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A Cocker spaniel is a bundle of energy. They are playful, curious and full of life.

If you’re not careful, that energy can quickly turn into mischief.

The key to having a happy, well-behaved Cocker spaniel is to keep them busy. A bored cocker spaniel is more likely to get into trouble.

Mental stimulation

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity for keeping your Cocker spaniel busy.

Interactive toys such as food puzzles or treat dispensing toys are great ways to engage your Cocker spaniel’s brain.

You can also teach them tricks or enroll them in a training class.

Working on commands and behaviours will help tire them out mentally and give them a sense of purpose.

Exercising your spaniel

Typically, your spaniel will need a good walk at least once daily, twice if possible.

An hour’s walk, for a spaniel, is a great way to let him burn off energy and, if you are able to let him run freely off his lead, then he will run and run, chasing his nose.

At the end of the walk, he’ll be tired, ready for a drink and a meal followed, probably by a good sleep. 

Spaniel training

If you can do some training with your spaniel, either on a walk or at home, outside, then that’s great and you can find some spaniel training tips and hints here which will help to get you started.

Sometimes it may not always be possible to take your dog for a lengthy walk.

This may be due to weather, illness, time of year, daylight levels or simply the time that you have available.

You may have an outdoor area, garden or yard. If you can make it secure and escape proof then you can allow your dog to be outside, in the fresh air, he can roam around the garden and enjoy being outside.

You can do some training and some simple exercises such as teaching him how to stop on the whistle.

If you live in an urban area, where outdoor space is at a premium and difficult to access, then you may have to jump in the car and travel for a short distance or, if the only option is to walk around the town, then do this.

Anything is better than nothing when your dog’s exercise and welfare is concerned.

Play dog hide and seek

Spaniels live for smells and love playing ‘nose’ games. 

One of the prime instincts of a spaniel is that of retrieving and finding and searching for things is a great game for them.

Dog hide and seek involves hiding a doggy treat somewhere in the house or garden and getting your spaniel to find the treat.

Although this might not be as physically demanding as working out in the open on regular retrieving exercises, the mental stimulation will tire your dog while helping him to develop his scenting and finding skills.

To get this started you can take some treats and let your dog see you plant them around the room.

You can then instruct him to find the treats and let him search them out. When he is successful let him eat the treat.

As he gets better and more familiar with the game, hide the treats when he is not looking, so you make the game more difficult and more challenging for him.

The three ladies game for spaniels

An easy game to play indoors with your dog. 

Take three upturned cups, place a treat underneath one of them and then let your dog see you shift them around, so that the treat has been moved.

You encourage your dog to find the treat, which cup is it underneath.

Let him sniff it out – this challenges him and will mentally test him and use energy up and he gets the treat when he gets it right.

Use a stuffed Kong to keep your spaniel occupied

Easy to use and clean, these toys can be stuffed with almost any type of dog food, which your dog then licks and tries to get out so he can eat it.

I have used dog treats, cheese and peanut butter as Kong stuffing and they are all enjoyed by my spaniels, who take delight in prising the food out.

To make the Kong last longer you can even put a stuffed Kong into the freezer to solidify it, like an iced lolly for dogs.

I like the regular Kong toys because they they are tough, they roll around so it is a challenge for a dog to hold it and they have to think about this as well as extracting the food contained inside.

They are also easy to clean and you can put them into the dishwasher.

You can also find similar toys to Kongs that are just as tough and easy to clean such as these West Paw Dog Toys.

Teach your spaniel the names of his toys

According to experts it’s said that a dog can recognise around 165 words and, can count to 5.

There are some dogs that can go even further and recognise many more words.

Teaching a spaniel or other dog to recognise things by name, such as his toys, is a fun thing to do and will work your dog mentally, helping to keep him occupied.

You can start with one specific toy, giving it a name, show the toy to your dog and repeat the name.

Do this regularly and, before long, your spaniel will associate the name with the toy.

Just as he recognises the word ‘walk’ with going for a walk, he’ll soon recognise the toy’s name.

Once you have some success, repeat with other toys.

Eventually you can have a game where you say the toys name and ask your spaniel to find it and bring it to you.

A great game to play and a challenge for your dog.

The ‘which hand game’

Most dogs are really good at this game and it’s an easy one for your dog to learn.

Take a nice treat and put it in one of your hands.

Hold both hands out to the dog with your fists closed and ask the dog ‘which hand’.

Hopefully your dog will sniff your hands and choose the correct hand. When he does open your hand and give him the treat.

Try different treats and if he gets it wrong encourage him.

This simple game encourages your dog to use his nose and think about which hand the treat is in.

Take him for a ride in the car

If you have a car then you can take your dog for a ride out.

Most dogs enjoy a ride out, even if its only for a short time.

It’s stimulating for them, they enjoy the sights and smells, and, if there’s any chance to get out and have a sniff around, even if it is just at the supermarket car park for a few minutes, then why not take them with you?

FAQs

When you get your Cocker Spaniel puppy it will be important for him to have his own place, where he can sleep, rest and take time out. 

This place should be somewhere that helps the puppy to feel safe and secure and it should be his private place.

What is the best size crate for a Cocker spaniel?

When choosing a crate for a Cocker Spaniel, it’s crucial to select one that provides enough space for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Cocker Spaniels are typically medium-sized dogs, so you’ll want to consider a crate that is suitable for their size and not too cramped.

Here are general guidelines for selecting a crate size for a Cocker Spaniel:

Length: Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and add about 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) to determine the length of the crate.

Height: Measure your dog from the top of the head to the ground and add about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) to determine the height of the crate.

Width: Ensure that the crate is wide enough for your dog to turn around comfortably.

Typically, a crate that is approximately 76 cm (30 inches) L x 53 cm (21 inches) W x 61 cm (24 inches) H should be suitable for a Cocker Spaniel.

However, individual dogs can vary in size, so it’s always best to measure your dog and choose a crate based on those measurements.

Remember to introduce your Cocker Spaniel to the crate gradually and make it a positive space with toys and comfortable bedding.

This will help your dog to associate the crate with positive experiences and feel safe and secure when inside it.

Is crate training necessary?

There is a real difference of opinion on what is known as crate training. Many people advocate the use of a crate as a way of house training or ‘potty’ training a puppy. 

They base this thinking on the idea that a puppy or dog will not goto the toilet in his bed or the place that he is using for rest.

This is probably true as I would not want to goto the toilet where I slept either.

My view is that crate training is for lazy people who know little about dogs and care even less about them.

A crate should be used as a place of safety and comfort for a dog and not as some sort of control to stop him from going to the toilet.

Housetraining a puppy is easy and should not be a problem for a caring, observant dog owner who thinks about the puppy’s needs.

If you need to imprison a puppy in a cage to try to train him not to pee in the house then I suggest that you don’t get a dog and buy a goldfish instead.

Our crate selection for spaniels

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Should my dog have a bed in his crate?

Yes, providing a bed or some form of comfortable bedding in your dog’s crate is generally a good idea.

A bed can make the crate more comfortable and cosy for your Cocker Spaniel, and it can help to encourage positive associations with the crate.

Here are a few reasons why you might consider placing a bed in your dog’s crate:

Comfort: A bed can provide cushioning for your dog’s joints and bones, making it more comfortable for them to lie down and sleep.

Warmth: A bed can help to keep your dog warm, especially during the colder months.

Security: A bed can provide a sense of security and a familiar scent, which can be particularly comforting when travelling or in unfamiliar situations.

Encouraging Crate Training: A comfortable bed can make the crate more inviting, which can be helpful when crate training.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Chewing: Some dogs may chew their bedding, especially puppies or dogs that are not used to being crated. If your dog tends to chew, you might consider providing a chew-resistant bed or waiting until your dog is more accustomed to the crate before introducing bedding.

Allergies or Skin Conditions: Ensure that the material of the bed does not irritate your dog’s skin and is suitable for any allergies they may have.

Cleaning: Choose a bed that is easy to clean and, if possible, machine washable, to maintain a clean environment for your dog.

Size: Ensure that the bed fits well inside the crate without taking up too much space, so your dog still has room to move and turn around comfortably.

Remember to observe your dog’s behaviour with the bed in the crate and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are comfortable and safe.

Dog crates can be useful for spaniels

Having said my bit about the dinosaurs that use crates for ‘potty training’, I do believe that there are some good uses for a dog crate and that getting a Cocker Spaniel crate can be helpful.

I own two metal dog cages or crates. They make ideal indoor beds and little kennels for my dogs.

My two Cocker Spaniels, Boris and Nimrod, are very different in terms of their behaviour.

Boris has never really spent a great deal of time in a dog cage and, to be honest, doesn’t need to.

When we got Nimrod, I was working on a holiday park and, as a family, my company provided me with a caravan to live in.

It was great for my family as they had a free holiday and I didn’t have to travel to and from work.

When we got Nimrod he needed a bed, somewhere secure where he could sleep, stay warm and be safe.

We had an old dog cage that I’d bought locally several years ago and we decided to turn that into his bed.

It was ideal, we set it up, filled it with old blankets for him, put some of his toys in, and, when we went to bed, put a cover over so that he would stay warm and feel safe and secure.

Note I didn’t use this for ‘potty training’ nor did I attempt this, this crate/cage was Nimrod’s space and, when he was awake, if he felt tired he’d get in and goto bed – most of the time he dragged his toys out into the caravan.

Having this cage also meant that if I needed to nip out to the shop I could leave him, safe in the knowledge that he would be okay for a short time.

So I believe that a dog crate can be useful – for the right purposes.

Will a crate calm a Cocker spaniel down?

A crate can indeed be a useful tool in helping to calm a Cocker Spaniel, or any dog, when used correctly.

Dogs, by nature, are den animals and a crate can serve as a den-like space where they can retreat to when they need a safe, secure, and calm environment.

What size crate does my dog need?

Your dog will grow, and he’ll grow quickly if he is still a puppy.

If you intend to keep your dog cage and let your spaniel use it as ‘his place’ then you will need to allow for his development and growth.

A typical Cocker Spaniel and most of the other spaniel breeds, will need a crate that is defined as a medium sized crate.

Measurements tend to be at least 30 inches in length, 24 inches wide and 24 inches high.

Any crate or cage should be well made and ideally should have a removable base to make cleaning easier.

The door should open outwards and there should, ideally be two doors.

If the cage is metal then it helps if the metal is plastic coated as this will reduce the risk of corrosion and injuries.

Are all dog crates equal?

Probably not. The quality of steel dog crates can vary enormously and there can be different gaps and thickneses of construction materials.

It’s important to remember that you will need a crate that will not only be big enough for your dog, but will also be tough enough to prevent him from bending apart the bars and escaping.

Spaniels can be escape artists and, having had dogs escape from kennels in the past while I was out at work ( I had used the wrong type of fencing on the kennel run and they had simply forced their way out), I recommend that you choose the best quality cage that you can afford,

Remember the crate/cage is not somewhere for you to lock your dog into for hours on end, you should only use it as a very short term measure while you need to make sure he is safe, and I mean very short term, like less than an hour.

Is it cruel to use a crate for a spaniel?

It depends on you and your ideas of what you use a crate for.

I’ve already lodged my objections to using crates for housetraining. I feel that this is unnecessary and is a cruel and demeaning way to try and ‘train’ a puppy. You’ll teach him nothing.

Likewise if you use a crate for punishment – better that you get a hamster than a dog.

What size crate does a Cocker spaniel need?

When considering a crate for a Cocker spaniel, it’s important to ensure that it’s both a safe and comfortable space for your dog. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Cocker Spaniels are typically considered a medium-sized breed, and they usually stand about 14-17 inches (36-43 cm) tall at the shoulder, and their length (from the base of the neck to the base of the tail) typically ranges from 12-15 inches (30-38 cm).

Based on these measurements, a good crate size to start with would be one designed for medium-sized dogs.

Specifically, a crate that’s approximately 30 inches (76 cm) long, 19 inches (48 cm) wide, and 21 inches (53 cm) high could be a suitable option.

The XL Dog Crate by MidWest

The XL Dog Crate by MidWest is a good choice for Cocker spaniels. With it’s spacious dimensions of 48L x 30W x 33H inches, this crate offers ample room for Cocker spaniels to move around comfortably.

One of the key advantages of this crate is the included divider. This panel allows you to customise the crate’s size according to your dog’s needs. It ensures that your Cocker spaniel has just the right amount of space, providing a cozy environment that promotes a sense of security and reduces anxiety.

The crate’s metal construction ensures durability and stability, and the folding design makes it easy to set up and transport, allowing you to conveniently take your pet on trips or store the crate when not in use.

Additionally, the floor protecting feet and leak-proof dog pan make maintenance hassle-free, preventing leaks from accidents and enabling you to provide a hygienic environment for your pet.

FAQs

Cocker spaniels are adorable and affectionate pets that make great companions.

They are friendly and playful, and they love to spend time with their owners.

However, if you notice your Cocker spaniel howling, it can be a cause for concern.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why Cocker spaniels howl, and provide solutions to stop this behaviour.

Why Is My Cocker Spaniel Howling? Understanding the Reasons

Cocker spaniels are known to howl for various reasons.

Understanding why your Cocker spaniel is howling can help you address the underlying issue and find a solution.

1. Attention Seeking

Cocker spaniels are social animals that love attention and affection. If they feel ignored or left out, they may start howling to get their owner’s attention.

This is especially true if you have been away from home for a long time or if you have been too busy to give your pet the attention they need.

2. Separation Anxiety

Cocker spaniels are prone to separation anxiety. They may start howling if they feel anxious or stressed when you leave them alone at home.

This behaviour can also be accompanied by destructive behaviour, such as chewing or digging.

3. Medical Issues

Cockers may also howl if they are in pain or discomfort. This can be due to medical issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other health problems.

If you notice your pet howling more than usual, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical issues.

4. Environmental Factors

They may howl due to environmental factors, such as loud noises or unfamiliar smells.

This behaviour can be triggered by thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud noises that scare your pet. They may also howl if they smell a stranger or another animal nearby.

5. Breed Instincts

Cockers are bred to be hunting dogs, and they have strong instincts that drive them to hunt and protect.

They may start howling if they sense danger or if they are in a new or unfamiliar environment. This behaviour is often accompanied by barking and other signs of aggression.

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Solutions to Stop Your Cocker Spaniel Howling

Once you have identified the reason why your Cocker spaniel is howling, you can take steps to stop this behaviour.

1. Attention and Affection

If your Cocker is howling to get your attention, it’s important to give them the attention and affection they need.

Spend time playing with your pet, taking them for walks, and cuddling with them on the couch. This will help them feel loved and secure, and may reduce their need to howl for attention.

2. Reduce Separation Anxiety

If the howling is due to separation anxiety, there are several things you can do to reduce their anxiety.

One solution is to provide your dog with an indoor kennel, so they have a safe and secure place to retreat to when you’re not at home.

You can also leave them with toys and treats to keep them occupied, or hire a pet sitter to spend time with them when you’re away.

3. Medical Treatment

If your spaniel is howling due to medical issues, it’s important to seek veterinary care.

The vet can diagnose the underlying problem and provide appropriate treatment.

Pain medications, joint supplements, or other treatments may help alleviate your pet’s pain and discomfort.

4. Address Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as loud noises or unfamiliar smells can trigger howling and, if this is the case, then try to reduce their exposure to these triggers.

Keep your pet indoors during thunderstorms or fireworks displays, and use calming techniques like playing soothing music or using a calming pheromone diffuser to help your pet feel more relaxed.

5. Training and Socialisation

If your Cocker spaniel is howling due to breed instincts, training and socialisation can help manage this behaviour.

Enroll your pet in obedience classes to teach them basic commands and how to behave appropriately in different situations.

Socialise your pet with other dogs and people to help them feel more comfortable and confident in new environments.

FAQs

Is it normal for Cocker Spaniels to howl?

Yes, Cockers may howl for various reasons, including attention-seeking, separation anxiety, medical issues, environmental factors, or breed instincts.

How can I stop my Cocker Spaniel from howling?

The solution to stopping howling depends on the underlying cause.

If your pet is howling due to attention-seeking behaviour, give them the attention and affection they need.

If it’s due to separation anxiety, try crate training, leaving them with toys and treats, or hiring a pet sitter.

If it’s due to medical issues, seek veterinary care. If it’s due to environmental factors, try to reduce their exposure to triggers, and if it’s due to breed instincts, consider training and socialisation.

When should I be concerned about my Cocker howling?

If your Cocker is howling excessively, or if their howling is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting, it’s important to seek veterinary care.

These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying medical issue.

An important element of Cocker Spaniel training is being able to direct your spaniel when he is out on a retrieve.

Often, as a spaniel handler, you will need to send your spaniel out to retrieve when he, and sometimes, you, don’t fully know where the retrieve actually is.

If you can stop and give your dog directions then you will be able to ‘handle’ him to an area where he can pick up scent, enabling him to make his retrieve more efficiently.

Why to teach a spaniel directions

In a competition such as a working test or a field trial, for example, the judge may ask you to retrieve a dummy or piece of game.

He will give you an idea of where the retrieve sits but, chances are that you’ll be unable to see it.

This is often the case, particularly in a field trial.

One of my previous articles spoke about the importance of working with your spaniel’s sense of smell and the importance of considering the wind direction.

It is important, and vital, that you are able to direct and handle your spaniel to the area that is indicated, while thinking about the wind conditions, so that he can wind and sniff out the retrieve. 

On a shoot day, the same scenario can occur, only on these occasions you will often be presented with an airy fairy wave of the hand from a gun who tells you something along the lines of ‘It’s over there somewhere’ or ‘I’m sure I hit it and it went down round there‘.

So, being able to get your spaniel to the area, where he can pick up the scent, is important and is a vital part of all gundog training and activity.

How to teach a spaniel directions

Spaniel direction training work is easier than you might think but it takes some time and needs regular practice.

If you have spent some time with your spaniel working on the sit or hup command at a distance then you, by now, should be able to sit him down and walk away from him without him getting up.

If you can’t yet do this then spend some time on the exercise before moving onto this activity.

I know that it’s tempting to rush into more exciting stuff, but take your time and make sure that your dog sits at a distance for you.  It will be worth it in the long run.

You need your spaniel to be steady to the thrown dummy for the directional training to be effective, so it pays to take some time to make sure that your spaniel sits down and stays where he is until, told otherwise.

When your dog is ready, then this is how we begin to teach direction training for handling.

Managing the direction

Most, if not all of us, have seen policemen directing traffic, or we have a good idea of the concept.

He puts his arm out to the right which means ‘Go Right‘….arm to the left, ‘Go Left‘..pretty simple..

So, it’s the same principle when we are training a spaniel, or any gundog for that matter, we just have to do a bit extra to help the dog to build the link.

Go to your training area. You will need to take some training dummies with you.

If you don’t have any dog training dummies then I’d suggest that you try to get hold of some, you really need them for your spaniel training.

I like to use the canvas dummies as they are better for a spaniel’s mouth.

You’ll need some dummies for directional work

Beginning the training

When you have your dummies, take at least three with you, sit your dog down in front of you and walk back from the dog, about ten feet is enough.

Facing your spaniel, remind him to hup and make sure that he does, and, when you are sure that he is settled, throw one of your dummies over his head, so that it goes behind him.

If he makes a break and runs for the dummy, get after him and try to catch him before he reaches it.

If you can do this then take him gently back to the spot where he should have been sat, and sit him down, reminding him to ‘Hup‘.

If he gets to the dummy before you, then take it from him quietly, and try again.

Working on the understanding that he didn’t run in, take the next dummy and throw it to his left and then the next and throw it to his right.

Dogs generally remember the last thing that happened most, so the last dummy thrown will be foremost in his mind, so let’s make things easy.

With a clear arm signal from you, in the direction of the last dummy thrown, send him for the dummy with the ‘Fetch’ command.  Let him work it out and he should retrieve the dummy to hand.

Sit him down again in his starting spot, and, when he is settled, with a clear arm signal and the ‘Fetch’ command – send him out to the opposite side for the other dummy.

Again, take it from him when he brings it in, sit him down. 

Finally, send him back. I’ve covered the ‘get back’ or ‘back’ command and hand signal in this post which introduced the spaniel to going back – you can read it via this link.

All being good, he’ll bring the dummy in.

(One word on this – think about the wind – ideally the wind needs to be blowing towards you – just makes it easier for the dog).

Vary your directional spaniel training handling

As you practice this training with your spaniel, change the order in which you send him off for the dummies.

Mix it up and keep it varied. When he is sat down, go and pick one of the dummies up yourself, or, if you have another dog with you, send that dog instead.

One of our aims with spaniel training is to teach steadiness and patience, we also don’t want a spaniel to anticipate too much what is likely to be asked of him.

If you keep it varied then he can’t guess too much and anticipate.

Likewise, when he has retrieved a dummy back to you, throw it back out, then send him for one of the others.

This helps him to ignore the last dummy thrown, which will be of most interest to him as it’s foremost in his mind. 

If he makes a break for the last dummy then try to intercept him before he reaches it and, take him back to his spot, and try again.

Don’t be rough with him or frighten him and, if he reaches the dummy before you intercept him, act as though nothing has happend and take the dummy off him as a normal retrieve.

Some spaniels can be easily deterred from retrieving so it is important that you never tell him off or show disapproval when he has something in his mouth ( even if it is your best pair of shoes).

Practice your gundog direction training

As with all other gundog and spaniel training, it is important to practice direction training regularly with your dog.

Ten minutes frequently is better than one hour weekly. A young spaniel’s attention span can be limited and long sessions can become tiring and tedious.

Go to different locations, with different types of terrain and ground cover so that your dog gets used to and familiar with different types of ground cover.

Don’t go anywhere where the cover is tough or too thick, you just want your young spaniel to experience different types and to get used to being given directions in different areas.