Cocker spaniels are one of the most popular breeds of dogs, but they can also have a reputation for being destructive.
So, what’s the deal? Are cocker spaniels naturally destructive?
Let’s take a look at why your pup may be wreaking havoc in your home.
A bored and under stimulated Cocker spaniel will become frustrated and is likely to expend their energy in destructive behaviour. The same is also true of dogs that suffer from separation anxiety and related issues.
Boredom and lack of exercise
Cocker spaniels are an active breed, so it’s important to give them plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Without this, your dog may become bored and start looking for ways to entertain themselves.
This could mean chewing on furniture or other objects in the home, digging up plants in the garden, or barking excessively.
Providing daily walks and playtime is essential for reducing boredom and keeping your pup from becoming destructive.
Separation anxiety
If you have recently adopted a Cocker spaniel, there is a chance that it may suffer from separation anxiety when you leave the house.
Separation anxiety is caused by the stress of being away from its owners for extended periods of time.
Dogs with severe separation anxiety may display signs such as excessive barking, pacing around the house or yard, urinating indoors, or destroying items around the house.
If you suspect that your pup is suffering from separation anxiety, contact your vet immediately to get professional help to overcome this issue.
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Lack of training
The last major reason why your Cocker spaniel might be acting out is because it hasn’t been properly trained.
While Cocker spaniels are generally intelligent and eager to please their owners, they still need consistent training in order to understand what behaviours are acceptable and which ones are not.
If you don’t provide training for your pup early on, then it won’t know how to behave when left alone or when interacting with new people or animals.
Regularly working on basic commands such as “sit” and “stay” can help prevent problem behaviors from developing into bad habits later on down the line.
How to prevent destructive behaviours
The best way to prevent destructive behaviours in Cocker spaniels is by providing them with plenty of playtime and exercise every day.
This will help keep them mentally stimulated and physically active so that they have less time to engage in potentially harmful activities.
Additionally, it is important to give them plenty of attention throughout the day so that they don’t become overly anxious or bored when left alone for extended periods of time.
A tired pup is less likely to act out due to boredom or frustration.
Make sure your pup has plenty of toys that stimulate its mind—chew toys and interactive puzzles can keep them occupied for hours.
Also make sure that you reward good behavior with treats and lots of praise; this teaches them what behaviours are desirable and gives them positive reinforcement for doing well.
Lastly, don’t leave your pup alone for prolonged periods of time—if possible, have someone watch the pup while you’re away.
This way you know that your furniture and possessions won’t suffer any damage while you’re gone.
Final Words
It’s understandable why a Cocker spaniel might be destructive—they are active and intelligent dogs that require attention, exercise, and proper training.
By providing your pup with all of these things, you can help prevent problem behaviors from developing into bad habits.
Give them plenty of playtime and exercise every day, reward good behaviour with treats and praise, and don’t leave them alone for extended periods of time.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your pup isn’t wreaking havoc in your home.
