My 3 yo American water spaniel growls at me when eating?

She also has begun to growl when I walk by and she is sleeping at the foot of my son (age 22) when he is sleeping.
She has not bitten but I want to stop this before she does. Any advice?

you've lost pack leader postion, the dog is now pack leader. This is not a behavior that you should let continue. When you feed your dog, eat something first then give your dog her food, however you need to stand over the bowl and CLAIM the dogs food, she will put up a fuss and growl but don't back down, eventually she'll walk away, which means you've won, stand up to her. You should be able to take anything she owns away, she has to learn that her stuff is your stuff and you allow her to use it. Never put up with growling or any type of aggression from your dog. Be a pack leader and that means being one 24/7. On a walk does the dog walk you or do you walk the dog? A dog should be beside you at all times or slightly behind you. You command the walk, you walk thru the door first when going on the walk and first again when returning. Letting the dog go first makes them pack leader and you the follower. A dog needs Rules and boundaries and it doesn't sound like you've set any, they also need exercise, dicipline and then affection in that order, most people give affection, affection and affection and nothing else.

Remember, most dogs are born into the submissive role and like it just fine. The problem starts when naturally submissive dogs try to fill what they see as a vacant pack leader role. Since Nature never intended them to take on this role, bad or unwanted behavior ensues as they act out or try to normalize their world. -- Cesar Millan

My suggestion is watch The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel Friday's at 8 & 9 pm. He deals with aggression in dogs.

teach him not to be so protective. he probably takes things and is protective over them because he had to fight with other dogs for things before.
you can start from the positive or negative teaching.
the positive way is start petting him and touching his mouth. praise him for this. repeat it and you can move on to taking things. you have to let him know that you are taking his things to help him.
the negative way (well not really negative) is telling him no when he takes things. teach him that he is not allowed to take your things. and praise him when he doesnt. ex. put a dish towel in front of him. tell him "no" or "leave it" or something to let him know that he is not supposed to take it. at first put it in front of him and take it away really quickly. then praise him. later on, you can put it in front of him longer.

try either of these to see if they work. remember, always praise your dog by treats or pats. make sure he knows the difference between a good thing and a bad thing. also, only train for 5-10min. sessions everyday. good luck!

if you mean that the dog barks when shes eating then just leave her alone a few dogs that ive had did that all the time when i fed them

Its pretty sad that your 22 year old son lives at home still. Maybe you should tell him to get a job.

Maybe she doesn't want to be disturbed

Next time she growls at you when you get near her food, scold her harshly and take her food away. Do not give it back until she sits or lies down and is calm. Start making her wait away from the dish when you prepare her food (my dogs have to wait outside the kitchen until everyone's dish is ready) to give her the idea that the food is yours until you say she can have it. Food aggression is a form of dominance and can lead to other problems if it's not stopped early.
Do the same thing if she growls at you when she's near your son. Scold her harshly until she submits. Do not let her get away with this - ever!

It sounds like your dog has began to think that he is the "leader" of your pack. There are a few things you can do about this. I know the most about food gaurding so will twll you about that.

In regards to the food you should "eat" before him. This does not mean your full meal unless that is convient. Prepare his dish on a counter or table. Also prepare a cracker, cookie, or some other small snack for your self. Eat and completly finish you snack while the dog watches. Once you are done place his bowl on the ground and allow him to eat. Do this every time you feed him. This works because in wild dog packs the leader always eats first.

If he growls while he is eating begin to do the following. Prepare a very tasty treat compared to his reqular meal. (real meat instead of dog food, cheese, whatever he really likes). approch him while he is eating and show him the treat. eventullay he will associate being appoached while eating with receiving a treat and will be less likely to "guard" his food by growling.

These are two simple thing to do and can help with the food agression

Your dog is developing a territorial aggression problem. If you have already had her to Obedience School, time for a refresher course. You should consult a local reputable trainer about this and take her in for an interview. He/she will be able to best advise you what course of action should be followed to stop the behavior before it becomes more dangerous. You want a specialist in aggression too late for clicker or treat training, you don't have time for crutches.

Be careful taking anything away from a dog that is already being dominant unless you are sure you won't be bitten. She should not be allowed to sleep on the bed since this can make a dominant dog worse. If she is in the way on the floor (especially in a doorway), make her move out of the way for you. Do not walk around her or step over her. Everything!!!!! she gets must be earned. This means food, treats, toys, walks, and attention. Make her sit, lay down, etc., then give her a reward. You must become the leader and make her earn things. Be "calm and assertive" as Ceasar says, but NOT aggressive. This problem will only get worse if you don't nip it in the bud now.