Cocker Spaniel Separation Anxiety

While any dog can potentially demonstrate issues with separation anxiety, it is more common in breeds that are highly attuned to the people in their lives. Cocker Spaniel separation anxiety can and does occur often when changes happen in the household. These changes can include someone moving out, changes in schedules and routines, the dog or puppy suddenly being left alone or even moving to a new home or residence.

Separation anxiety is not a simple issue and, as with any breed, it is not always easy to fix. Some dogs never fully recover from the problems associated with separation anxiety although with patience, positive training and changes in the environment it can become manageable in most cases.

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Generally Cocker Spaniel separation anxiety is not a problem in well bred, well socialized and obedience trained dogs. This is because stress and anxiety is deceased when the above factors are addressed. Unfortunately for the Cocker Spaniel breed their popularity caused a huge number of dogs to be produced by backyard breeders and puppy mills, resulting in poor genetic lines that had behavior and temperament problems, including separation anxiety issues. However, even well bred Cocker Spaniels can become stressed if not properly trained or if allowed to develop bad behavioral habits.

Preventing issues with separation anxiety is essential right from the first time the puppy or dog comes into your home. They need to have their own space and be left alone for periods of time appropriate to their age. Crate training can be an excellent option to prevent issues with separation anxiety since the puppy or dog associates the crate with a comfort and security area. It also helps to have several people interact with the dog so the bond is not just with one person, creating additional stress when that individual is out of the dog’s sight.

Obedience work and routine socialization with other people, dogs, animals and situations creates a confident, happy and well adjusted pet. Once Cocker Spaniel separation anxiety is evident, simply adding socialization and obedience work will not correct the problem. Instead the dog or puppy has to gradually learn to be left alone for long periods of time without stressing and showing separation anxiety behaviors.

Typically Cocker Spaniel separation anxiety is noted as problems with barking, digging, chewing, urinating or defecating in the home, excessive panting, whining, vomiting or pacing when left alone. When the owner returns the dog is frantic, refusing to calm down in their greeting or leave the owner’s presence when they are home. Often owners think this is cute or a sign of loyalty, instead it should be seen as a sign of extreme distress and anxiety.

Working to correct the problem starts by addressing the Cocker Spaniel separation anxiety from a behavioral perspective. Avoid excessive time with the dog before you leave or when you return, rather just normalize the whole experience. In addition practice leaving the dog alone for a few minutes then returning as if nothing had happened. In cases where the separation anxiety is minimal this will often prevent it from becoming worse.

In extreme cases Cocker Spaniel separation anxiety may require sedative mediation available from your vet. This should be used in conjunction with retraining under the guidance of a professional trainer that has experience with Cocker Spaniel dogs and anxiety issues.