Cocker Spaniel: Zoom Zoom
6 min read

Cocker Spaniel: Zoom Zoom

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

Remember: Cocker Spaniels are some of the most affectionate, gentle dogs you'll ever meet. Their merry temperament and eagerness to please make them wonderful family dogs. That soft, sensitive nature just needs understanding and the right approach to thrive.

Where Do Cocker Spaniels Come From?

Cocker Spaniels were developed in England in the 1800s. They were the smallest member of the land spaniel family. The name "Cocker" comes from their job flushing woodcock from dense brush. The breed split into American and English lines in the early 1900s.

What were they bred to do?

  • 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

Cocker Spaniels have a merry, enthusiastic temperament. They're known for constant tail wagging whilst working. They have a soft temperament that requires minimal correction. They're eager to please but easily stressed by harsh handling. They have an excellent nose for scenting game. They were bred to work close to their handler rather than ranging far. Their sensitivity meant they responded better to encouragement than discipline.

Why Do Cocker Spaniels Have These Behaviour Problems?

Most Cocker Spaniels are now companions rather than working dogs. The breed split dramatically between American and English lines. American Cocker Spaniels are more companion-oriented. English Cocker Spaniels retain more working drive.

Their hunting enthusiasm remains strong. In pet homes, this manifests as general excitability. Their soft temperament makes them sensitive to household stress. They're prone to submissive behaviours.

These aren't flaws in your dog. These are the exact traits that made them exceptional hunting partners. They just need different outlets in modern homes.

Problem 1: Separation Anxiety & Neediness

What's happening: Your Cocker Spaniel follows you everywhere, becomes distressed when you leave, or shows destructive behaviour when alone.

Why it happens: They were bred to work in close partnership with hunters. They stayed near and checked in constantly whilst flushing game. Modern companion lines have intensified this tendency. Their entire purpose was staying connected to their human.

The fix:

  • Practice mini-departures throughout the day starting with just 20 seconds
  • Return without any greeting, eye contact, or touching for 5 full minutes
  • Wait until they're completely calm before any interaction
  • Do departure cues randomly (pick up keys, put on shoes) throughout the day
  • Practice 20-30 mini-departures on weekends with very short absences
  • When you return home and they're excited, freeze completely until they settle

Struggling with separation anxiety that's getting worse? Join our free Skool community for step-by-step protocols on desensitisation training, plus get support from other Cocker Spaniel owners who've worked through this successfully.

Problem 2: Excessive Barking When Excited

What's happening: Your Cocker Spaniel barks excessively during play, when visitors arrive, or when anticipating something exciting.

Why it happens: They were bred to enthusiastically announce when they'd flushed game from cover. Vocalisation whilst working was desirable. Their high arousal and sensitive nature means they escalate quickly with barking when stimulated.

The fix:

  • When excitement barking starts, become a statue (no eye contact, movement, or speaking)
  • If it continues beyond 30 seconds, place them in a separate room for 5 minutes
  • Don't reward stopping barking with treats (this teaches them to bark then stop for treats)
  • Back out of play time if they get too excited and wait for calm
  • Use "arousal down" training: play fetch for 2 minutes, enforce calm on mat for 2 minutes

Is excitement barking taking over your walks and playtime? Our Skool community has video demonstrations of arousal control techniques and live Q&As where you can troubleshoot your specific situation with experienced trainers.

Problem 3: Extreme High Energy

What's happening: Your Cocker Spaniel seems hyperactive, can't settle, or needs constant activity despite regular walks.

Why it happens: They're a classic working breed with huge amounts of energy. Working breed dogs need higher levels of physical stimulation to stop them acting out. They were bred to work tirelessly all day.

The fix:

  • Commit to 1 hour of exercise daily minimum
  • Provide variety in scents, smells, and locations (they love using their nose)
  • Use "brain drain" activities through advanced trick training or nosework
  • Try dog sports like agility, rally, or scent work for structured outlets
  • Aim for 45-60 minutes of intense mental challenge daily

Can't seem to tire out your Cocker Spaniel no matter what you try? Our community provides dedicated courses on mental stimulation techniques and connects you with members who've found the perfect exercise balance for their high-energy spaniels.

Is a Cocker Spaniel Right for a New Owner?

A Cocker Spaniel can be excellent for new owners who understand their needs.

A gentle, affectionate nature - Cocker Spaniels are incredibly loving dogs. They bond deeply with their families and thrive on companionship and affection.

Excellent with children - Their soft temperament and patience make them wonderful family dogs. They're gentle and tolerant with kids.

Highly trainable - They're eager to please and respond well to positive training methods. Their intelligence makes learning enjoyable for both of you.

Adaptable size - At 12-15kg, they're substantial enough for active play but small enough for most living situations.

A great nose for activities - Their scenting ability makes them brilliant at nosework, tracking, and similar activities that provide mental stimulation.

Cocker Spaniels need commitment to exercise, grooming, and companionship. But if you're ready to meet their needs, you'll have a devoted, joyful friend.

Get the Full Support System for Your Cocker Spaniel

This article gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a Cocker Spaniel is an ongoing journey. Behaviours shift. New challenges pop up. You need support that keeps going.

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

Common Questions

Are Cocker Spaniels easy to train?

Generally yes. Cockers are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. They're sensitive dogs, so training needs to be kind rather than forceful. Raised voices or heavy-handed corrections can shut them down. Keep sessions short, rewarding, and finish before frustration kicks in on either side.

Do Cocker Spaniels have high energy?

They do. Despite their elegant appearance, Cockers were built to work in the field all day. They need at least an hour of proper exercise daily. A garden run-around doesn't cut it. Off-lead runs, swimming, and scent games all suit them well. Under-exercised Cockers tend to become anxious or hyperactive indoors.

Are Cocker Spaniels prone to anxiety?

Some are. They're sensitive dogs with a strong attachment to their people. Separation anxiety is seen in the breed. Building independent time from puppyhood and avoiding creating dependency early on makes a big difference. If anxiety is already a pattern, structured alone-time training is the most practical approach.

How much grooming does a Cocker Spaniel need?

A lot. Their long, silky coat mats quickly, especially around the ears and legs. Weekly brushing at minimum, and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat manageable. Their drooping ears trap moisture and can be prone to infection if not cleaned regularly.

Are Cocker Spaniels good family dogs?

Yes, when well-raised. They're affectionate, playful, and generally good with children who handle them gently. They tend to do well in households with other dogs. The main thing to watch is their sensitivity. A Cocker Spaniel that's had a rough start or inconsistent handling can be anxious. Start right and they're a delight.

Which areas of Sydney do you work in?

Our services are offered all across Sydney. We have clients in the:

  • Inner City / City Centre
  • Eastern Suburbs
  • Inner West
  • Lower North Shore
  • Upper North Shore
  • Northern Beaches
  • Hills District
  • Western Sydney
  • South Sydney / St George
What is the best way to get in touch?

You can always give us a ring if you have questions or book a complimentary meet and greet by following this link: Book Now

Does your training use pain, fear, force or aggression?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. If you want a method like that I suggest you call the 1980's, go back there and never get a dog. We teach the dog calming code, a method based on positive action that reinforces your role as the leader in your dog's eyes.

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