The One Minute Guide to Cocker Spaniel Training and Health Issues

As dog owners, most of us experience our share of trouble. Our pets will dig, chew, scratch, whine or bark at the least convenient time. We are faced with canine health problems that require attention.

So if you have a Cocker Spaniel or are in the process of bringing one home, trouble is a very real possibility, especially if the dog is not properly trained from a young age. To help with each of these problems, here are some general problems and solutions.

Aggression

The Cocker Spaniel is usually a happy, confident and intelligent dog that has a loving personality when properly trained. They like to play and have a lot of energy. The breed was initially designed to help hunters eliminate woodcocks and can be recognized as hunting dogs or field dogs. The dog sure has an inherited drive to get excited and aggressive while chasing as a working dog.

The urge can be made worse if the dog is not properly socialized at a young age.

They can easily become restless, overreact to certain situations, as well as become aggressive around the house. Not to mention that all Cocker Spaniels will display this behavior, but it is a possible outcome and one that all Cocker Spaniel owners should be aware of.

The best technique to avoid Cocker Spaniel aggression would be to socialize your puppy at a young age and maintain a powerful alpha presence in the home at all times. Your Cocker must recognize that you are in charge and that they must yield to you for all responses.

This will show them that they do not need to be aggressive when you are at home because you will take care of any problems that may arise.

Hunting unit

Another secondary outcome related to their hunting past is their instinct to chase other creatures that they perceive in the same way as their prey. This could consist of everything from small animals like squirrels to neighborhood cats.

It is a good idea to socialize your puppy with the neighbor’s pets when they are young. Cocker Spaniel problems can become terribly severe extremely quickly if the dog begins to show aggression to his neighbor’s animals.

Separation anxiety

Cocker Spaniels do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They may become restless and begin to indicate signs of intense apprehension.

Not only does the dog bark while you’re gone, it could also hurt itself by pulling hair, scratching its paws, breaking its teeth, or making a mess in your home.

This is a major concern for many of the explanations, one of which is the sanctity of your home. For any Cocker Spaniel with an anxiety problem, teach the dog from a young age not to seek care in advance or once you leave or return home.

Also, this should be taught to your entire family. Even a person “saying goodbye” to a dog can create feelings of anxiety.

Neurosis

In addition to separation anxiety, Cocker Spaniels can become neurotic from multiple issues: digging, scratching, eating, or additional common behaviors. This can be noticed by simply keeping the dog busy and giving it plenty of exercise. One to two hours a day in one way or another is normal.

This is especially important during the first 2 years of owning a Cocker Spaniel. If you find it difficult to spend adequate time with your Cocker, you may want to consider a different breed that will be better off alone.

On the other hand, you can think of a second dog intended for the company, this will work like magic. However, this does not relieve the owner of their duty to provide the proper exercise and care that dogs require.

Cocker Spaniel problems and training are similar with most dogs. Keep in mind that health problems and issues can become exponentially worse if not carefully nipped in the bud in the early stages. Of particular concern are the Cocker Spaniel’s eyes and ears. Normal maintenance is vital to keep these problems at bay.

Take the time to address general aggressive tendencies while establishing a connection with your puppy early on. Being aware of inherited health problems will help ensure that your Cocker Spaniel remains physically fit and cheerful throughout his life.