Last year I adopted a 7 yr old spaniel/lab mix. From the first day we brought him him her constantly growled at my son, sometimes with his tail wagging. Sometimes he would up to him to be petted and when my son bent down to pet him, he growled. He has snapped at him on many occasions. The dog growls at any male who comes to the house to stay for a while (my sons) Lately he has carried through with the snapping and bit two of them. He's great with people on the street. I don't know what to do or how many chances I give the dog. I love him very much, but it has been a year of stress. They did not know his background so he may have been abused by a male/s.
Someone told me that I may have to have him put down.
It's been quiet since him bit my son a couple of days ago, he's only growled once but it wasn't a loud warning growl. I know I need to make a decision but I need a little insight, is this normal and what can I try to diffuse it, or has it gone beyond that?
I would not keep a dog in the house that bits children. You are looking for trouble. Sorry, but I am just being honest. You can look into a dog behavior specialist. Ask your vet for a referral. This is a very bad situation. vetcare