Your spaniel’s behaviour and wellbeing is heavily influenced by their environment. A dog that can’t settle, is constantly “on alert”, or struggles with sleep and routine will often look like they have a training problem — when the real issue is home structure.
This hub covers the practical side of spaniel ownership at home: sleep routines, choosing the right bed, using a crate properly, preventing accidents indoors, and keeping your home clean without constant stress.
Key guides in this section
Sleep and settling
- How to get a Cocker Spaniel to sleep
- Is it safe for a dog to sleep under the covers?
- Do dogs need something soft to sleep on?
- Should dogs sleep in their owner’s bed?
Beds, comfort and home setup
- Best dog bed for a Cocker Spaniel
- Best dog bed for a dog with arthritis
- How to keep your house clean with dogs
House training and indoor accidents
- How to house train a Cocker Spaniel puppy
- Why do Cocker Spaniels pee in the house?
- Potty training without a crate
Related hubs
Sleep: the most overlooked part of spaniel care
Many spaniels are under-rested. When dogs don’t sleep enough, you see:
- more mouthiness
- more barking and whining
- more over-arousal
- worse recall and focus
- more reactive behaviour
Improving sleep often improves training.
Crates at home: when they help (and when they don’t)
A crate should be a tool for:
- calmness
- safe rest
- structured routine
- preventing rehearsal of bad habits
It shouldn’t be used as a solution for unmet needs.
House training and indoor accidents
Indoor toileting issues usually come from:
- incomplete house training
- inconsistent routine
- stress/anxiety
- too much freedom too soon
- medical issues (when it’s sudden)
If accidents are new or worsening, link to Vet Care.
Beds, blankets and comfort
Most spaniels settle better when they have:
- a predictable sleep space
- warmth without overheating
- a “default” place to switch off
This doesn’t need to be expensive — it needs to be consistent.
More Home Guides
How to stop your Cocker spaniel from peeing indoors → /how-to-stop-your-cocker-spaniel-from-peeing-indoors/
Can You Train a Springer Spaniel to Sleep? → /can-you-train-a-springer-spaniel-to-sleep/
How long do Cavalier King Charles spaniels sleep? → /how-long-do-cavalier-king-charles-spaniels-sleep/
Are Cocker spaniels easy to toilet train? → /are-cocker-spaniels-easy-to-toilet-train/
What Kind of Bed Does a Cocker Spaniel Need? → /what-kind-of-bed-does-a-cocker-spaniel-need-a-complete-guide/
Where should a Cocker Spaniel sleep at night? → /where-should-a-cocker-spaniel-sleep-at-night/
How many hours should a spaniel puppy sleep? → /how-many-hours-should-a-spaniel-puppy-sleep/
How to stop a puppy crying at night → /how-to-stop-a-puppy-crying-at-night/
How to get a Cocker Spaniel puppy to sleep through the night → /how-to-get-a-cocker-spaniel-puppy-to-sleep-through-the-night/
Puppy toilet training schedule (simple routine) → /puppy-toilet-training-schedule-simple-routine/
How long can a puppy hold its bladder? → /how-long-can-a-puppy-hold-its-bladder/
Why does my puppy keep peeing in the house after being outside? → /why-does-my-puppy-keep-peeing-in-the-house-after-being-outside/
How to stop a dog peeing in the house at night → /how-to-stop-a-dog-peeing-in-the-house-at-night/
How to get dog wee smell out of carpet → /how-to-get-dog-wee-smell-out-of-carpet/
How to stop a dog chewing furniture when alone → /how-to-stop-a-dog-chewing-furniture-when-alone/
Should I use puppy pads or train outdoors? → /should-i-use-puppy-pads-or-train-outdoors/
What is the best crate size for a Cocker Spaniel? → /what-is-the-best-crate-size-for-a-cocker-spaniel/
How to crate train a Cocker Spaniel puppy → /how-to-crate-train-a-cocker-spaniel-puppy/
How long should a dog sleep per day? → /how-long-should-a-dog-sleep-per-day/
Why does my dog wake up in the night? → /why-does-my-dog-wake-up-in-the-night/