For most people who have an English Cocker Spaniel, it’s not possible to be with their pet every hour of the day. But can you leave an English Cocker Spaniel alone?
None of us likes to leave our pets behind, but it’s important that your dog can still be alone.
That’s why you need to train your puppy from a young age to get used to being alone.
So can an English Cocker be left alone? Yes, you can leave an English Cocker Spaniel alone. But you have to make it normal for him by providing the right training. Make your puppy understand from the start that there won’t always be someone around him.
Training to leave your English Cocker alone
If you don’t want a dog with separation anxiety, you need to get him used to being alone from the moment he is a puppy.
This means that you simply leave him alone for a while and see how he does.
What your dog is used to, he considers normal. If you stay with him a bit longer, he will enjoy that. If you are away for a week, he will find that less enjoyable than usual. Just like a spoiled rotten child who is never happy because he always needs more to be content.
You can make it easy for yourself or a bit more difficult. Working with a crate is the easiest method.
With a crate
If you want your English Cocker to get used to being alone, a crate can be a very important tool.
The principle is actually simple; you make your puppy accustomed to reality from the beginning. This means that you leave him alone for a while from day 1 or 2.
You can gradually increase the time, but most dogs can comfortably be alone for 8 hours from the start.
It is important that you confine him in the crate; otherwise, your house will be filled with feces and furniture will be destroyed.
When you come home from work in the evening, your first task is to take your dog for a walk and engage with him. Because he needs his exercise, and rest assured, he will want to move ;).
Without a crate
Without a crate, it goes just the same; you just need to be careful that he doesn’t damage anything.
That’s why it’s advisable to start with a short time alone or to confine your dog in a smaller part of your living room.
If you don’t do this, make sure you begin with leaving your dog alone for a maximum of half an hour and build up to a maximum of one hour at a time.
What does a dog do when he is alone?
When an English Cocker Spaniel is alone at home, he often exhibits different behavior than when he is in the company of people. In this situation, they often rest and sleep much more.
English Cocker Spaniels are naturally affectionate and social dogs that love to be around their owners. When left alone, they may experience a sense of abandonment and retreat into rest and sleep, waiting for the return of their family members.
Although they can generally be calm when alone, it is still important to ensure they get enough mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This can be done, for example, with toys that keep them occupied and challenge them while they are alone. You can find toys here.
Prevent separation anxiety in Cocker Spaniels
Separation anxiety can be a common problem in English Cocker Spaniels, especially if they are not used to being left alone.
To prevent this, it is important to regularly leave your dog alone from day one. This means occasionally going to the store, dining out, or engaging in other activities where the dog stays home alone.
It is even advisable to start leaving your puppy alone during your working hours, even if that means eight hours. It’s tempting to take leave immediately after getting a puppy, but this can backfire.
It’s better to slowly start with your presence around your puppy and gradually extend the time he is used to having you around. This way, you ensure he doesn’t have incorrect expectations, as you can’t be with him all the time.
Compare it to a child who receives a gift every day; they are no longer satisfied with their gift. A child who receives something extra now and then will appreciate it more. A dog who always has someone around finds that normal; a dog who receives an hour more attention than usual finds it great. He will then suffer less from separation anxiety.
Every hour you can be home longer when you return will be a positive experience for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my English Cocker Spaniel alone if I’m at work all day?
Yes, as long as you take the dog out right before you leave and right after you get back. For a puppy, it’s better not to leave him alone for more than 8 hours.
How long can an English Cocker Spaniel be left alone at night?
The whole night. A puppy will not yet be house trained, so you will have to clean up in the morning. Make sure to take him out for his morning potty as soon as you wake up.
How long can an English Cocker Spaniel stay alone in the car?
If it’s cold weather, I would say max 15 minutes with a window cracked open. In warmer weather, a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes with the window cracked open.
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