Ok, so when you first get home with a spaniel, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Some Cocker Spaniel issues, if you will. Don’t get me wrong, they are extremely people-friendly and very happy mingling with humans. But, most dog owners have to go to work, understandably, leaving their pup home alone for hours. Spaniels really don’t like to be alone or lonely. They experience what are called separation anxiety attacks. They will become restless and start showing signs of apprehension, and it will become a regular occurrence that you come home to a big mess.
Now now, you need not worry, there’s good news. Your spaniel WILL adjust to the loneliness, it’s just going to take some time and training.
Crate Training
Crate training is a proven method to use when dealing with cocker spaniel issues, and actually isn’t cruel at all. In fact it will actually become a kind of safe haven where your pup can rest and relax. You can make it comfortable for him too by putting some of his favorite toys in their for him play with. Give him a bowl of water to slurp up. Of course he will not be a fan of being put in a crate and left alone, but those things can help, and you’ll have to start by putting him in the crate for short periods of time. Leave for a few minutes then come back and let him out, and be sure to say encouraging things. Slowly but surely increase the amount of time you are away, and eventually he will become used to the idea that even if you leave, you will return.
Originally cocker spaniels were hunting dogs. Still are for some. Their master would shoot birds and the spaniels job was to retrieve them. Their hunting instincts are still strong. They use their sense of smell and taste when figuring out their surroundings. So chewing is a very common cocker spaniel issue that owners have to deal with. They will also chew things as a puppy when they are teething. It eases the pain. If you want to avoid chewed up belongings, and i’m sure you do, it is smart to get them chew toys. Make it well known that chewing is only allowed when it’s their chew toys that are being chewed on. Couch cusions, shoes, stuffed animals, all a big no-no.
Is Your Spaniel Bored
Digging! Ugh. Another cocker spaniel issue. I guess what you must understand here is that dogs LOVE to dig. They bury their bones, look for bugs and most of the time just dig out of boredom. Since being bred as hunting dogs, they are easily bored. They need to be kept occupied at all times. You’re going to want to give your spaniel an adequate workout every day.
Go for a walk, it’s good for you too. Play a little frisbee, or fetch with a tennis ball. A tuckered out dog is a calm relaxed dog. Give him a specific area in the yard where he is allowed to dig. If or should I say when you see him digging outside of the designated area, simply pick him up and carry him to the digging area. Do this every time. He will pick up on it over time so – patience. Another idea is to bury some of his toys in the digging area, he will have fun digging them up, and pick up on the idea that if he wants to dig, do so there.
Here’s an important cocker spaniel issue. Health. Spaniels are very prone to eye problems. You must clean them often and regularly have them checked by your vet. Glaucoma and conjunctivitis are the two most common eye ailments. Also they have big cute floppy ears that need regular cleaning or it could result in ear infections.
You need to keep a watchful eye on your dogs health. He cant speak human, and you need to watch for out of the norm behavior. In the event that he seems listless or in pain, you need to take him to a vet immediately.
So these are just some simple cocker spaniel issues that would be wise and helpful to keep in mind.
For more information on Cocker Spaniel Issues Visit: www.trainingyourcockerspaniel.com
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Tags: bark collar, Cocker Spaniel
