Spaniel Dogs Behaviour TipsSpaniel dogs are lovely dogs with a pleasant and jolly nature. They love to play fun games and be involved in interesting activities. These dogs are family-oriented and feel nice and safe while they are surrounded by familiar faces. Spaniels are also very intelligent and are quite easy to train. Like other dog breeds, Spaniels are also very sensitive, and the behaviour of the owners leaves significant effects on Spaniel dogs.
As mentioned earlier, Spaniels are easily trainable but to train them well, the owner or trainer must know their behaviour first. Knowing the behaviour is also helpful to deal with your dog’s wellbeing and understand their needs.
Behaviour Tips for Spaniel Dogs
Here are some behaviours and tips of spaniel dogs for the owners and trainers.
- Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety is a common psychological problem of different dog breeds. It is a common chronic disorder in those breeds that show extra affection and attachment to humans. Spaniel dogs are also very affectionate dogs. They show love and attachment to their family and don’t like to be left alone. They like to be surrounded by all members of the family so that they can play and enjoy time with them.
When the owner has to leave the spaniel dog alone at home, the dogs can become sad, stressed, and anxious when the owner leaves the house. When your spaniel keeps following you everywhere and welcomes you anxiously on your return, it means that your dog is showing symptoms of Separation Anxiety.
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety
When your dog barks too much, cries during your absence, stops eating and drinking, behaves abnormally for the toilet routine, and starts destroying your carpet, shoes, and curtains, it means the behaviour of your dog is leading to separation anxiety. Some main symptoms of Separation Anxiety are;
- Barking and Whining
- Destruction in the home
- Digging and Scratching
- Refusal of Eating & Drinking
- Toilet Behaviour
- Excitement on return
Causes of Separation Anxiety
There are various causes behind the issue of Separation Anxiety. Some of the most common causes are;
- Owner’s Behaviour
- Genetic
- Long Confining
- Unsocialized
- Boredom
- High-level attachment & attention from the owner
- Mistreatment
- Untrained dog
How to deal with Separation Anxiety?
It is good to know, though that separation anxiety is a manageable issue. It needs the help and patience of the owner with some simple tips. If you do not want your spaniel ending up having to be rehomed in a dog shelter, here are a few tips. With the help of these tips, you can deal with this behavioural issue of your spaniel.
- Before leaving the spaniel, take him out for a walk so that he gets tired and goes to sleep on returning home.
- Feed your dog with a frozen treat so that he will remain busy with it for a while.
- Leave your dog’s favourite toys with him in your absence.
- Leave a TV or radio turned on before leaving.
- You can ask a neighbour to have a look at your spaniel after every hour.
How to Socialize a Dog
One of the most amazing things about Spaniel dogs is that they love socializing by nature. But it is the responsibility of the Spaniel dog owner to make them learn how to socialize. They are curious learners and as puppies, they are very intelligent too. They will learn to socialize very soon if the owner takes an active interest and guides them properly. Socializing is good for your spaniel dog. So here are ways by which you can help your Spaniel socialize.
Introduction to the World
The first thing that the Spaniels see, after being born, is the world. So they first need to get an introduction to the world. Help them see, touch, smell, and sniff different objects around them. These objects will help them socialize with their surrounding.
Introduction to the Family
After being born into the world, the spaniel dog needs an introduction to the family who has adopted him. Introduce all the family members, including the babies and children with spaniel as soon as possible. Spaniels take new things and humans as a threat. After the introduction, they will not take you as a threat.
Introduction to the Outside world
Getting socialization experience with the outside world is equally important for your spaniel dog, but this process should take place gradually. When you feel that your spaniel has adjusted completely at home, then take it for a walk outside.
Also, take your spaniel to the vet and make him feel that it is also like a home, not a scary or stressful place. After a walk and vet visit, you can also take your spaniel to the shops and parks where your dog will meet new people and dogs. Make sure you take your spaniel out with a comfortable leash and a collar.
Introduction to the Day Care
Daycare is a perfect place for your spaniel to get involved in socialization activities. It is good for spaniels to have good interaction with other dogs, so make sure that you take your spaniel to the daycare regularly. The trainers at daycare will make sure that your dog remains safe and interact with other animals and involve in activities safely
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Why do Dogs roll in dog poop?
Seeing a dog rolling in dog poop is not a delightful sight, but it is something that some dogs get into. They also do not like this activity, but they roll in poop for some reason. The main reason why dogs roll in dog poop could to be as follows.
The Smell
It is hard to believe, but it is said that the dogs like the smell of the poop, like the humans like perfumes. They roll into the poop to get that smell all over them and enjoy being covered in it completely. When dogs go out, they sniff and search for the poop with the strongest smell. When they find one, they begin rolling in it, even right in front of the owner, leaving him helpless, this happens most when they are puppies.
Dog Territory Marking
It is famous for the dogs that they mark a place as their territory by urinating on different areas and objects of that place. The smell of the urine shows that this place has been taken. When the other dogs want to override the already taken place, they poop and roll in it, leaving a stronger smell of the new invader.
Dog Boredom
When the spaniel dogs are bored and have nothing to do, they will often roll in dog poop. It is the simplest and scientifically approved reason for dogs rolling in poop.
Dog Camouflage
You might have heard of animals taking camouflage to hide their identity, either to save their lives or take other animal’s life. The dogs roll in poop to hide their natural smell and take the smell of the poop so that their prey gets confused and cannot guess that the hunter dog is approaching near.
Dog’s Way of Communication
In the past, when dogs lived in the form of a pack, the dogs used poop rolling as a means of communication with their pack. Now, even if your dog does not live in a pack, their instinct is still there. Under the influence of that instinct, if your dog rolls in poop, take it as a natural act and but as your dog matures they will soon leave this habit.
How to stop a dog from rolling in dog poop?
Here are a few tips to stop your dog from rolling in poop.
- Keep your home and backyard clean. Make sure there is no dog poop or poop of any other pet. If there is no poop, there is less chance of your dog rolling in it.
- Observe your dog’s behaviour closely when you take it out for a walk. This will give you useful information to work with, and you will be able to stop them before they start rolling in poo.
- Train your dog for the ‘leave it’ and ‘stop’ commands. This will help you stop your dog to roll in the poop as soon as you see your dog approaching the poo.
Dog Biting Paws
Have you ever seen a dog biting its paws? It is a common observation and, in most cases, the dogs bite paws to clean dirt from them. However, there are also some serious issues behind dog biting paws if this action gets frequent. Some reasons why dogs bite their paws are as follows.
Allergens
Like humans, dogs also get allergens from their surroundings and from the food that they eat. These allergens can cause itching on different parts of the body including the eyes, ears, muzzle, paws, and abdomen, any concerns need to be investigate by a qualified vet.
Bacterial or fungal infection
Apart from allergens, dogs are also susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. If you find some unusual spots on your dog’s paws, and the dog is continuously biting their paw, it can be a sign of bacterial or yeast infection.
Internal Pain
Continuous paw biting can also be a reason for internal pain. There might be a fractured bone in the paw or a dislocated muscle of the paw that is causing pain in the paw and the dog keeps on biting the paw to get relief from the pain.
Injury
There can be a serious injury in the paws as well. Your dog might have got a cut on the paws, or a torn nail, or a grass seed, or it might have hurt the paw with something hard while being outside on a walk.
Anxiety
Dogs also bite their paws due to anxiety. With other symptoms of anxiety, dog biting paws is another strong symptom of anxiety. Separation anxiety is a chronic issue for dogs, and it is majorly caused when the owners leave the dogs alone at home.
How to help dogs to get relief ?
Here are a few tips to help your dog get rid of biting paws. It is not a fun activity and can cause pain to the dog.
- If you find that your dog is suffering from an allergy, infection, injury, or internal pain, medical treatment may be required. If you have already got proper treatment for a dog, you might know which medication is required for the specific problem. Make sure to take your dog to the vet as soon as possible and start the treatment if you are unsure.
- If there is no medical issue, and you find your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, then apply the tips to cure separation anxiety discussed earlier in this article.
We hope that these tips will help you deal with the behavioural issues of your dog and will help your dog live a happy and content life.
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