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Many people buy cocker spaniels for their gentle, loving temperaments and because they want a small dog for companionship. The American Kennel Club describes cocker spaniels as affectionate and excellent family companions. The other side of the coin is that affectionate family dogs can become lonely and suffer anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Dogs do not deliberately cause problems to try to get revenge upon families that leave them alone. That kind of thinking is simply not part of a dog’s temperament. What can happen, however, is that dogs with separation anxiety can begin to bark, whine or howl when left alone. In nature, when members of wolf packs become separated, they howl so that all members of the pack are able to hear each other and find each other again. Domestic dogs have many of the same genes that wild wolves do, so it is not surprising to find the same kind of behavior in the same kind of situation. Human families are pet dogs’ packs, and when our dogs become separated from us, it is natural for them to howl. The noise can be distressing for neighbors who live within hearing range, and the anxiety the dog feels is naturally a source of concern to its family. Urinating or defecating in the house in a dog who is normally housetrained can be another sign of separation anxiety. Again, that is not a sign that the dog is angry or making messes on the rug to get back at you. It is simply a sign that he or she is too anxious to be able to behave normally. A dog who clings, following its family members from room to room, could also have problems with separation anxiety. The thing not to do is to punish your cocker spaniel or cause it pain. That will only make your dog afraid of you and increase his or her anxiety level, creating a vicious cycle. One method of treating separation anxiety is to have a den for your dog. Get your cocker spaniel a crate that is big enough for him or her to stand up or walk around in, and let the dog go in and out of it freely while you are at home. To human beings a crate might sound like a place where anxiety get even worse, but dogs feel safe in small places that are all their own. Put treats and a blanket into it so that it will become a place where your dog feels safe and happy. Put him or her into the crate when you leave the house and your cocker spaniel will feel secure inside his or her own little den. A corner of the house where your dog’s food, water, blanket and toys are kept and other family members do not tread can also give your dog a sense of having a safe corner where he or she does not feel anxious. Veterinarians are trained to diagnose and treat separation anxiety, so consult your dog’s doctor if you suspect the condition. Medications and behavioral modification techniques are available, and your dog’s veterinarian can prescribe medications, give you helpful hints on training, or recommend a good trainer. For those who are concerned with the idea of medicating their pets, herbal remedies are also available. Rather than suffer with frustration for you and your cocker spaniel, get your dog to an professional if needed. Cocker spaniels can be wonderful pets when emotionally well adjusted. Camille Goldin, discusses why a Cocker Spaniel suffers from Separation Anxiety and how to solve it. Learn more about Dogs from TrainPetDog.com
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