would be stroking him and he would be loving it, but change direction of the stroke or move to another part of his body and he would growl, he could be layed with us all night and when we were going to bed we would say to him and his brother bed time boys harvey would be straight into bed monty would do the same but be growling as he was walking over to it, I know ime going on here and i could go on forever but this thread you have put on is the best ever for me as ive never known a none aggressive dog do this before yours. He could be laying, sitting and if i looked at him and said as i always did "monty you are beautifull" or anything like that and he would come up tail wagging and be loved kissed and fussed, i could door say the same thing 10 mins later and he would grumble/growl at me.

Maybe you have and i had a talking moody springer.

my springer's the same but he doesn't grawl. but does make a horrable almost growl when he play's with my lab thought he was killing her when i herd it 1st he doesn't bark much i think it's instead of barking.And yeah i also could talk about springer's alday

Talk about springers all day? well never, ive picked up that as we have been posting all week, well if noone else wants to . . . . . . I will, ime springer mad

hehe thought that would shock you. i love my other's dearly. but my boy. well his just got that way that get's to as you no with your's

Ye i no exactly what you mean, best not say anymore we'l be in bother for hyjacking

Have you checked him over for any lesions? There may be a skin issue in a certain place - its always good to have a good go over thier coats. To add to this how is he when your grooming him... It may be a good introduction to affection when your running a soft brush through him (add a stoke just behind the brush)
Other than that the usual doggie stuff get down to their level, maybe start with head and chin strokes then to the back of the neck/shoulders? As hes fully gorown and doesnt sound a wimp be overly hard when your affectionate ... dont play at ruffing him up, if your doing this do it for a min or two then nothing, focus on the spots he likes - but over some weeks increase how hard you rub - this (alongside grooming) will improve your dominance over him.
I try not to use treats in training as they are always hungry and have a high scent drive - use play reward, maybe introduce 'pets' on retrieve? Dont know if this reads ok - say if it doesnt

I think you sumed this up realy well. good advise