Why English Cocker Spaniels Struggle With Separation Anxiety – 6 Surprising Reasons

Introduction

When your English Cocker Spaniel seems restless, destructive, or even panicked as you go out the door, you are not the only dog owner. This breed is a very loving, people-oriented one, and that intuitive connection can easily translate into a very bad separation anxiety problem in some cases.

As opposed to certain free-standing breeds, the English Cocker Spaniel was initially created as a dog that would monitor and work so hard under the guidance of humans throughout the entire day, be it in the country field or staying home. It implies that being left alone for long durations can be really disturbing to them. New owners often think that this clinginess in their dog makes it adorable until the howling, pacing, and chewing behavior begins.

So what is the exact cause of this anxiety? And why, too, in this breed, than in others, is it so frequent?

In this post, we are going to discuss 6 shocking facts behind why English Cocker Spaniels have problems with separation anxiety- reasons that we as owners never even thought about before. Whether you are a present or would-be Cocker parent, this guide will aid your comprehension of what is occurring behind those tearful eyes-and what you can do to help.

1. Velcro Dogs by Nature: They Were Bred to Stay Close

The English Cocker Spaniel has the nickname of Velcro dogs, yet these puppies have a reason, like all of them, they love to be continually nearby. It is not a mere adorable peculiarity; this is their genetic construct. Originally bred as hunting companions, these dogs were supposed to spend the whole day with their human assistants on the field. That was the continual closeness that was entrenched in their character.

Today, they may no longer be out after game birds, but they still require closeness. Most English Cocker Spaniels feel anxiety when people leave them alone because the dog is simply confused as to why the person, who is the focus of its attention, is abruptly absent. Such a parting may cause whining, barking, pacing, or even destructive behavior. It is not wrong conduct; it is instinctual bonding. The first step in alleviating this race of corgis’ anxiety in a breed-specific, humane manner is to understand this characteristic beforehand.

2. Sensitive Souls: English Cocker Spaniels Feel Everything Deeply

Emotional sensitivity is one of the most adorable features of English Cocker Spaniels-and one of the greatest problems as well. These dogs are incredibly sensitive to their environment and are particularly sensitive to how their human beings are feeling. It is the emotional intelligence that explains why they are affectionate, gentle, and would go out of their way to do what makes them and others happy, but at the same time, they prefer to stay in one piece and will fall prey to any kind of unease that is occasioned by the slightest of changes.

A shift of schedule abruptly, or your cocker spaniel being moved into a different house or with a new schedule in the week or month, may bring symptoms of anxiety in him or her. Even minor stressors, including home stress, furniture, or living in a noisy neighborhood, may cause your dog to be over-possessive or afraid. Their trust can be easily destroyed through severe punishment or irresponsibility, and their anxiety towards separation will be, later on, intensified.

Due to this sentimental complex, when it comes to training and correction of behavior, one should be patient, positive, and orderly. The most important thing you can do is to build trust and confidence so your English Cocker Spaniel feels safe- with or without you in the room.

3. Under-Stimulated = Over-Stressed

English Cocker Spaniels, as most well-educated, vigorous breeds, demand more than just a daily walk and a bowl of food. They are easily bored and therefore cannot adequately be stimulated mentally and physically, and in a case where they are left on their own, a lack of stimulation may reflect in the form of anxiety, restlessness, or undesirable behaviors.

An under-stimulated spaniel will entertain himself or herself somehow, and in most cases, that implies barking, chewing, digging, or pacing. These are familiar symptoms of separation anxiety caused by pent-up energy. To avoid this, you will have to come up with a routine that occupies their body and their brain on a daily basis.

Among the simple enrichment methods, it is possible to combine interactive puzzle toys, brief daily training, games where it is imperative to track down a scent, and diversified walking routes, where you can take smell breaks frequently. When a mentally satisfied and physically tired English Cocker Spaniel, there is a much greater likelihood that he will stay relaxed in your absence rather than becoming the victim of stress.

4. You’re (Accidentally) Reinforcing the Anxiety

We do this as pet parents, to console our beloved dogs in the manner that seems most natural to us, but according to some sources, with English Cocker Spaniels, this may be the wrong way to empathize. Unintentionally, many owners actually strengthen the problem of separation anxiety by rewarding clinging or anxious behaviors. These normally begin with heart-wrenching goodbyes, the incessant reassurance prior to separation, or the hyperactive greeting upon homecoming.

As an example, shouting to your dog in dramatic tonality with “It is okay, I will be back soon” or enthusiastically patting your dog before walking out the door only makes your dog feel even more anxious. Similarly, their arrival home and going to the extent of creating a scene contribute to their emotional attachment to arrivals and departures.

Rather, rehearse calm exits and low-key reunions. Don’t make a scene, just walk out. Upon your return, wait until your dog calms, then give him/her the gift of attention. Reward calm independence with positive reinforcement, such as when your dog spends time on his or her bed as you go about the house. These small degrees of change will, in the course of time, train your English Cocker Spaniel that being alone is not threatening, but it is a part of their routine.

5. Social Butterflies Left Solo: They Crave Company

English Cocker Spaniels are highly social. Be it other pets, human beings, or even street strangers, they live off of relationships. This breed was not intended to be left unattended for long periods, and this is the reason why they were also developed to work personally with people, and their temper remains the same even today.

When left alone at home several hours a day, in particular in a quiet or empty space, most English Cocker Spaniels start to show signs of stress. This is not bad behavior-this is their instinctual reaction to being left alone. Some bark endlessly, some turn destructive, and some simply sink into inner anxiety.

Given the tendency to miss out on home, you need to provide social opportunities to your dog, in case your lifestyle does not allow much time at home. Doggy daycare is wonderful and best suited to high-energy spaniels that require mental stimulation. The solitude can also be overcome by the pet sitters or a trusted friend dropping in during the day. Even a mere establishment of short and structured play sessions with other dogs in the neighborhood will certainly work on their well-being. The social connections to such people assist them in fulfilling their emotional needs and minimise the chances of developing separation stresses.

Check Out: Curly-Coated Retriever: 7 Challenges You Might Face with This Independent Breed.

6. Poor Early Socialization and Training

English Cocker Spaniels tend to develop separation anxiety very young-often their owners are even unaware. Puppies who have never been trained to spend time by themselves might end up developing an excessive impression of being overly dependent and stressed when solitude occurs. Although their clinginess may appear as an adorable character trait initially, it may rapidly become a significant behavioural problem unless it is taken care of at an early stage.

Purposely training when the puppy’s state of mind is formulated is one of the most effective ways of preventing this. Short and positive separations will make your dog gain confidence gradually as he is introduced to alone time. When used properly, crate training may be especially beneficial- the crate becomes the home to the dog that associates it with security and repose. Add puzzle toys or snacks, and suddenly, a place considered a punishment will be a place they enjoy being.

It is not too late to treat an adult dog already suffering from separation anxiety. As well as reconditioning exercises, which include training short departures, desensitization to triggers (e.g., picking up keys, putting on shoes), and gradually lasting longer periods apart, can be used to regain independence. The secret is to be consistent, patient, and positive-fear free. Even older English Cocker Spaniels will be able to learn how to deal with living alone, although with the necessary help.

Conclusion: Understanding Is the First Step to Easing Their Anxiety

Vacation without your dog can be stressful- to both of you. However, when it pertains to English Cocker Spaniels, it is more than the bad behavior or the neediness. It is about a breed that was created to be close to their folks and loves a connection and hurts when the connection is severed, even temporarily.

The bonds that connect the six causes of their fears contribute to an anxious tendency with biological and environmental origins, whether it is a constant emotional sensitivity or their inborn sociality. The best part? The English Cocker spaniel, in order to become less afraid of being alone and more confident, has to be taken through a process that must include a lot of empathy, a fair amount of patience, structure, and training.

Just remember, you are not attempting to alter their character–you are simply aiding them to feel good in scenarios in which they are inherently unable to cope. And that tiny change in attitude can change the world for your dog in terms of emotional well-being and for you in terms of the rest of your mind.

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FAQs: Common Questions About English Cocker Spaniels and Separation Anxiety