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Do dogs get tired of eating the same food?
Like most dog owners you probably give your dog the same food every day and at some point you might wonder if he gets fed up of having the same meal.

Most dogs enjoy their food and providing that they are being fed a well balanced and healthy diet they will come to no harm at all eating the same food. It’s preferable that they stay on the same food as, unlike humans, frequent changes to a dog’s diet can upset his stomach and create potential problems for him.

Feed a good quality dog food

Once you have found a food that your dog likes and fares well on you should use it.

If you do decide, for whatever reason, that you need to change your dog’s food then you should do it slowly and over a period of a few days.

This gives your dog the time to get used to the new food without throwing his digestive system into turmoil.

Why do dogs not get tired of the same food?

The smell of your dog’s food and texture is more important to him than the taste.

Dogs have fewer taste receptors than humans so changes flavours go relatively unnoticed by most dogs and they are not overly bothered by taste.

This is often why smelly, disgusting things seem to be loved by most dogs.

Can dogs stop liking their food?

It is possible that your dog will ‘go off’ his food from time to time.

Often this is as a result of issues such as anxiety, illness, behavioural problems rather that any issues with the food.

Most dogs will have periods of ‘fasting‘ which is perfectly normal and they may go two or even three days without eating much.

If your dog is ‘off his food’ then it is always best to get the qualified and professional advice of your vet to make sure that there are no underlying medical problems.

Popular dog food

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Dogs can lose interest in food as they get older

Just like humans, older dogs can become less interested in food and you may find that an older canine simply does not eat as much as he used to.

This is often due to lower levels of activity which will lead to less of a need for food.

Most dog food manufacturers produce food for senior dogs and a change to a lower protein food, produced specifically for an older dog, may be a good idea – again your vet is the best person to get advice from.

When should I worry about my dog not eating?

If your dog is weak, lethargic or has diarrhea or is vomiting then you should always get him examined by the vet.

Will a picky dog starve?

No. Dogs can be like children with food.

If you feed a child lots of sweets then he will gravitate towards ‘sweeties’ rather than his ‘proper’ meals.

It can be the same with a dog. If you give your dog treats, or feed him at the table, then he is less likely to eat his own food because he’ll be full or he’ll want more of yours.

If your dog isn’t eating his food ( and you are certain that he is fit and healthy ) then it becomes a battle of wits – just like children.

Don’t give him treats, don’t feed him anything else, and don’t do what lots of dog owners do which is taking pity and feeding cooked chicken and other things.

Just put his food down, give him ten minutes and then take it away again if he doesn’t eat.

He won’t starve and he’ll soon get the message and start eating his food quickly.

Final Words

Normally dogs don’t get fed up of eating the same thing.

There is nothing wrong with giving your dog the occasional treat or addition to his regular dog food, but longer term changes need to be made more gradually.

If your dog is off his food for more than two days then you should always speak to your vet to get their professional advice and to rule out any health or other medical reasons for his reluctance to eat.

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Will a Cocker spaniel kill chickens?

If you live on a small holding or homestead and have chickens or other forms of poultry then you’ll want to make sure that they are protected from all forms of predators which could include your pet Cocker spaniel.

Any dog is capable of killing chickens and this includes Cocker spaniels. All breeds of dogs have predatory instincts and, in a working dog such as a Cocker, this instinct can be more prevalent and highly developed. So, yes, Cocker spaniels can kill chickens.

Will a Cocker spaniel kill chickens?

However, not all Cocker spaniels will kill chickens. Firstly you have to consider the age of the dog and its development.

A puppy may begin attacking your chickens as a way of practicing skills for hunting rabbits or other prey animals and unless he is discouraged at an early stage then he could become a poultry killer.

Chickens will flap and run away and this will often excite a young dog and make things worse – an excited dog will enjoy chasing chickens around.

They will learn that it is a fun game and this could lead to them killing chickens for real.

Any dog can be trained to leave your chickens alone but you have need to take action as soon as possible to prevent chickens being killed.

Having said that, it’s important not to over-react if the worst happens.

Any dog can kill hens

It is important to remember that any breed of dog is capable of killing hens and that this behaviour is driven by instinct and the desire to hunt.

Even though we feed our spaniels and that they do not need to hunt for food, we must always be aware that they are dogs who see the world through different eyes to us and that they do not understand that chickens are not to be chased and killed.

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How to prevent a Cocker spaniel from killing chickens

The best and simplest way is to keep the chickens out of the reach of your spaniel.

Provide them with a secure run and hen house that your dog cannot access and that they cannot escape from.

Keeping them safe from your dogs ( and other predators ) is the best and safest way of protecting your chickens.

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A Cocker spaniel can learn to leave chickens alone

If you provide your spaniel with exposure to chickens then he can learn to leave them alone.

Taking your dog into the chicken compound and making him sit down while the hens run around can be a great way to make him steady and to leave them alone.

He will watch, sniff and, at first, perhaps try to chase them, but, with supervision and gentle encouragement he will soon learn that he is not allowed to touch them.

Don’t leave your spaniel alone with the chickens

Don’t leave your Cocker spaniel, or any other dog for that matter, alone with the chickens.

Even if your spaniel behaves himself around your hens there is always the risk that he might just decide that it would be fun to chase them and maybe grab one.

Always remember that he is a dog, driven by instincts that include chasing, hunting and killing.

Final words

Will a Cocker spaniel kill chickens?

a Cocker spaniel can kill chickens and whether or not he will depends on the dog, the circumstances and how familiar he is with poultry.

Cockers can and will kill poultry and the only safe and assured way of preventing your hens from being killed is to keep your them in a safe and secure place that your dogs cannot access.
Do dogs get tired of barking?
Dogs may not be able to talk, but they can certainly bark.

If you’ve ever heard a dog barking all night long, then you might wonder if dogs get tired of it at some point and when will it stop, if ever?

Eventually a dog will become tired or fed up of barking and it will often go to sleep after a barking session. Barking is normal behaviour for dogs but if it goes on for a long time or is repeated at certain times then you should try to work out why your dog is barking so that you can figure out a solution.

Why do dogs bark?

Barking is very normal, natural behaviour for dogs.

It’s their way of communicating with both other dogs and humans alike.

It’s their language. And like every other language in the world, there are times when they will want to speak up through barking.

Dogs don’t bark because they like the sound of their own voice, barking is used for a variety of reasons which include:

Something has alarmed the dog

The dog is excited

He is bored

The dog wants some attention such as playtime

The dog is trying to get something that he doesn’t like to go away

He is confused about something

He is anxious

It’s important to remember that barking is a dog’s form of vocalization.

They bark because they feel a certain way about something and it’s up to us as their owners to help them cope with these feelings.

Dogs have a variety of methods for this, but barking is the primary one.

So when your dog barks at night (for example), there must be a reason for it.

Our dogs are trying to tell us something, so we should do our best not to ignore them – just like you would never ignore your friend who told you that they needed help.

How long will a dog bark for?

So the question remains: how long will my dog bark?

The simple answer is: as long as he needs to.

Barking can be triggered by all sorts of things and the dog will bark until he is happy that the ‘trigger’ has gone away, until he is comforted by his owner, or until he is simply too exhausted to continue.

There are different types of barks

As most dog owners know, dogs are able to change their barks for different events.

A short, staccato type barking, like rapid firing ‘woof, woof, woof’ often indicates that the dog has been startled or disturbed. This often happens when visitors knock on the door or the dog hears a strange noise.

Barks that turn into howls or whimpers often mean that the dog is distressed and this can often occur when he is left alone.

Barking with teeth bared and hackles up is the dog’s way of saying ‘stay away’. By showing his teeth he is displaying his ‘weapons’. This can often occur when a dog feels threatened or frightened and can be a prelude to a bite if the warnings are not heeded.

Short, sharp barks that may be higher pitched often means that the dog is excited and wants to play. These are often accompanied by fiercely wagging tails and other excited behaviour.

Dogs do make other sounds but the four examples above are the most common and are the ones that you’re most likely to hear.

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Should you ignore a barking dog?

If you know that your dog is barking to simply get your attention then you are probably okay to ignore him, if you want to.

In other circumstances it is probably best to check and see what the problem is.

Your dog could be barking because:

There is an intruder

He is hurt

He has trapped himself somewhere ( this is more common that you might think )

And there could be a whole bunch of other reasons for his barking – best to check.

A few dog barking tips

Don’t punish them for barking. They don’t know any better and punishing them only makes the problem worse than before.

If you notice that certain parts of their day are causing tensions, try to alter the situation as much as you can

Don’t ignore their cries and take time out during late night hours to find out what’s going on.

Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise through good, long walks where he can explore. This will help to tire him physically and mentally, which can help to reduce a tendency to bark.

Don’t be afraid to discuss excessive barking with your vet. It can be a common issue for dogs and their owners and your vet will be able to provide professional support to help.

Final Words

Barking is normal and every dog will have moments when he needs to have a good old woof.

Most dogs will stop barking after a short while and even the most determined barker will eventually stop through tiredness if nothing else.

Always remember your vet if you have problems with excessive barking and get your dog checked over to make sure that he is healthy and to get their support and advice.

In most cases barking is just a reaction to the dog’s environment and understanding why dogs bark will help you to address your dog’s barking.

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Do dog whistles work through walls?
If you use a dog whistle as part of your dog training then you’ll expect your dog to respond to your whistle commands and, at times, you can find yourself in some strange places which may involve walls.

You could find yourself in a building or in an environment where your dog is behind a drystone wall or other obstacle which could potentially make handling tricky.

In these types of situations you’ll need to have a good grasp of your dog’s ability and his response to the whistle which leads us to the question ‘Do dog whistles work through walls?’

A dog whistle will only work through a wall ( or for that matter anywhere else ) if your dog can hear it and if he understands what the whistle means and how he should respond. If the environment is noisy or your dog has a hearing deficit then his performance and response to the whistle may not be as good as you would normally expect.

Dog whistles only work as part of training

Having a dog whistle is not a magic cure all to dog obedience.

Even if the whistle can be heard through a wall, unless your dog knows what it means, it will have little, if any effect.

Your dog whistle is another tool and progression in your dog training and, regardless of breed of dog, you have a path to follow if you are going to get effective results from using a whistle.

Blowing a whistle won’t produce miracles and you’ll need to introduce the whistle alongside more basic training exercises.

You can read more about basic training exercises for dogs in my post here.

It deals with spaniel training but the basics are applicable to any dog, regardless of breed or whether you want a pet or working dog.

How do you use a dog whistle?

There are actually very few ‘normal’ commands that you would give to a dog via a whistle.

The most common ones are:

To sit down and stay

To come back

With a hunting dog such as spaniel or bird dog the whistle can be used to get the dog to turn when hunting

In fact the possibilities for incorporating a dog whistle into training are potentially endless – the whistle could be used to convey a wide range of instructions to the dog.

If you consider the variety of whistle instructions that a sheepdog handler uses then this gives you some indication of the versatility.

Consider noise levels and distractions when using a dog whistle

Your dog will only ever understand the dog whistle if you have introduced it to him and it has built upon his previous training.

However, if your dog cannot hear the whistle then even the most responsive and obedient animal will struggle.

If you consider walls – they do present a physical barrier that both absorbs and deflects sound.

If your dog is on the other side of the wall, for example you are outdoors and he is on the other side of a drystone wall, then he may struggle to hear you.

If you combine the physical barrier with other noises, such as wind noise, the brushing and cracking of undergrowth, sounds of animals, people, vehicles then, just as you would be, his hearing can be impaired and he may not hear or not fully hear the whistle.

Can I use a dog whistle to stop next door’s dog barking?

If you have success with this then well done.

It is highly unlikely that next door’s dog will have any idea what the whistle means and the chances of any success or virtually nil.

Even though the dog might hear the whistle through the wall he’ll be perplexed as to what it is.

It would be easier to have a word with your neighbour to let them know that their dog is making a racket.

What dog whistle should I get?

My preferred choice and the one that I recommend are the ACME range of whistles that humans can hear.

They’ve been in production for years, the whistles last for decades and the company supply globally.

You can find the ACME whistles here on Amazon.

Personally I don’t like the silent type of dog whistles because I can’t hear them and thus don’t know if I’ve blown the whistle properly or if the whistle has packed in.

With the ACME whistles I can control the sound levels and type – because I can hear it.

You can also read my dog whistles review here.

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Final Words

Dog whistles do work through walls but only if the dog can hear the whistle and understands what it means.

Simply buying a dog whistle and blowing it will serve no purpose, apart from making you frustrated and the dog confused.

Dog training is well within the reach of most people and the use of a whistle is just another step in the process.

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Why do dogs eat toenails?

Some dogs enjoy feasting on toenails from humans and other pets and, while this might seem absolutely disgusting, they can be a source of an easy snack for a dog. Most dogs are not too fussy about where food and snacks come from and, if your dog is partial to nail clippings, then he’ll probably eat them when he gets the chance.

Dogs are natural scavengers, always looking for a tasty snack. But while some snacks can be harmless, others can cause problems.

Toenails and other nail clippings can be an easy food source for dogs that like to nibble on these things.

Why do dogs eat toe nails?

Many dogs see nail clippings as a source of food and, given that many clippings, particularly those that come from feet, will have a strong odour, the attraction is that much stronger.

It is difficult to say why some dogs will eat clippings and others show no interest, as with most things dogs are individuals that, like humans, have different preferences and, in this case, tastes.

Dogs cannot really tell what they should or should not eat and, if it smells good or interesting, then it’s likely that he will eat it – nails are no exception to this.

Are toenails dangerous for a dog to eat?

Probably not, but they are not the sort of thing that you should encourage your dog to eat.

Nail clippings are a type of waste protein that the body produces and will remain in your dog’s gut until he/she next goes to the toilet, when they will be discharged.

If your dog consumed a large amount of nail clippings ( you should tidy up more if you have lots of toe nails lying around ), then he may vomit or end up having the runs.

Nail clippings could also carry bacteria which could cause an illness or infection although most dogs have hardy and resilient immune systems which would probably reduce the effect.

Is it safe to give a dog human toenail clippings?

No, it isn’t. Dogs should not eat any sort of human waste and, even though the consequences of eating toenails might not be too bad, they really are best avoided – dog’s don’t need this sort of thing in their diet.

If you’re worried that you’ve left the clippings lying around too long, or your dog is already munching on them, then try and remove them as soon as possible.

If this isn’t possible, offer him one of his own toys to chew. He should realise that these things are not food and will soon stop ingesting them.

And next time you have a pedicure, get rid of the clippings.

What to do if your dog eats toenail clippings

Unless you hoard nail clippings and your dog has eaten a bucketful, then you probably won’t need to do anything and simply let nature take her course.

If your dog becomes unwell or displays any symptoms such as shaking, shivering or listlessness ( being tired ) then you should call your vet for professional advice.

You should bear in mind that some nail clippings may have been treated with varnishes, paints or other products which could be toxic to your dog, and, if he has eaten a large quantity, then this could be dangerous to him.

Why do dogs like to eat human nails?

While it’s not a common behaviour for dogs to actively seek out and eat human nails, there could be a few reasons why a dog might show an interest in them.

Here are a few possibilities:

Scent and taste: Human nails may carry scents or flavours that dogs find intriguing. Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell, and certain scents can pique their curiosity. The natural oils and sweat on our nails might be enticing to them.

Attention-seeking: Dogs are social creatures and often seek attention from their owners. If a dog notices that their human is focused on their nails, such as during nail trimming or grooming, they may try to engage with the activity by sniffing or even attempting to nibble on the nails.

Boredom or curiosity: Dogs sometimes explore their surroundings using their mouths, similar to how humans might use their hands. If a dog is bored or curious, they may investigate objects, including nails, by mouthing or chewing on them.

Reinforcement or conditioning: In some cases, a dog may have learned that chewing on nails results in attention or rewards from their owners. If the dog receives positive reinforcement, such as petting or praise, while engaging in this behaviour, they may be more likely to continue it in the future.

Why do dogs eat toenails?
Dogs may eat toenails due to their instinctual behaviour of chewing and biting objects. Toenails can be seen as an attractive and chewable item for some dogs. However, it’s important to note that not all dogs exhibit this behaviour, and individual dogs may have different reasons for doing so.
Is it normal for dogs to eat toenails?
While it is not considered a common behaviour, some dogs may engage in eating toenails. This behaviour can be influenced by a variety of factors, including breed tendencies, boredom, curiosity, or a compulsive behaviour. It is recommended to monitor your dog’s behaviour closely and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about their toenail-eating habits.
Can eating toenails be harmful to dogs?
Ingesting toenails can potentially pose a health risk to dogs. The sharp edges of the toenail can cause irritation or damage to the dog’s digestive tract, leading to complications such as gastrointestinal obstruction or injury. It is advisable to discourage this behaviour.
Regular veterinary check-ups and consultations are important to address any concerns about your dog’s behavior.
Why does my dog eat my toenail clippings?
Dogs may eat toenail clippings due to their curious nature, the scent and taste of the clippings, or inadvertently associating the behaviour with attention or rewards. However, it’s important to discourage this behaviour as ingesting larger quantities of clippings can pose potential digestive risks for your dog. Properly dispose of toenail clippings and redirect your dog’s attention to more appropriate activities.

Final Words

Dogs are scavengers and will eat all sorts of things if they get the chance, and this includes nail clippings.

Smelly nail clippings, such as those from toes, are most appealing.

To prevent your dog from scoffing your body’s excess protein, simply dispose of your clippings straightaway.

Make sure that you put them in a bin that your dog cannot open – some dogs are experts at accessing rubbish bins too.
Do dog treats taste good?
How delicious are dog treats? This is a question that many pet owners have asked themselves, but it’s also one of the most difficult questions to answer.

Dog tastes are different from human tastes, so what may taste good to us might not taste as good to them. Some people think that dogs enjoy any kind of food they get because they don’t know the difference between quality food and low-quality food. But this could not be further from the truth. Dogs love their treats just as much as we do, but it’s important for all pet parents to ensure that their pets are getting healthy snacks too.

What do dog treats taste like?

The easiest and best way to answer this question would be to take a dog treat and have a nibble so that you can discover the answer for yourself.

I’ve tried a variety of dog biscuits over the years both to find out how they taste and as a result of ‘dares’.

To humans, most dog biscuits taste stale and have very little flavour – personally I don’t like them, but then, I’m human and my tastes are different from those of my spaniels.

I’ve also tried the other ‘meaty’ type of treats and these are more like jerky type human products – they also smell pretty good too.

For humans, dog treats don’t really taste too great, our palates are different to those of our dogs.

What do dog treats taste like to dogs?

That’s a tough one to answer and will probably remain tricky until we get dog translators.

However, having been surrounded by dogs for many years it’s obvious that they love treats and some dogs seem to have preferences for certain types.

My dogs love Markies and Rodeos ( along with other meaty type treats ) and will actually refuse other forms of treats if any of the former are available.

So, I can’t say what they taste like to dogs but I can tell you that dogs, like people, have preferences when it comes to their choice of dog treats.

What’s in dog treats?

This might be the most important question when it comes to your dog, his health and well-being.

I can tell you that when I’m choosing what type of dog treats I’m going to buy for my dogs then ingredients are key.

All meals should have meat or animal products at their heart, and this is the case with dog treats.

There are many types of meat that can feature in a type of treat, but it’s always important to ensure that these ingredients come from known sources and suppliers.

Dog treats can contain vegetables too, but this doesn’t make them good, healthy snacks. Veggies should always be secondary to meat products and only used when trying to add variety.

Some of the main ingredients that you should look out for include; liver, beef, venison and chicken (and many others).

These types of meat are all known to be healthy and full of flavour – they will also provide your dog with a great source of protein. Protein is important for dogs and it’s an important part of a balanced diet.

Why should you buy dog treats?

If your dog is enjoying a good, well balanced diet then really you don’t need to provide him with dog treats.

However, most dog owners like to indulge their pets from time to time and the occasional treat is not going to do him any harm.

Treats can be a useful training aid and are particularly helpful when training a dog to return when called or when dealing with a reluctant retriever.

They can also be beneficial when supporting a dog that has been unwell or badly treated and is convalescing or adapting to a new environment.

How many treats per day should you give your dog?

Not too many is the answer.

I tend to feed my dogs their main meal in the late afternoon/early evening so they often go for several hours without any food, so I’ll provide a few treats during the course of the day.

It’s important to not overdo it and, if your dog begins to show reluctance to eat his food, or if he gains weight, then you should confine the treats to the cupboard and not provide any until things return to normal.

What’s the tastiest treat for dogs?

That is a difficult question to answer.

I’ll provide a list of the treats that my dogs like below and you can explore these to see how your dog fares.

Dogs, like people, are individual, and will make up their own minds about what they do and don’t like. That said, most are not too fussy and your dog will probably enjoy these treats:

Our favourite tasting dog treats

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Can you give your dog too many treats?

Yes, I’m afraid that this is something that can be easily done.

It’s important to remember firstly that treats should be given on top of the food that the dog already receives and it’s essential never to replace a meal with a treat.

Secondly, it’s very easy to slip into the habit of rewarding a dog with a treat every time you see him doing something slightly obedient, or even when he’s simply being good.

This isn’t fair on the dog, and it can lead to an unhealthy intake of calories – remember that treats tend to be high in sugar and fat, so moderation is the key word here.

Final Words

We’ll never really know how dog treats taste to dogs and the only way to get an idea of how they taste is to simply try one yourself.

I’m not recommending that you should do this but, if you want to get an answer then, is there any other way?

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Why does my dog scratch my bed sheets?
Dogs always seem to find a way to get into the most inconvenient places and one place that many love is the humans’ bed.

Dogs seem to enjoy digging at bedding before flopping down to sleep – but why do they do it?

There are several reasons why dogs scratch at the bed sheets and we’ll explore them in this article.

A common thing that many dogs do is scratching up bed sheets. This usually happens when the dog is trying to sleep on your bed and scratches at it with their claws. Dogs will do this for various reasons from simply wanting to get comfortable through to feeling stressed or anxious. Most often though they are simply making their bed.

Dogs want a comfortable bed

Dogs will go out of their way to find the most suitable place to sleep. They will usually look for somewhere that is enclosed and has a surface that isn’t too hard or too soft.

The ideal sleeping grounds are slightly elevated, sheltered from wind, rain or harsh sunlight and located in a cool place.

So when your dog is trying to sleep on your bed, he or she is probably just looking for a comfortable place that also offers them some security.

Scratching up the bed helps relieve stress

When dogs scratch at their bedding they are actually doing it to help calm themselves down and relax.

It’s how they show that they are in a calm and relaxed state of mind.

Scratching is a type of displacement behaviour that dogs do when they are feeling anxious, nervous or stressed.

It’s also a way for them to show you that they really love the bedding because it takes them time and effort to mess it up.

They’re basically saying “look how much I like this bed, I even want to sleep in the disaster that I’ve created”.

It is an instinctive act for dogs

Although your dog is a pet you should remember that he is also driven by genetic dog instincts.

Digging before resting is a common activity among wild dogs as they clear the ground of pests, insects, rubbish, leaves and anything else that could present danger or impact comfort.

When your dog digs at your bedding he is often just acting out of dog instinct and is, in fact, making his bed.

Why not get him his own luxury dog bed?

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Bed scratching can be an act of marking territory

Dogs have sweat glands in their paws which leave scent that other dogs can detect.

By scratching and digging at your bedding your dog could be marking the bed as his territory.

This can often occur if a new pet has been introduced to the home with your dog asserting his claim over the bed by leaving his scent on the bedding.

Making a nest

Some bitches will undergo phantom pregnancies when they become broody and act as though they are having puppies.

They will often build nests out of household items such as coats, shoes, cushions and even the bedding on your bed.

Some breeds just like to dig

Certain breeds such as terriers are built to dig and will make the most of any opportunity to do so – your bed can be an ideal area to dig up.

Your dog may dig the bed to get rid of energy

All dogs need physical and mental stimulation and, if your dog is not getting enough of this, then he will find ways to expend his energy.

Many problems can arise from a bored dog including chewing and general destructive behaviour which can also include scratching the bedding.

You put clean bedding on the bed

If you’ve recently changed the bedding then it’s possible that your dog is scratching the bed to replenish his scent.

Remember that your dog’s sense of smell is infinitely more powerful and enhanced than yours and that nice fresh and clean bed just needs some doggy odour adding to make it feel like home.

Should you let your dog scratch the bed sheets?

Well, this is up to you.

Most of the reasons for your dog scratching the bed are perfectly natural and will do your dog no harm at all.

The only times that you may need to address this behaviour are if:

Your dog causes damage – the easy way to stop this is to close the bedroom door and not allow your dog into the room or onto the bed.

Your dog is releasing his excess energy – the simple solution is to give your dog more exercise and some mental stimulation in the form of training or games.

If you tire your dog out then he is less likely to dig your bed up.

If your female dog has false pregnancies then she may dig the bed. Get some professional advice from your vet to help her to deal with the symptoms.

Having had bitches that had false pregnancies there are medicines available from the vet that can deal with this.

Final Words

Dogs often do things that don’t seem to make much sense to humans and digging up the bed sheets can be one of those strange acts that we struggle to understand but which is perfectly normal to a dog.

Remember that your dog’s perspective on life is often very different to yours and if he digs up your finest cotton bed sheets then that’s normal for him.

If you don’t want your dog to dig up the bed then keep the bedroom door closed.

Read Next

What should I feed my Cocker spaniel?

Why do Cavalier King Charles spaniels snore?

Why do dogs roll in poo?
Can a Cavalier King Charles spaniel be left alone?

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the most popular breeds of spaniel.

It’s also one of the most spoiled and demanding breeds because it was bred to be a lap dog for royalty.

But how do they fare if they are left on their own?

The breed does not do well if left alone or without human contact for long periods of time, and it’s not a good idea to leave your Cavalier King Charles alone for more than an hour. This breed of spaniel is highly reliant on people and being alone for over two hours might have negative consequences on it’s health.

How do Cavaliers behave when they’re left alone?

If you leave your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel alone for more than two hours you should take some precautions to keep it safe, make sure there is ample food for your dog and that the water doesn’t run out.

If possible, leave them in a place where they can see their surroundings like the kitchen or the living room, because this breed gets anxious when left outside.

It’s not a good idea to let them out in the backyard because they might feel abandoned and hurt themselves, like chewing something that could be dangerous for their health.

Also if you have another pet at home remember to make sure your Cavaliers are comfortable with them before leaving them alone together.

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What are the consequences of leaving a Cavalier King Charles spaniel alone for more than two hours?

It’s important to know that the health of your dog could be compromised if you leave it behind with no human interaction for too long.

Leaving dogs at home alone is one of the main causes of anxiety in canines, and this might lead to destructive behaviour like chewing other things, barking and digging.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels need human attention to feel happy and secure, and the lack of it might cause stress that will lead to health problems in the future.

Leaving your Cavalier King Charles behind for over two hours on a regular basis could also affect its mental health, making them depressed or anxious.

This breed is also known as a very vocal one, so leaving it alone will give them an opportunity to howl or bark without being reprimanded.

If this happens too often the neighbours might take actions against you for disturbing the peace.

Can a King Charles Spaniel be left alone?

What kind of precautions should I take if I’m going to leave my Cavalier King Charles spaniel alone for more than two hours?

As well as making sure they have water and are in a safe area, you should also give them their favourite toy or blanket so they feel safe and protected, something that smells like you could be useful as well.

One thing that I’ve found helpful, particularly with young dogs it leaving the TV or radio on.

The sound of voices and/or music can help them feel less anxious while you’re away.

How to help your Cavalier to get used being left alone

Taking things slow and steady is the best way for any form of spaniel or dog training and this includes helping a dog to become used to being alone.

You should decide which room your Cavalier will be left to occupy and make it as comfortable as possible for him.

Put his bed in, some water and some of his toys and blankets.

Get your Cavalier used to being on his own

Start by leaving your spaniel in the room while you do something else in another part of the house.

It’s likely that he will bark or cry but you should try to ignore this – don’t go back to comfort him as things will be twice as bad next time you leave him.

Leave him for 10 to 15 minutes and then return to him – try to return when he is quiet and take a treat or two and make a big fuss of him.

Gradually extend the time that you leave him – only do this exercise once per day and try to return to him when he is settled.

As things progress you can leave him while you pop out to the shops or next door or simply go out and stay outside for a short while.

All the time think of progression to make the time period that he is alone longer.

Always praise him when you return.

Final Words

Most dogs, Cavalier King Charles spaniels included, don’t like to be left alone, particularly if they are dogs that live in the house with their families.

Always make sure you leave your spaniel with water and some of his favourite things to keep him company.

He will without doubt appreciate you more next time he sees you.
How to train a dog to sit – learn the simple and fast way
Getting a dog to sit is easier than you think. If you apply a little doggy thinking then you can get any dog to sit.

You’ll be able to get your dog to sit down quickly, easily and without having to use any type of force.

In fact the way we are going to do this will make it a pleasurable experience for the dog, one that takes advantage of one of his favourite times of the day – meal time.

The importance of training a dog to sit

The ‘sit’ command is the easiest of all dog commands to teach and, in many areas of dog training, it is the basis on which all other commands are based – as an example, if we want to progress to making our dog ‘stay’ then it is a good thing if we can get him to sit first.

The earlier the better for dog training

The sooner that we are able to start training with a dog the better. It is true that if we can begin early with a puppy then we stand a better chance of easier progress with less chance of problems than if we start with an older dog that has had no exposure to training.

In this respect dogs are no different to human beings.

The easiest command in dog training is ‘sit’

It is also one of the most important – and this is how we do it.

We use a highlight of your dog’s day – feeding time. Taking his dish, with food in it, we hold it up in one hand and tell him to sit.

With our free hand we hold our hand flat, palm out, facing the dog – like a ‘Stop’ signal.

Now, the chances are that your dog will have never heard this word before and he will jump around and display his frustrations at not getting his tea.

The younger he is then the more agitated he is likely to be.

Don’t give in to his frustrations, because in a short while, he will get fed up and will sit down to think about things.

As soon as his bottom touches the floor, repeat the word ‘sit’ and put the food down in front of him to eat.

Repeat this everytime you feed him from now on. I guarantee that within a few days he will sit down when you tell him.

How long does it take to train a dog to sit?

It will normally take 1 to 2 weeks of regular, short training exercises to get your dog sitting down reliably when told.

The key thing about all areas of dog training is that you do the exercise frequently but not for so long that your dog gets bored and disinterested.

Initially just keep the exercise to his mealtimes as mentioned above and don’t be tempted to try to ‘show off’ the dog to friends and family.

Be consistent and he will quickly get the idea and, for many dogs, he will understand the command very quickly.

How to teach an older dog to sit

Maybe you have an older dog that you are looking to do some training with.

Perhaps you’ve got him from a shelter or another home and you’d like him to be a good companion or you’re looking at some more advanced training.

We don’t need to change our method of teaching the dog to sit down and the method outlined above will work for the older dog.

You may have to be more patient, as it is likely that the dog will be a little ‘set in his ways’, and it may take longer than with a younger dog or puppy.

But the method is the same. Introduce the command at his mealtimes and, as soon as he plonks his bottom of the floor, put the food down for him and repeat the command ‘Sit’.

How to teach a stubborn dog to sit

You are more likely to experience difficulties with older dogs, and often with dogs that have been re-homed and have picked up bad habits.

The mealtime technique should work with the majority of dogs. If you are prepared to wait while your dog ponders, then you’ll find that if he is really hungry, that he will sit down.

Of course, there is always the exception to the rule and if you’re reading this then you may have the exception.

Most dogs are driven by food and using food as a reward works for the majority.

What does your dog love doing more than anything else?

If your dog won’t respond to food then you need to find something that he really enjoys and treasures.

This could be chasing a ball, or playing with a teddy or toy. Take some time to get to know your dog so that you can find out what he loves to do.

Then, if he likes chasing a ball, you take him out into the garden or somewhere with no distractions.

Let him see the ball, he will probably become excited and bounce around, frustrated at not getting his ball.

Tell him to sit. The instant his bottom touches the floor let him have his ball/toy/teddy etc to play with for a few minutes.

Then take it off him and keep this toy for training only. It only comes out when you train, as a reward.

This technique often works well with active, playful dogs such as spaniels and labradors and mirrors the reward based training that is used with customs detection dogs and those used in similar environments.

Should I push my dog’s bottom down to make him sit?

There is no need to touch your dog at all when teaching the sit command, in fact, during most dog training exercises you do not need to make any physical contact.

Some people do say that you should push the dog’s bottom down but, in my experience this is completely unnecessary as most dogs will put their bottoms on the floor when presented with an edible reward such as their meals.

Physical force is unnecessary when training a dog. If you do use force you run the risk of hurting your dog, frightening him and breaking his trust.

If you have a rescue dog or similar then any form of contact when training could be disastrous.

Using treats for training a dog to sit

As well as using mealtimes as a reward for sitting down, it is a good idea to have some nice treats in your pocket to reward your dog with.

When you go out with him you can show him the treat and tell him to ‘sit’. Again as soon as he does give him his treat.

With time, you will be able to do away with the treats altogether and reward him with lots of praise and fussing.

There are literally hundreds of different dog treats that you can use for training and you can get a great selection here on Amazon that dogs love.

Treats that dogs love

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5 easy steps to get your dog to sit

Give a command, such as “sit”

Praise the dog and give it a treat when it obeys

Repeat this process until the dog understands what you want them to do

Use treats or toys to help motivate your pet

Be patient – training can take time

Final Words

Getting your dog to sit is one of the most basic instructions that you should teach and is something that you should begin as soon as your puppy has settled in at your home.

It forms the basis of so many other dog training areas and it will also help you to encourage your dog to be calm and patient when you need him to be.

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