3 Common Cocker Spaniel Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Cocker Spaniels are merry, enthusiastic working dogs with hearts full of joy. Give them the exercise and companionship they crave, and they'll become the devoted, happy family members they were bred to be.

Where Do Cocker Spaniels Come From?

Cocker Spaniels were developed in England in the 1800s as the smallest member of the land spaniel family. They were bred specifically for flushing woodcock from dense brush (hence the name "Cocker").

They descended from the original land spaniels brought to Britain centuries earlier. The breed split into American and English lines in the early 1900s, with different appearances and temperaments.

What were they bred to do?

Cocker Spaniels had a specific hunting job:

• Flush and retrieve woodcock and other game birds from thick undergrowth
• Navigate dense cover where larger dogs couldn't work effectively
• Work tirelessly searching bush after bush with enthusiasm
• Retrieve birds undamaged with a soft mouth
• Work closely with their hunter, taking subtle direction
• Stay sensitive and responsive to their handler

Key breeding traits:

Cocker Spaniels have a merry, enthusiastic temperament with constant tail wagging whilst working. They have a soft temperament requiring minimal correction and are eager to please but easily stressed by harsh handling.

They have an excellent nose for scenting game, a soft mouth for retrieving, and a tendency to work close to the handler rather than ranging far. Their sensitivity meant they responded better to encouragement than discipline.

Why Do Cocker Spaniels Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your Cocker Spaniel isn't being difficult. The breed split dramatically between American (more companion-oriented) and English (more working-oriented) lines. Most are now companions, though some English lines still work.

Their hunting enthusiasm remains strong but manifests as general excitability in pet homes. Their soft temperament makes them sensitive to household stress and prone to submissive behaviours.

They were bred to work in close partnership with hunters, staying near and checking in constantly whilst flushing game. Their entire purpose was staying connected to their human.

Problem 1: Separation Anxiety & Neediness

What's happening: Your Cocker Spaniel follows you everywhere, becomes distressed when you leave, or shows signs of anxiety when separated from you.

Why it happens: Cocker Spaniels were bred to work in close partnership with hunters, staying near and checking in constantly whilst flushing game. Modern companion lines have intensified this velcro tendency through selective breeding. Their entire purpose was staying connected to their human whilst working cooperatively, never being independent.

The fix: Create "independent flushing" games where they search for hidden toys alone whilst you're in another room - start with you just outside the door, gradually moving further as they engage with the search.

Practice "crate as blind" training where the crate becomes their hunting blind (safe space during alone time), making it cosy with bedding and special items only available there.

Use gradual departures building from 30 seconds: leave room, return and ignore for 5 minutes until calm. If they whine, wait for silence before returning.

Provide mental stimulation: puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, frozen Kongs that take 20+ minutes to complete. Practice mini-separations 30-40 times on weekends to rapidly build the skill.

Struggling with separation anxiety? Cocker Spaniels were bred to stay close to their handler. Join our free Skool community for detailed separation protocols and get support during weekly Q&As on building independence.

Problem 2: Excessive Barking When Excited

What's happening: Your Cocker Spaniel barks excessively when excited, during play, or when stimulated by activity.

Why it happens: Cocker Spaniels were bred to enthusiastically announce when they'd flushed game from cover - vocalisation whilst working was desirable behaviour in hunting environments. Their high arousal and sensitive nature means they escalate quickly with barking when stimulated. This was encouraged during hunts but becomes problematic in homes.

The fix: Implement "arousal down" training where exciting activities are paired with calm behaviours: play fetch for 2 minutes, enforce calm on mat for 2 minutes before next throw. Use "settle between sets" protocols - if they can't settle, play ends completely.

When excitement barking starts, immediately become a statue (no eye contact, movement, or speaking). If it continues beyond 30 seconds, place them in a separate room for 5 minutes.

Do NOT reward stopping barking with treats - you're teaching them that if they bark and then stop, they'll receive a treat, not that they shouldn't bark at all.

Be willing to back out of play time: if your dog gets too excited, postpone the play time and wait for calm before you start again.

Excitement barking getting worse? This is hardwired hunting behaviour. Inside our Skool community, you'll find arousal down training protocols and can troubleshoot during live weekly webinars with experienced trainers.

Problem 3: Extreme High Energy

What's happening: Your Cocker Spaniel seems to have endless energy, struggles to settle, or becomes destructive without sufficient exercise.

Why it happens: Cocker Spaniels are a classic working breed with a huge amount of energy. Working breed dogs need a higher level of physical stimulation to stop them acting out. If you're unable to commit to this, then the breed isn't for you.

The fix: Provide "brain drain" activities daily through advanced trick training, nosework, or retrieving work that matches their original purpose - aim for 45-60 minutes of intense mental challenge that actually tires their brain.

If you can, use structured intelligence outlets through dog sports (agility, rally, scent work) where their brain works toward specific goals.

If you cannot commit to regular exercise, this is not the breed for you. Getting a variety of scents, smells, and locations helps to mentally fatigue these dogs. They're great to own if you live in a more rural area.

Finding it hard to tire them out? Cocker Spaniels need both physical and mental exercise. Join our Skool community for brain drain activities and nosework games specifically designed for sporting breeds.

Is a Cocker Spaniel Right for a New Owner?

A Cocker Spaniel might be perfect for you if you're looking for:

A merry, affectionate family dog - Cocker Spaniels are famous for their happy temperament and constant tail wagging. They're excellent with children and form loving bonds with all family members.

An enthusiastic companion for active families - These dogs need 1 hour of daily exercise and love outdoor activities. They're perfect for families who enjoy walks, hikes, and playing in the garden.

A highly trainable, eager-to-please dog - Cocker Spaniels respond beautifully to positive training methods. Their soft temperament means they're sensitive and quick to learn with gentle guidance.

A beautiful dog with a stunning coat - Cocker Spaniels are undeniably gorgeous with their silky coats and soulful eyes. If you're committed to regular grooming, you'll have a stunning companion.

A versatile dog that's good with everyone - Cocker Spaniels are very good with children and other pets. They're friendly, social dogs that fit well into various household situations.

If you're ready for high grooming needs (daily brushing and professional grooming), can provide 1 hour of daily exercise, and want a merry, devoted companion, a Cocker Spaniel will bring joy and enthusiasm to your life.

Get the Full Support System for Your Cocker Spaniel

This guide gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a well-behaved Cocker Spaniel is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community - to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific Cocker Spaniel and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other Cocker Spaniel owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your Cocker Spaniel.