Can Cocker spaniels be left alone?

No matter how much you may love your Cocker spaniel, there will come a time when you have to leave them alone.

But is leaving a Cocker spaniel alone for extended periods of time safe?

Can they be left home alone while you’re at work or when you have other commitments?

Spaniels enjoy company and should not be left alone for long periods of time

Spaniels are one of the most popular types of dogs, and it’s easy to see why.

They are friendly, energetic, and loving companions.

This means that they do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.

Spaniels need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so if you’re thinking about getting one, it’s important to be prepared to provide them with the attention they need.

Otherwise, you may find yourself with a destructive, unhappy dog on your hands.

They are prone to separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviour

Many people think of separation anxiety as something that only affects children, but the truth is that dogs can suffer from this condition as well.

Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes anxious or stressed when separated from their owner.

This can lead to destructive behaviours such as chewing or barking, as well as accidents inside the house.

If your dog seems to be exhibiting signs of separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help.

First, try to make sure that your departures and arrivals are calm and low-key.

Avoid making a big fuss over your dog when you leave or come home, as this can just heighten their anxiety.

You should also try to provide your dog with some sort of comfort object, like a favourite toy or blanket, to help them feel more secure when you’re gone.

Give him some play things to keep him occupied

If you have to leave your spaniel home alone, there are some things you can do to help keep him occupied and prevent him from getting bored.

First, make sure he has plenty of toys to play with.

Second, give him some chew items – such as rawhide bones or Kong toys filled with peanut butter – to keep him busy.

Third, leave the television or radio on for background noise.

And fourth, try to schedule some time for play and walks when you get home so that he doesn’t feel like he’s been left out.

Provide your spaniel with his own, safe space when he alone

When you leave your spaniel home alone, it’s important that he has his own safe space where he can relax and feel comfortable.

This could be a crate or a dog bed in a quiet corner of the house.

Make sure that the space is big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably, and that it’s well ventilated.

You should also provide your dog with a toy or chew bone to keep him entertained, as well as a water bowl.

If possible, try to set up the space so that your dog can see out the window and people-watch while you’re gone.

By providing your spaniel with his own dedicated space, you can help him to feel relaxed and happy when he’s home alone.

Recommended indoor dog houses

Take your spaniel out before you leave

Spaniels are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

If you’re not able to give your spaniel the time and attention he needs, he may become restless and anxious.

While it’s important to make sure your spaniel gets his daily walk, you should also give him plenty of playtime and attention when you’re at home.

This will help him to burn off energy and stay calm.

Try to set aside at least 30 minutes per day for playtime, and make sure to include a variety of different activities such as fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek.

If you can do this activity with your dog before you leave him, it will tire him out, making him more likely to sleep and remain calm while you are away.

Get a friend to check in on your dog

While most spaniels are generally low-maintenance dogs, they still need plenty of attention and exercise.

If you can’t bring your spaniel with you when you leave the house, it’s important to have someone check in on him occasionally.

A friend or family member can let him out for the toilet, refill his water bowl, and give him a little attention.

This will help to prevent boredom and isolation, which can lead to behavioural problems.

In addition, having someone check in on your spaniel will give you peace of mind knowing that he is being well taken care of.

Other considerations

Age: A puppy cannot be left alone for as long as an adult dog because they have different needs.

Puppies need to be fed more often and they need to go to the toilet more frequently.

They also have a lot of energy and can get into mischief if left unsupervised for too long.

If you’re thinking of leaving your Cocker Spaniel puppy home alone, it’s best to start with short periods of time (30 minutes to an hour) and gradually increase the amount of time as your pup gets older.

Health: Another factor to consider is your dog’s health. If your Cocker Spaniel is unwell, has separation anxiety or is prone to injuries, it’s best not to leave them alone for prolonged periods of time.

Elderly dogs may also need more supervision since they can’t move around as easily and may need help going to the bathroom.

Temperament: Some dogs are just naturally more independent than others and can handle being left alone for longer periods of time.

If your spaniel is comfortable being by themselves, then they’ll likely do just fine being left home alone while you’re gone.

However, if they tend to follow you around everywhere you go and seem anxious when you leave the room, they may not do well on their own. 

How to help your Cocker to be at home alone

The best way to know if your Cocker can be left home alone is to try it out and see how they do.

Start with short periods of time (30 minutes to an hour) and gradually increase the amount of time as needed.

Be sure to provide them with plenty of toys, food, and water so they’re comfortable while you’re gone. And most importantly, make sure to give them plenty of love and attention when you return.