For most people who own a Cocker Spaniel it is not possible to be with their pet every hour of the day.
None of us like to leave our pets behind, but it’s important that your dog can be alone anyway.
Therefore, you should train your puppy from an early age to get used to being alone.
So can a Cocker Spaniel be left alone? Yes he can, you have to get him used to it by giving him the right upbringing. Immediately get your puppy used to the fact that someone can’t always be around him.
Training for Leaving Alone
If you don’t want a dog with separation anxiety, you need to get him used to being alone from the time he is a puppy.
This means that you just leave him alone for a while and see if he did well.
What your dog is used to, he considers normal. If you’re with him a little longer, he likes that. If you are away for a week, he will like it less than usual. Just like a rotten spoiled child who is never unhappy because he always needs more to be happy.
You can make it easy on yourself or a little harder. Working with a bench is the easiest way.
With a bench
If you want to get your dog used to being alone, a crate can be a very important tool.
The principle is actually simple, you just make your puppy face reality from the start. This means that you leave him alone for a while from day 1 or 2.
You can build up the time if necessary, but most dogs can safely be left alone for 8 hours from the start.
It is important that you lock him in the crate, otherwise your house will be full of excrement and destroyed furniture.
Then when you come back from work in the evening, your first task is to walk your dog and be busy. Because he must have his movement, and rest assured he will move ;).
without bench
Without a crate it is exactly the same, only you will have to make sure that he does not break anything.
That’s why it’s recommended to start with being alone for a short time, or confining your dog in a smaller part of your living room.
If you don’t do this, make sure you start with being alone for a maximum of half an hour and build up to a maximum of one hour at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my Cocker Spaniel alone when I am at work all day?
Yes, as long as you walk the dog just before you leave and just after you get back. For a puppy, it is better not to leave him alone for more than 8 hours.
How long can a Cocker Spaniel be left alone overnight?
The whole night. A puppy will not be potty trained yet so you will have to clean in the morning. Let it out for its morning pee first when you’re awake.
How long can a Cocker Spaniel be left alone in the car?
If the weather is cold I would say max 15 minutes with a window ajar. In warmer weather maximum 5 to 10 minutes with the window ajar.
