I have no idea if this story will help you, but I will share it because my brother was shocked when this happened.

My brother and family were leaving on a weeks vacation and had planned on a house sitter/friend for their nine year old German Shepherd.

"Jake" is huge and very loving - and especially good around my seven and one year old nieces.

The house sitter/friend happens to play rough with dogs and Jake is so large you would think he might like it, however, he is such a gentle giant and his personality is not into rough play.

While the house sitter/friend was at their home and after teasing Jake - Jake went into the kitchen and peed on the floor. This never - ever happens.

Obviously, Jake was stressed by their friend - enough so, that my brother decided to NOT have him house sit.

You mentioned that your cocker growled at your boyfriend which makes me want to put him into the picture, more in the forefront.

This could be a dominance issue - or your cocker could be confused and upset by the rough play.

Cocker spaniels, and especially males have "attitutude". Of course, the good kind - but they do need a firm hand.

My former neighbors had a cocker and they went away for three weeks, leaving me to care for him. He was fine, depressed they were gone, but accepted me - because I fed him and cleaned up after him. However, when they returned - I had to laugh, because the dog "dismissed" me - would have nothing to do with me - and always deferred to his female owner.

Cocker's do need a firm hand in training and you have already received some good advice in the earlier posts.

I wish you good luck - and hope that all works out for the best for all three of you.