For most people who have an English Cocker Spaniel, it is 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 leaving our pet behind, but it’s important that your dog can be alone.
That’s why you should 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 must accustom him to it by giving him the right upbringing. Get your puppy used from the start to the fact that there won’t always be someone nearby.
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 when he’s a puppy.
This means you simply leave him alone for a while and see whether he has handled it well.
What your dog is used to, he considers normal. If you’re with him a little longer, he’ll enjoy that. If you’re away for a week, he’ll find that less normal. It’s the same as a badly spoiled child who is never happy because he always needs more to be content.
You can make it easy for yourself or a bit harder. Working with a crate is the easiest way.
With a crate
If you want to get your English Cocker used to being alone, a crate can be a very important tool.
The principle is actually simple: you accustom your puppy to reality from the start. This means you leave him alone for a while from day 1 or 2.
You can gradually increase the time if necessary, but most dogs can comfortably be alone for 8 hours from the start.
It is important to lock him in the crate, otherwise your house will be full of feces and ruined furniture.
When you come home from work in the evening, your first task is to take your dog out and spend time with him. He needs his exercise, and rest assured he will get moving then ;).
Without a crate
Without a crate it’s actually the same; you just have to make sure he doesn’t break anything.
That is why it is recommended to start with a short time alone, or to confine your dog to a smaller part of your living room.
If you do not do this, make sure you start by leaving your dog alone for a maximum of half an hour and gradually build this up to at most an hour at a time.
What does a dog do when he is alone?
When an English Cocker Spaniel is home alone, he will often behave differently than when in the company of people. In this situation he will often rest and sleep much more.
English Cocker Spaniels are naturally affectionate and social dogs that like to be near their owners. When left alone, they can experience feelings of abandonment and withdraw into rest and sleep while awaiting the return of their family members.
Although they can generally be calm when alone, it is still important to ensure they receive enough mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This can, for example, be achieved 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 from day one to regularly leave your dog alone. This means occasionally going to the shop, eating out, or taking part in other activities where the dog stays at home alone.
It is even advisable to leave your puppy alone during your working hours from the start, even if that means eight hours. It is tempting to take time off in the first days after acquiring a puppy, but this can actually be counterproductive.
It is better to start slowly with your presence around your puppy and gradually extend the time he has your presence. In this way you ensure he does not develop false expectations — after all, you cannot be with him constantly.
Compare it to a child who receives a present every day; they are no longer satisfied with their gift. A child who occasionally receives something extra will appreciate it more. A dog that always has someone around finds this normal; a dog that gets an hour more attention than usual thinks that’s wonderful. Then he will suffer less from separation anxiety.
Each hour you can be present longer when you come home will be a positive experience for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mag ik mijn Engelse Cocker spaniël alleen laten als ik de hele dag op het werk ben?
Ja, zolang je de hond uitlaat net voor je vertrekt en net na je terug bent. Voor een pup laat je hem beter niet langer dan 8 uur alleen.
Hoe lang kan een Engelse Cocker spaniël ‘s nachts alleen gelaten worden?
De hele nacht. Een puppy zal nog niet zindelijk zijn dus zul je moeten schoonmaken in de ochtend. Laat het eerst uit voor zijn ochtend plasje als je wakker bent.
Hoe lang kan een Engelse Cocker spaniël alleen in de auto blijven?
Als het koud weer is, zou ik zeggen max 15 minuten met een venster op een kier. Bij warmer weer maximum 5 tot 10 minuten met het venster op een kier.
Click on this link for reviews from our customers about this breed.
Would you like to know more about the English Cocker Spaniel? Then click this link and discover our other English Cocker Spaniel articles.