Do Cocker Spaniels Bark a Lot? 6 Possible Reasons & Helpful Tips
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
Cocker Spaniels are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, but many potential owners want to know if they bark excessively before getting one. Unfortunately, these dogs are considered frequent barkers. That said, there are specific things that can cause them to bark and several ways to reduce their barking.
Do Cocker Spaniels Bark?
Unfortunately, many owners report that their Cocker Spaniel barks frequently and loudly. They likely bark so much because they were bred to be hunting dogs that would flush out birds by barking. In fact, they get their name from the woodcock, a plump shorebird with short legs and a long bill that the Cocker Spaniel was especially good at hunting. These dogs also have a strong drive to chase after birds when they see them.
The 6 Reasons Cocker Spaniels Bark
1. Animals in Their Presence
If your Cocker Spaniel is in the yard and barking, there is a good chance that they’re barking at birds or other animals hiding in the bushes or trees. They can be quite tireless in their pursuit and don’t care if it’s early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Unfortunately, the only way that you will likely be able to stop your Cocker Spaniel from barking at animals is to keep them indoors during times when there are the most birds or when the barking will be the most bothersome.
2. Seeking Attention
Many dogs will bark because it gets them the attention that they are looking for, and many owners notice that their dogs bark more when they are bored than at other times.
If you notice your dog barking to get attention, the best way to prevent it from becoming a habit is to ignore them. If you try to find out what they are barking about, they will expect you to behave that way every time and will do it more often.
3. Not Socialized
If you don’t socialize your Cocker Spaniel with other people and pets as a small puppy, they are more likely to become wary of them as adults. This wariness will likely cause them to bark and even act aggressively when strange people and animals are in their presence.
The best way to help ensure that your pet is friendly is to socialize them with as many other animals and people as possible while they are still a puppy. Different sights and sounds are also important to help your pet adjust to their environment. You only have the first 12 months to introduce them to new things, as they will be more resistant after that.
4. Separation Anxiety
Cocker Spaniels are loyal pets that like to spend time with their owner and can start to experience separation anxiety when you are away at work. This separation anxiety can cause your pet to bark more frequently, and they might also begin to misbehave in other ways, like tearing the furniture.
If you need to spend several hours away from home frequently, the best thing to do is to train your pet to be more comfortable while you are away. Try leaving for only a short time, and giving your pet a treat when you return and they aren’t upset. Slowly lengthen the time that you stay away until your dog is used to you being gone for several hours.
5. Protecting Their Territory
Even with plenty of socialization as a puppy, your Cocker Spaniel will often bark at people and animals that they don’t recognize. In many cases, dogs frequently bark at people in uniform, like the person delivering your mail.
Your dog barking at potential intruders can be a good thing. However, keeping your dog in the house when you order pizza or expect the mail is still recommended. If your pet is barking at a dog walking by, you can talk with the owner about when you should bring in your pet.
6. Loud Noises
Loud noises, like fireworks, a car backfiring, or even a truck going by, can be enough to startle your pet and cause them to start barking loudly. If it happens frequently, like around the Fourth of July, it can stress out your pet, making it more likely that they will also bark at other things that they might ordinarily ignore.
Using music to help mask noises, like fireworks, that might cause your pet to start barking can be a great way to keep their attention from what’s happening outside. You can also try playing with and comforting your pet to help them feel more secure.
Other Tips & Tricks
- Spend more time walking or playing with your pet. Burning off excess energy is a great way to reduce barking.
- Feeding treats to your pet while a stranger is around can help your pet be more open to making friends.
- Hiring a professional trainer can be a great way to help reduce the amount of barking that your Cocker Spaniel does, especially when it comes to barking at birds.
In Conclusion
Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels bark frequently, as it is their in-bred instinct to communicate with hunters as they work. They will also bark when they are scared and when a strange person or animal is near the property. Socializing your pet with as many people, pets, noises, and places as possible before the dog is 3 months old will help them be more friendly and significantly reduce their barking. A professional trainer is also often worth the money, but sometimes you might want to keep them in the house, especially in the early morning or when you expect a delivery.
Featured Image Credit: Kyryk Ivan, Shutterstock
