Hi, we picked our gorgeous working cocker up last Saturday and I was like “I’m so ready for this; i’ve watched so many training videos on this; I’ve spoken to my friends with cocker spaniels; we’ve been waiting for years for a pup” and then he came home and the sleepless nights began and I was like “O M G this is so hard... I underestimated how hard it would be... what do we do???” I am so happy I stumbled upon your video! It’s SO NICE to hear it’s not just my family and I struggling.... especially with leaving pup on his own in a room (ours is still so young though so not too frantic about that!). I appreciate your honesty so much it’s so refreshing to hear such real-ness and not just see the unrealistic perfect side of some videos (no shade at all on those ppl). What my family and I have organised for our pup is some 1 to 1 training sessions with a trainer/ behaviourist so they can help us. Hopefully as an outsider they might be able to see what we’re doing right/ wrong easier and correct us. I hope I don’t sound rude in saying this but maybe that would help for you to do the same and get an outside opinion to try and see where things can be improved. Oakley seems like such a wonderful pup is was so lovely to see him do all his tricks!
It sounds like you are pretty much exactly the same as me 😅 I don't know if anything could have made me realise how much hard work it was going to be before I got Oakley. Thank you so much for commenting, honestly, it really makes me feel better and less alone about feeling like this. I hope things are improving a bit with your pup! xx
Have a look at Hampshire spaniel training, he was working cockers and springers but his trying videos are great, no tricks just sensible walking and recall to begin with.
I don't want to go on about it, because I commented on an earlier video but different breeds have different needs and mentalities. Cocker spaniels are a type of dog that wants to bond with you, wants to be activated by you and is the happiest when they have a task to perform (hence the "working" in his breed name). Sitting in his crate or lying in his bed while you guys do other things (even in the same room) isn't what he's bred to do. He obviously can, as long as you keep giving him treats for it, but you can't do that his entire life. He won't relax until he's allowed to be a member of the family. There are other breeds that are less dependent. Schnauzers for example aren't too bothered because they're bred to be more independent, can entertain themselves and even enjoy alone time. Don't be hard on yourselves, but my recommendation is that you focus on what he needs, not generic training programs. He also appears to have lots and lots of pent up energy. When he's stuck in his crate or lying still all the time, he will explode and be really rowdy for the moments he's out. While he's young he will have so so much energy, and he will have an easier time relaxing if he also has time and space to move around during the day to wear himself out. It doesn't mean that you have to let him roam around and chew up the entire house, but it could be getting him dog puzzles and toys that will require a lot of mental energy from him. The crate simply won't be stimulating for him. Being well behaved is one thing, but he won't be able to take in the training when he's struggling with pent up energy and feeling like he's being put away when all he wants is to please you.
But from what you're saying, what we are doing does make sense. When he is out of his crate, he constantly has something to be doing, he is never just idle, so isn't that what you're recommending? When he is in his crate, he is in there to sleep and relax. He has chews in there to use if he isn't sleepy yet, but he is in there to relax. He is a member of the family, and us interacting with him is what is showing him he is. I don't exactly understand what you want me to be doing? Interacting with him every moment of the day? I don't really like you implying that we don't treat him like part of the family, because he is. Our world revolves around him. I'm not sure if you have watched my full day of training video, but we do things like puzzle, snuffles, enrichment time and that is on top of training, he is getting mental stimulation and physical exercise every 2-3 hours.
@@sarahlwalden I fully appreciate that we only see a quick glimpse of your days together and I absolutely didn’t want to make it sound like you have to do anything differently at all, you just sounded a bit sad to not have bonded with him fully. If you’re super happy with the routine the way it is then that’s all that matters of course.
Teaching a dog to settle in their crate is a good thing and there are many cocker spaniel trainers who advocate this. You could give him a stuffed Kong or long lasting chew whilst he's in his crate to occupy him. the training sessions will wear him out and the physical exercise.
I have had dogs my whole life, of many different breeds. Many being cocker spaniels. I currently have 3 of the same age. Each dog I have had I have never used the same training for any of them because every dog is different. These training plans you follow online aren’t going to help Oakley specifically, just dogs generally. Please don’t worry, look into puppy classes once your able. Help massively. Canny Canines are AMAZING!
Just found your channel after getting a cocker spaniel puppy. Thank you for being so honest about how hard it is having a puppy! I think you have so so well. I am having a hard time with my own puppy at the minute so seeing this is really reassuring!
Think you are doing the best you can. I just read to not cover the crate. We’ve just got a 13 week old cocker spaniel . I’m using a crate now and again and at night . Used to have a springer spaniel for nearly 15 years just passed a few weeks ago. So sad without him. He took a while to calm down. Wishing you all the best . It will get better especially as they get older and settle down. He is so gorgeous x x just want to give you a big hug . Can recommend you watching Caesar Milan videos. He does them on separation anxiety and helps the owners . When my puppy tries to bite I use his rope toy for him to bite as a distraction. They are hard work definitely . Please don’t be too hard on yourself and also maybe get a professional to help xx
We adopted my girl at 9m and she was incredibly easy just very attached. Turned out she was pregnant though so we had 4 extras and they were soo hard. Puppy is now 12 and very mellow so it does get loads easier. I can’t imagine life without them at all now. Dogs make a family!
Hi Sarah-Louise, I've watched some of your Oakley videos and just wanted to get in touch to offer some advice. I'm no professional dog trainer, but I have owned and trained my own spaniels who have all been the brilliant dogs and extremely well behaved, and I feel I have a good understanding of the breed. I'm not trying to put you on the spot or anything, but watching this video did make me feel very concerned and uncomfortable. I do have some concern over your boy being kept in a crate, particularly a crate covered by a blanket so he can't see anything. Spaniels are so intelligent and have so much energy, he needs to be able to use these skills, but unfortunately keeping him cooped up in a crate with no stimulation will mean that all that intellectual and physical energy is just getting completely bottled up, which then leads to him being extremely excited and bouncy and bitey etc in the few moments he is allowed out. And then when he does come out he has to sit in his bed and not move... it just doesn't seem like a realistic expectation of a pup who wants to learn and develop, but also I kind of want you to imagine how you'd feel if someone kept you in a covered crate and then expected you to not move in your bed, and that was the majority of your day every day... I think you'd have some energy to burn and feel very bored! I know you only have good intentions, but it seems a little cruel, and maybe lacking in understanding of the breed. He needs some freedom. Also, spaniels are notoriously high energy dogs: they need a minimum of two walks a day, and on those walks they need to be out for at least an hour or two and allowed to run around and burn all that brilliant energy, smell things, learn and explore. It's the one major thing they need, otherwise they will be a bundle of excitable energy indoors, and will do things that may seem 'naughty', but it's actually just because they need to burn that energy. Once he's done that, he'll be a really cuddly, sleepy boy! And then you'll be able to get your cuddles : ) Another major thing with spaniels is that they are SO needy of love and cuddles, they need to be physically close to you and to feel loved and held by you. If he's getting all silly and excited when you stroke him, just let him get it out of his system, until he slows down and just lies with you, soothe him with your voice. I noticed on this video that any time he comes near you, you seem to push him away. To him that is rejection, so any time you do allow him to be stroked that is another reason he'll be getting really excited, he's finally getting the reward he's always wanted and been longing for. I'm sorry this is quite long, I wanted to send it privately, but that doesn't seem to be something that can be done on TH-cam (apologies if I'm wrong). I hope you don't feel like I'm being unpleasant in any way, that's not how this is intended, I can see that you want the best for your pup, but the best way to train a dog is to bond with them, have a strong connection so that you understand each other, show each other love and affection and respect, and the rest will fall into place. Maybe instead of having him in his crate today just let him roam around the house and sit with you? He still knows you're the boss, but it also lets him know you trust him and gives him some freedom to be a good dog without being under any control. I hope this finds you well, and I understand people have different methods and tactics, but it seems to me some of the methods I've mentioned I've noticed don't appear to be working, and maybe you should consider alternatives? He'll be a much happier boy (i mean crying less) if he knows how loved and trusted he is. I hope this helps in some way.
I agree with this comment, I feel so sad that your pup is made to either stay in his crate or keep still on his bed, it seems so cruel. I have 2 dogs and we are getting a cockapoo soon, hence why I watched this video. I feel so sorry for poor Oakley! He needs some freedom!
I have my Instagram in my description box where you could have sent this privately. I mention this in a video that is going live today, but I really think this is something you should bring up with a trainer, not me. I am literally just following instructions from multiple trainers that say to crate him. In this video, he is on his bed because that is what I needed to do to be able to talk to the camera. I couldn’t have filmed this video with him licking and jumping on me. That is not to say he does this all the time. He gets strokes and kisses and love at multiple times in the day. We have tried letting him out of the crate and roam, and he jumps on us, misbehaves and doesn’t know what to do, he then goes back inside his open crate and cries. He is crying because he wants the constant attention and we are trying to tell him he needs to have time where he can’t have this. Whenever he is out of his crate, he has our full attention where we are playing, training or giving him love, so I don’t think it’s fair to say we are not bonded. If anything, this is the problem. He also has time in the kitchen when we are cooking where he is allowed to roam about and play with toys, he’s goes in his crate. I know you said you didn’t intend this to sound mean, but I just want to highlight that you do say you are concerned for my dogs welfare and I am being cruel, this is going to hurt my feeling whether you intend it to or not, especially when in this video I am very open about how I am so concerned for him and all I want is for him to be happy. Have you watched my other videos with Oakley? Because in those, I explain how we have him out every lunch on his long line, where he is free to run about and sniff things. I know this is going to sound like I’m being defensive but honestly, I really am trying my best and I say in this video how conflicting everything is, so commenting and implying that I’m hurting my dog when so many trainers say this is the way to do it, I just don’t know how to respond. Please, if you are worried, talk to a professional about why they promote this, because I’m just following their advise
I totally resonated with what you said about how hard it is - I have a 12 week working cocker and am already finding the crying/barking whenever we leave the room really difficult. He loves his crate at night and will happily hop in, but during the day we have to put him in else he won’t nap, and he’ll just sleep for 20 minutes and then wake up and bark and bark nonstop. Ignoring doesn’t work. The ‘yo-yo’ game of going back at increasing intervals doesn’t work. Everything I’ve read says don’t tell them off and only use positive reinforcement but when I’ve started saying ‘ah-ah’ (which means no) in response to it recently it seems to actually work. So I think sometimes ignore the training guides and do what works for your pup! It sounds like the crate rattling is working well in the same way for you :) Anyway just wanted to say it’s so nice to not feel alone as sometimes all you see on social media is people’s relaxed puppies snoozing in their arms and mine just isn’t like that and is going at 100mph all the time!
Honestly, that sounds EXACTLY the same as me with Oakley, apart from he cries instead of barking. It’s so hard isn’t it, when everything in the training isn’t working. Honestly, so similar. It’s really nice to hear 😅 I really hope we both figure it out soon and seriously, best of luck with your pup 💕 xx
Do you think the over reliance / obsession with training (and crating) may have interrupted the degree to which you've both bonded? Obviously great to have good training but it seems by nature cocker spaniels are very loving breeds and crave affection/ touch. Not meaning this in a nasty way, we have watched your videos and gain a lot from them but we have a 10 week old working cocker and find he adores to be with us, but I'm sure from an outsider we are not training him to the degree you did (although still a lot)
Yeah, I get you. I probably agree and disagree. I would agree that it probably has affected the our bond, but I wouldn't say that was down to the constant training, as this is what multiple trainers recommend, I would probably say it came 100% down to me and my mindset, I set myself way too high expectations in everything in my life and I don't think this was any different. I get told by many people that I need to stop being hard on myself and I know this is an area that I should have done that. It's something I'm trying to work on. He definitely loves touch, but he just gets too excited and doesn't know what to do. He is always trying to get us to stroke him but once he's on his back or on our laps, he just gets too excited 😅 So I just meant in this video that I was so surprised he was being so still and trying to get on my lap calmly, and also that he doesn't like us moving him using his body. Hope that clears that up!
@@sarahlwalden you know yourself and dog the best do whatever feels right to you. Mine wants to be in the room with me wants to snuggle sometimes and others doesn’t want to be touched. You are doing fine and we all learn from everything we do .
Our first year with the puppy was very hard. I don't mind having spoiled her for my own peace. You never know the individual dog you might get even though you think about breed choices. There are still problems of the lighter variety, but I do not think I could have a better dog. We all love her most of the time! Her breed: Cocker/poodle mix. Who knew they can be so vocal? Mine is very expressive. 💞 Thirteen years young.
I feel youuuu! I have a working cocker and I was the same watched so many dog training videos, been to puppy training groups and had dog trainers come over to help me with certain things we was struggling with and it is SO hard. I think the reason we get so upset when they take a couple of steps back with training (which is totally totally normal for a pup!!) is because we love them so so much and just want them to be happy and safe 😊 we will get there!! If it’s any help.. my boy is now 11 months... around 7 months old he turned into a lil devil most days... he is now so much calmer, cuddlier, a so much nicer to be around xxx keep doing an amazing job I am loving your vids 😃
Everyone says cockers are so affectionate I’ve noticed with mine he hates being cuddled unless he is really sleepy. He likes to be touching me when sat on sofa but only on his terms. You are doing amazing don’t be so hard on yourself x
You are amazing and you are doing so good with training ....It is JUST A DOG. Put yourself first, watch a show. Go out. Online trainers say ooohhh you have to be proactive and I agree, but if you try to train your puppy perfectly it is a 24/7 job and soooo frustrating. Honestly the best advice I can give you is be more CHILL and don't try to raise the perfect dog, it is not possible he is a puppy. He is still growing and maturing. I have friends that never trained their dogs or put an ounce of efford in their training, and guess what they are just finee. If he chuews some furniture so what??? it is not going to be the end of the world. I take my pupp to the dog park and I have no regrets 1hour is enough with her best puppy friend and she sleeps the rest of the day and I don't get up ro see what se is doing all the time... she destroyes some things, but I watch netflix, I get stuff done and my mental health is great. Don't worry and don't give up, in a few months he is going to be so chill and you are going to say why did I worry so much and didn't enjoy his puppy phase
It is hard! You’re not alone! It may sound dramatic but I honestly feel like our puppy has drastically affected my mental health, like it’s draining! I am trying to do a masters degree at the moment and I have a pup that constantly barks barks barks and she is the same if I go near her to feed her or put her collar on etc she bites! My arms are bruised from her biting. It is really hard. I am the same as you, I power through the training because I want her to be a good DOG but it does make you feel like you are failing and all the effort you have put in has gone out the window
Honestly, that sounds so similar to me. There are times when I'm crying to Jack and then for the rest of the night, I just feel numb because I feel like I'm doing all I can do and it's not working. I'm so sorry you're going through it too but it's so nice to know that I'm not the only one. Honestly, thank you so much for your support and making me feel better xx
You sound Amazing and are doing everything you can. I’m a new dog mam of a cocker spaniel he’s 18 weeks old and he hurts my heart haha so I feel your pain. You are amazing and your videos has helped me so much x
We got a cocker at around the same time. Your training is excellent. Well done you. Your probably struggling so much because you work so hard and put so much effort. I did a video on my pup too....your not on your own with the struggling either. I think as you’ve got a worker spaniel they are very hyper and high energy. I’ve got a show spaniel and you get cuddles but she’s crazy too. Keep up the great work xx
Hi, thank you! I believe you said he is from a working lineage... Tricks are sweet! Field skills could be zig-zag, flush, retrieve--under command since his attention will leave you. What did the breeder say about cutting the puppy tail and front dew claws? Do modern breeders (still) do that?
I hope you’re ok, training is hard and I definitely think people online paint a different picture to the reality, no one wants to show their dog not listening to them so it’s refreshing to see people who struggle. We have a nearly 6 month old Cocker lab cross and he went through the exact same thing with the crate. He hated being in it and would bark like mad if we left him in it and it just happened out of no where. So crazy how they just take a complete backwards step over night. You seem like you’re being too hard on yourself, it isn’t easy and you look like you’re doing an amazing job!
Thank you so much, honestly it's so nice hearing from people who have went through it and agree that it's not shown sometimes. Thank you so much for commenting 💕
Hi, we are just about to pick up our cocker. I liked the lead you had where you could clip it at different length, but I can find the video where you mentioned it. So could you let me know where you got it please. All the best Chris
thank you so much for your honesty && I wish i could have seen this before purchacing my pup as i had to rehome him due to not being prepared emotional for all the hard work
I’m so sorry for that, I’m sure that was what was best for the both of you though 🖤 thank you so much for commenting and letting me know it was helpful
sarah you have chosen one of the hardest work dogs impo....."working cockers" are called that for a reason sorry...they need so much exercise and they are highly intelligent and need mental stimulation many times during the day.....as ive said before we chose a show cocker as they are a little less crazy but still hard work.please dont be too upset you set yourself a huge task especially with no garden...with my bitch the happiest she is in the garden zooming crazy until she can hardly breath through panting...but she loves this time so much.
I i Think bring a outside dogtraniner in is the best option for you and oakley. And With a working dog they need a job, like agility. I Think he needs a job to Calm Down. An outside dogtrainer Will Also be able to help with your spefitic problems
We don't crate Lola but she cries when we leave the room - our behaviourist told us to leave her in a room on her own for 1 minute then come back and keep increasing the amount of time to encourage her to have more independence/confidence being on her own. Think it might be a lockdown symptom
Yeah, we did in the beginning but stopped when lockdown started. I think I’m just worried that if we leave now that he’ll just cry and cry and piss off our neighbours 😂
To be honest, we’ve only just started noticing it’s becoming a problem! Before now, there hasn’t been a lot of hair and it didn’t seem to grow that noticeably. We’ve always brushed him since we got him with a soft bristled brush, just to get him used to it and it does get some of the loose hair off but from now, I’m going to ask our vet next time I’m there what the best way to groom him is and we’re going to get him booked into the groomers soon! x
I think the extendable lead is a godsend for us, otherwise my arm would have been pulled off! 😂😂 We have a vet bed in her crate too, its ideal. We have had it from when she was a pup and have had no accidents. Do you have any chill time or are you so strict all the time?
When dogs wet their bed/own space it's usually because they're stressed or anxious (if it's not because they're not let out often enough obviously - and sounds like the frequency of bathroom breaks isn't the issue here). We've never had a crate for any of our dogs, and they've also never had accidents in their own beds, not even as puppies. If a puppy wets its own bed they're not ill behaved, it's a sign that they're in some kind of distress.
Shows that it's different for different people! And I'm not sure entirely sure what you mean, he has a structured day if that's what you mean? And his chill time is when he is in his crate, or when he in his bed when we are in the kitchen. His play time is when we are training or when we take him out to exercise. I have a full day of training videoed if that helps.
He was only wetting on the Vetbed because he was so young and wasn't housetrained yet. I will hold my hands up and say it was probably when we didn't know whether he needed to go out or not. I'm sure that your dogs have had house accidents and that is the same as this, it's just Oakley is in a crate and your dogs aren't.
@@sarahlwalden my puppies have absolutely never ever had an accident in their bed/where they sleep. They’ve had accidents in the house, but if given the choice (room to move) dogs (including puppies) instinctively do not wet their own beds/sleeping space. Having said that crate training is obviously lovely in the sense that the crate in time becomes a safe space that is just theirs and somewhere they can go for peace and quiet.
I have tried that and not sure it's done any good 😂 Normally it's along the lines of 'right, okay Oakley, you're gonna keep dead quiet when I leave the room right? I'm on my way out, just keep nice and quiet, I'm not gonna be long' all really calm, not making a big deal and it seems not to help 😅
I started even on baby teeth so mine would be use to it. At least once a week some people do it every night. Whatever works for you, I don’t use doggy toothpaste though mine doesn’t like it.
We do! We aim to brush every day but being realistic, we sometimes forget so it's probably more like once every 2-3 days. We started from the first week we got him. We just use a baby toothbrush, started with just introducing him to the brush and then progressing on to brushing and then with toothpaste!
There's a chew toy on amazon that comes with a toothbrush (green picture) - you squirt toothpaste down the hole and when your dog chews it, it brushes their teeth :)
Breeders need to be more responsible than just selling a working breed for money. A working cocker spaniel sold to someone who lives in an upstairs flat with no garden ffs.
I think you must not have any experience with dogs, so strange you have commented this. We have since moved to somewhere with a garden and it has made no difference apart from us not having to put a coat on when taking him to use the toilet. What mattered most was us training him and taking him out enough. Odd that you think a garden would be enough for a dog.
@@sarahlwalden i have 2 and work them both and i would never sell any of my litters to soneone who lives in an upstairs flat with no easy access to the outdoors.
Okay, that’s your decision. A bit strange you would prioritise a garden over training and enrichment. Maybe you have issues with toilet training. But, your decision
Thank you so so much. And oh, that's so exciting! I don't blame you though 😂 I'm sure you're gonna be absolutely fine, just do as much work you can before with learning about training and stuff and just try and enjoy the time as much as you can. Definitely be easier on yourself than me! 😅
Seriously!! Is this for real? How would you like being in a cage all the time in the dark whilst your parents chilled on the sofa. Next time you cry I hope your partner looks at you and walks out. You are going to end up with an anxious and difficult dog that is very difficult to train. They need alot of time, attention and love not just training. You have picked a very loving breed which has alot of energy. Maybe buy a toy dog next time to do lots of tricks for you
Babe, I think you need to take your issues up with a dog trainer, not me. I’m just going off what multiple dog trainers say to do, I’m not an expert or professional. There is absolutely no need to make it personal or comment just rude things like that. I hope whatever problems you have with this, you find someone who will have a conversation with you who will put up with how you refer to them, because I’m not.
@marie you should educate yourself on the benefits of crate training. Crates are a safe space for dogs, known to reduce anxiety and it’s their “safe” space. A quick google search and you’ll see all of the recommended reasons to crate train. Recommend you do that before typing a comment next time. Also you clearly haven’t watched the videos he is not in the crate all of the time. And yes cocker spaniels are a loving breed but lets not forget this is a working cocker spaniel, much more work needed than a typical cocker spaniel with different personality traits to account for as well. So Marie, maybe think next time before you write.
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Hi, we picked our gorgeous working cocker up last Saturday and I was like “I’m so ready for this; i’ve watched so many training videos on this; I’ve spoken to my friends with cocker spaniels; we’ve been waiting for years for a pup” and then he came home and the sleepless nights began and I was like “O M G this is so hard... I underestimated how hard it would be... what do we do???” I am so happy I stumbled upon your video! It’s SO NICE to hear it’s not just my family and I struggling.... especially with leaving pup on his own in a room (ours is still so young though so not too frantic about that!). I appreciate your honesty so much it’s so refreshing to hear such real-ness and not just see the unrealistic perfect side of some videos (no shade at all on those ppl). What my family and I have organised for our pup is some 1 to 1 training sessions with a trainer/ behaviourist so they can help us. Hopefully as an outsider they might be able to see what we’re doing right/ wrong easier and correct us. I hope I don’t sound rude in saying this but maybe that would help for you to do the same and get an outside opinion to try and see where things can be improved. Oakley seems like such a wonderful pup is was so lovely to see him do all his tricks!
It sounds like you are pretty much exactly the same as me 😅 I don't know if anything could have made me realise how much hard work it was going to be before I got Oakley. Thank you so much for commenting, honestly, it really makes me feel better and less alone about feeling like this. I hope things are improving a bit with your pup! xx
Have a look at Hampshire spaniel training, he was working cockers and springers but his trying videos are great, no tricks just sensible walking and recall to begin with.
I don't want to go on about it, because I commented on an earlier video but different breeds have different needs and mentalities. Cocker spaniels are a type of dog that wants to bond with you, wants to be activated by you and is the happiest when they have a task to perform (hence the "working" in his breed name). Sitting in his crate or lying in his bed while you guys do other things (even in the same room) isn't what he's bred to do. He obviously can, as long as you keep giving him treats for it, but you can't do that his entire life. He won't relax until he's allowed to be a member of the family. There are other breeds that are less dependent. Schnauzers for example aren't too bothered because they're bred to be more independent, can entertain themselves and even enjoy alone time. Don't be hard on yourselves, but my recommendation is that you focus on what he needs, not generic training programs. He also appears to have lots and lots of pent up energy. When he's stuck in his crate or lying still all the time, he will explode and be really rowdy for the moments he's out. While he's young he will have so so much energy, and he will have an easier time relaxing if he also has time and space to move around during the day to wear himself out. It doesn't mean that you have to let him roam around and chew up the entire house, but it could be getting him dog puzzles and toys that will require a lot of mental energy from him. The crate simply won't be stimulating for him. Being well behaved is one thing, but he won't be able to take in the training when he's struggling with pent up energy and feeling like he's being put away when all he wants is to please you.
But from what you're saying, what we are doing does make sense. When he is out of his crate, he constantly has something to be doing, he is never just idle, so isn't that what you're recommending? When he is in his crate, he is in there to sleep and relax. He has chews in there to use if he isn't sleepy yet, but he is in there to relax. He is a member of the family, and us interacting with him is what is showing him he is. I don't exactly understand what you want me to be doing? Interacting with him every moment of the day? I don't really like you implying that we don't treat him like part of the family, because he is. Our world revolves around him. I'm not sure if you have watched my full day of training video, but we do things like puzzle, snuffles, enrichment time and that is on top of training, he is getting mental stimulation and physical exercise every 2-3 hours.
@@sarahlwalden I fully appreciate that we only see a quick glimpse of your days together and I absolutely didn’t want to make it sound like you have to do anything differently at all, you just sounded a bit sad to not have bonded with him fully. If you’re super happy with the routine the way it is then that’s all that matters of course.
Teaching a dog to settle in their crate is a good thing and there are many cocker spaniel trainers who advocate this. You could give him a stuffed Kong or long lasting chew whilst he's in his crate to occupy him. the training sessions will wear him out and the physical exercise.
I have had dogs my whole life, of many different breeds. Many being cocker spaniels. I currently have 3 of the same age. Each dog I have had I have never used the same training for any of them because every dog is different. These training plans you follow online aren’t going to help Oakley specifically, just dogs generally. Please don’t worry, look into puppy classes once your able. Help massively. Canny Canines are AMAZING!
Okay, amazing. I’ll definitely check them out. Thank you!!
Just found your channel after getting a cocker spaniel puppy. Thank you for being so honest about how hard it is having a puppy! I think you have so so well. I am having a hard time with my own puppy at the minute so seeing this is really reassuring!
That really means a lot, knowing that it's helped someone else, so thank you so much for commenting! I hope things are going a bit better for you x
Think you are doing the best you can. I just read to not cover the crate. We’ve just got a 13 week old cocker spaniel . I’m using a crate now and again and at night . Used to have a springer spaniel for nearly 15 years just passed a few weeks ago. So sad without him. He took a while to calm down. Wishing you all the best . It will get better especially as they get older and settle down. He is so gorgeous x x just want to give you a big hug . Can recommend you watching Caesar Milan videos. He does them on separation anxiety and helps the owners . When my puppy tries to bite I use his rope toy for him to bite as a distraction. They are hard work definitely . Please don’t be too hard on yourself and also maybe get a professional to help xx
We adopted my girl at 9m and she was incredibly easy just very attached. Turned out she was pregnant though so we had 4 extras and they were soo hard. Puppy is now 12 and very mellow so it does get loads easier. I can’t imagine life without them at all now. Dogs make a family!
God, that must have been a shock!! And that’s great to hear. Thank you so much for commenting x
Hi Sarah-Louise, I've watched some of your Oakley videos and just wanted to get in touch to offer some advice. I'm no professional dog trainer, but I have owned and trained my own spaniels who have all been the brilliant dogs and extremely well behaved, and I feel I have a good understanding of the breed. I'm not trying to put you on the spot or anything, but watching this video did make me feel very concerned and uncomfortable. I do have some concern over your boy being kept in a crate, particularly a crate covered by a blanket so he can't see anything. Spaniels are so intelligent and have so much energy, he needs to be able to use these skills, but unfortunately keeping him cooped up in a crate with no stimulation will mean that all that intellectual and physical energy is just getting completely bottled up, which then leads to him being extremely excited and bouncy and bitey etc in the few moments he is allowed out. And then when he does come out he has to sit in his bed and not move... it just doesn't seem like a realistic expectation of a pup who wants to learn and develop, but also I kind of want you to imagine how you'd feel if someone kept you in a covered crate and then expected you to not move in your bed, and that was the majority of your day every day... I think you'd have some energy to burn and feel very bored! I know you only have good intentions, but it seems a little cruel, and maybe lacking in understanding of the breed. He needs some freedom. Also, spaniels are notoriously high energy dogs: they need a minimum of two walks a day, and on those walks they need to be out for at least an hour or two and allowed to run around and burn all that brilliant energy, smell things, learn and explore. It's the one major thing they need, otherwise they will be a bundle of excitable energy indoors, and will do things that may seem 'naughty', but it's actually just because they need to burn that energy. Once he's done that, he'll be a really cuddly, sleepy boy! And then you'll be able to get your cuddles : ) Another major thing with spaniels is that they are SO needy of love and cuddles, they need to be physically close to you and to feel loved and held by you. If he's getting all silly and excited when you stroke him, just let him get it out of his system, until he slows down and just lies with you, soothe him with your voice. I noticed on this video that any time he comes near you, you seem to push him away. To him that is rejection, so any time you do allow him to be stroked that is another reason he'll be getting really excited, he's finally getting the reward he's always wanted and been longing for. I'm sorry this is quite long, I wanted to send it privately, but that doesn't seem to be something that can be done on TH-cam (apologies if I'm wrong). I hope you don't feel like I'm being unpleasant in any way, that's not how this is intended, I can see that you want the best for your pup, but the best way to train a dog is to bond with them, have a strong connection so that you understand each other, show each other love and affection and respect, and the rest will fall into place. Maybe instead of having him in his crate today just let him roam around the house and sit with you? He still knows you're the boss, but it also lets him know you trust him and gives him some freedom to be a good dog without being under any control. I hope this finds you well, and I understand people have different methods and tactics, but it seems to me some of the methods I've mentioned I've noticed don't appear to be working, and maybe you should consider alternatives? He'll be a much happier boy (i mean crying less) if he knows how loved and trusted he is. I hope this helps in some way.
I agree with this comment, I feel so sad that your pup is made to either stay in his crate or keep still on his bed, it seems so cruel. I have 2 dogs and we are getting a cockapoo soon, hence why I watched this video. I feel so sorry for poor Oakley! He needs some freedom!
I have my Instagram in my description box where you could have sent this privately. I mention this in a video that is going live today, but I really think this is something you should bring up with a trainer, not me. I am literally just following instructions from multiple trainers that say to crate him. In this video, he is on his bed because that is what I needed to do to be able to talk to the camera. I couldn’t have filmed this video with him licking and jumping on me. That is not to say he does this all the time. He gets strokes and kisses and love at multiple times in the day. We have tried letting him out of the crate and roam, and he jumps on us, misbehaves and doesn’t know what to do, he then goes back inside his open crate and cries. He is crying because he wants the constant attention and we are trying to tell him he needs to have time where he can’t have this. Whenever he is out of his crate, he has our full attention where we are playing, training or giving him love, so I don’t think it’s fair to say we are not bonded. If anything, this is the problem. He also has time in the kitchen when we are cooking where he is allowed to roam about and play with toys, he’s goes in his crate. I know you said you didn’t intend this to sound mean, but I just want to highlight that you do say you are concerned for my dogs welfare and I am being cruel, this is going to hurt my feeling whether you intend it to or not, especially when in this video I am very open about how I am so concerned for him and all I want is for him to be happy. Have you watched my other videos with Oakley? Because in those, I explain how we have him out every lunch on his long line, where he is free to run about and sniff things. I know this is going to sound like I’m being defensive but honestly, I really am trying my best and I say in this video how conflicting everything is, so commenting and implying that I’m hurting my dog when so many trainers say this is the way to do it, I just don’t know how to respond. Please, if you are worried, talk to a professional about why they promote this, because I’m just following their advise
I totally resonated with what you said about how hard it is - I have a 12 week working cocker and am already finding the crying/barking whenever we leave the room really difficult. He loves his crate at night and will happily hop in, but during the day we have to put him in else he won’t nap, and he’ll just sleep for 20 minutes and then wake up and bark and bark nonstop. Ignoring doesn’t work. The ‘yo-yo’ game of going back at increasing intervals doesn’t work. Everything I’ve read says don’t tell them off and only use positive reinforcement but when I’ve started saying ‘ah-ah’ (which means no) in response to it recently it seems to actually work. So I think sometimes ignore the training guides and do what works for your pup! It sounds like the crate rattling is working well in the same way for you :)
Anyway just wanted to say it’s so nice to not feel alone as sometimes all you see on social media is people’s relaxed puppies snoozing in their arms and mine just isn’t like that and is going at 100mph all the time!
Honestly, that sounds EXACTLY the same as me with Oakley, apart from he cries instead of barking. It’s so hard isn’t it, when everything in the training isn’t working. Honestly, so similar. It’s really nice to hear 😅 I really hope we both figure it out soon and seriously, best of luck with your pup 💕 xx
Do you think the over reliance / obsession with training (and crating) may have interrupted the degree to which you've both bonded? Obviously great to have good training but it seems by nature cocker spaniels are very loving breeds and crave affection/ touch. Not meaning this in a nasty way, we have watched your videos and gain a lot from them but we have a 10 week old working cocker and find he adores to be with us, but I'm sure from an outsider we are not training him to the degree you did (although still a lot)
Mine doesn’t want to leave my side but he can be alone just prefers not to. I have a American cocker though don’t know if it’s much different.
Yeah, I get you. I probably agree and disagree. I would agree that it probably has affected the our bond, but I wouldn't say that was down to the constant training, as this is what multiple trainers recommend, I would probably say it came 100% down to me and my mindset, I set myself way too high expectations in everything in my life and I don't think this was any different. I get told by many people that I need to stop being hard on myself and I know this is an area that I should have done that. It's something I'm trying to work on. He definitely loves touch, but he just gets too excited and doesn't know what to do. He is always trying to get us to stroke him but once he's on his back or on our laps, he just gets too excited 😅 So I just meant in this video that I was so surprised he was being so still and trying to get on my lap calmly, and also that he doesn't like us moving him using his body. Hope that clears that up!
@@sarahlwalden you know yourself and dog the best do whatever feels right to you. Mine wants to be in the room with me wants to snuggle sometimes and others doesn’t want to be touched. You are doing fine and we all learn from everything we do .
Our first year with the puppy was very hard. I don't mind having spoiled her for my own peace. You never know the individual dog you might get even though you think about breed choices.
There are still problems of the lighter variety, but I do not think I could have a better dog. We all love her most of the time!
Her breed: Cocker/poodle mix. Who knew they can be so vocal? Mine is very expressive. 💞 Thirteen years young.
I feel youuuu! I have a working cocker and I was the same watched so many dog training videos, been to puppy training groups and had dog trainers come over to help me with certain things we was struggling with and it is SO hard. I think the reason we get so upset when they take a couple of steps back with training (which is totally totally normal for a pup!!) is because we love them so so much and just want them to be happy and safe 😊 we will get there!! If it’s any help.. my boy is now 11 months... around 7 months old he turned into a lil devil most days... he is now so much calmer, cuddlier, a so much nicer to be around xxx keep doing an amazing job I am loving your vids 😃
You are so right, sounds like we're really similar! And that really does help, thank you so much. Thank you so much for commenting 🥰 xxx
Everyone says cockers are so affectionate I’ve noticed with mine he hates being cuddled unless he is really sleepy. He likes to be touching me when sat on sofa but only on his terms. You are doing amazing don’t be so hard on yourself x
Same with ours, only likes the cuddles when he is tired.
You are amazing and you are doing so good with training ....It is JUST A DOG. Put yourself first, watch a show. Go out. Online trainers say ooohhh you have to be proactive and I agree, but if you try to train your puppy perfectly it is a 24/7 job and soooo frustrating. Honestly the best advice I can give you is be more CHILL and don't try to raise the perfect dog, it is not possible he is a puppy. He is still growing and maturing. I have friends that never trained their dogs or put an ounce of efford in their training, and guess what they are just finee. If he chuews some furniture so what??? it is not going to be the end of the world. I take my pupp to the dog park and I have no regrets 1hour is enough with her best puppy friend and she sleeps the rest of the day and I don't get up ro see what se is doing all the time... she destroyes some things, but I watch netflix, I get stuff done and my mental health is great. Don't worry and don't give up, in a few months he is going to be so chill and you are going to say why did I worry so much and didn't enjoy his puppy phase
Very best advice ever
It is hard! You’re not alone! It may sound dramatic but I honestly feel like our puppy has drastically affected my mental health, like it’s draining! I am trying to do a masters degree at the moment and I have a pup that constantly barks barks barks and she is the same if I go near her to feed her or put her collar on etc she bites! My arms are bruised from her biting. It is really hard. I am the same as you, I power through the training because I want her to be a good DOG but it does make you feel like you are failing and all the effort you have put in has gone out the window
Honestly, that sounds so similar to me. There are times when I'm crying to Jack and then for the rest of the night, I just feel numb because I feel like I'm doing all I can do and it's not working. I'm so sorry you're going through it too but it's so nice to know that I'm not the only one. Honestly, thank you so much for your support and making me feel better xx
You sound Amazing and are doing everything you can. I’m a new dog mam of a cocker spaniel he’s 18 weeks old and he hurts my heart haha so I feel your pain. You are amazing and your videos has helped me so much x
We got a cocker at around the same time. Your training is excellent. Well done you. Your probably struggling so much because you work so hard and put so much effort. I did a video on my pup too....your not on your own with the struggling either. I think as you’ve got a worker spaniel they are very hyper and high energy. I’ve got a show spaniel and you get cuddles but she’s crazy too.
Keep up the great work xx
Thank you so much. Best of luck with your pup xx
Hi, thank you! I believe you said he is from a working lineage... Tricks are sweet! Field skills could be zig-zag, flush, retrieve--under command since his attention will leave you.
What did the breeder say about cutting the puppy tail and front dew claws? Do modern breeders (still) do that?
I hope you’re ok, training is hard and I definitely think people online paint a different picture to the reality, no one wants to show their dog not listening to them so it’s refreshing to see people who struggle. We have a nearly 6 month old Cocker lab cross and he went through the exact same thing with the crate. He hated being in it and would bark like mad if we left him in it and it just happened out of no where. So crazy how they just take a complete backwards step over night. You seem like you’re being too hard on yourself, it isn’t easy and you look like you’re doing an amazing job!
Thank you so much, honestly it's so nice hearing from people who have went through it and agree that it's not shown sometimes. Thank you so much for commenting 💕
Hi, we are just about to pick up our cocker. I liked the lead you had where you could clip it at different length, but I can find the video where you mentioned it. So could you let me know where you got it please.
All the best
Chris
love you. biggest fan. what made me get my cocker spaniel best decision ever. your tips always help. recommend u to loads of people x
Thank you so much, that means the world! I hope everything is going amazing with your spaniel and thank you so so much for your support xx
thank you so much for your honesty && I wish i could have seen this before purchacing my pup as i had to rehome him due to not being prepared emotional for all the hard work
I’m so sorry for that, I’m sure that was what was best for the both of you though 🖤 thank you so much for commenting and letting me know it was helpful
sarah you have chosen one of the hardest work dogs impo....."working cockers" are called that for a reason sorry...they need so much exercise and they are highly intelligent and need mental stimulation many times during the day.....as ive said before we chose a show cocker as they are a little less crazy but still hard work.please dont be too upset you set yourself a huge task especially with no garden...with my bitch the happiest she is in the garden zooming crazy until she can hardly breath through panting...but she loves this time so much.
I i Think bring a outside dogtraniner in is the best option for you and oakley. And With a working dog they need a job, like agility. I Think he needs a job to Calm Down. An outside dogtrainer Will Also be able to help with your spefitic problems
How on earth did you teach him to do left and right? 😨 amazing!!
Have a search for it and watch the McCann dogs video, we followed them! If you can't find it, let me know and I'll pass over the link!
We don't crate Lola but she cries when we leave the room - our behaviourist told us to leave her in a room on her own for 1 minute then come back and keep increasing the amount of time to encourage her to have more independence/confidence being on her own. Think it might be a lockdown symptom
Yeah, we did in the beginning but stopped when lockdown started. I think I’m just worried that if we leave now that he’ll just cry and cry and piss off our neighbours 😂
We pick ours up in about 6 weeks, can't wait!! 😁
How exciting!! I hope everything goes well for you guys 🥰
How do you deal with oakleys shedding? Do you have to take him to a pro groomer a lot? Love the video btw!
To be honest, we’ve only just started noticing it’s becoming a problem! Before now, there hasn’t been a lot of hair and it didn’t seem to grow that noticeably. We’ve always brushed him since we got him with a soft bristled brush, just to get him used to it and it does get some of the loose hair off but from now, I’m going to ask our vet next time I’m there what the best way to groom him is and we’re going to get him booked into the groomers soon! x
Hang in there... what you have sounds like the puppy blues... it happens
I think the extendable lead is a godsend for us, otherwise my arm would have been pulled off! 😂😂 We have a vet bed in her crate too, its ideal. We have had it from when she was a pup and have had no accidents. Do you have any chill time or are you so strict all the time?
When dogs wet their bed/own space it's usually because they're stressed or anxious (if it's not because they're not let out often enough obviously - and sounds like the frequency of bathroom breaks isn't the issue here). We've never had a crate for any of our dogs, and they've also never had accidents in their own beds, not even as puppies. If a puppy wets its own bed they're not ill behaved, it's a sign that they're in some kind of distress.
Shows that it's different for different people! And I'm not sure entirely sure what you mean, he has a structured day if that's what you mean? And his chill time is when he is in his crate, or when he in his bed when we are in the kitchen. His play time is when we are training or when we take him out to exercise. I have a full day of training videoed if that helps.
He was only wetting on the Vetbed because he was so young and wasn't housetrained yet. I will hold my hands up and say it was probably when we didn't know whether he needed to go out or not. I'm sure that your dogs have had house accidents and that is the same as this, it's just Oakley is in a crate and your dogs aren't.
@@sarahlwalden my puppies have absolutely never ever had an accident in their bed/where they sleep. They’ve had accidents in the house, but if given the choice (room to move) dogs (including puppies) instinctively do not wet their own beds/sleeping space. Having said that crate training is obviously lovely in the sense that the crate in time becomes a safe space that is just theirs and somewhere they can go for peace and quiet.
thank you so much for this video!
Glad it was helpful!
Try talking to him before leave room or when you in the room.
I have tried that and not sure it's done any good 😂 Normally it's along the lines of 'right, okay Oakley, you're gonna keep dead quiet when I leave the room right? I'm on my way out, just keep nice and quiet, I'm not gonna be long' all really calm, not making a big deal and it seems not to help 😅
Ur doing well n u give good advice🐶
Thank you so much!
We have a cocker a bit Younger than yours. He's a bit of a nipper.
Personally I don't believe in keeping him in a cage
Do you brush his teeth? If so how and when did you start,thanks x
I started even on baby teeth so mine would be use to it. At least once a week some people do it every night. Whatever works for you, I don’t use doggy toothpaste though mine doesn’t like it.
We use carrots which are supposed ti be good for their teeth. We have a toothbrush and toothpaste and start them getting used to it fron the start.
We do! We aim to brush every day but being realistic, we sometimes forget so it's probably more like once every 2-3 days. We started from the first week we got him. We just use a baby toothbrush, started with just introducing him to the brush and then progressing on to brushing and then with toothpaste!
There's a chew toy on amazon that comes with a toothbrush (green picture) - you squirt toothpaste down the hole and when your dog chews it, it brushes their teeth :)
Can use dental sticks
Great Video! Thanks for being honest! 👏👏👏👏
Thank you so much 🥰
Breeders need to be more responsible than just selling a working breed for money. A working cocker spaniel sold to someone who lives in an upstairs flat with no garden ffs.
I think you must not have any experience with dogs, so strange you have commented this. We have since moved to somewhere with a garden and it has made no difference apart from us not having to put a coat on when taking him to use the toilet. What mattered most was us training him and taking him out enough. Odd that you think a garden would be enough for a dog.
@@sarahlwalden i have 2 and work them both and i would never sell any of my litters to soneone who lives in an upstairs flat with no easy access to the outdoors.
Okay, that’s your decision. A bit strange you would prioritise a garden over training and enrichment. Maybe you have issues with toilet training. But, your decision
I can assure you, i have 3 kids and a pup is much harder! 😂
Hahaha, thank you SO much, honestly, these comments make me feel so much better x
He is SOO cute 😍😍😍
Thank you, he is absolutely gorgeous 🥺
Good vid, honest and straightforward 👍 mine arrives in 3 weeks and imm shitting bricks 😀
Thank you so so much. And oh, that's so exciting! I don't blame you though 😂 I'm sure you're gonna be absolutely fine, just do as much work you can before with learning about training and stuff and just try and enjoy the time as much as you can. Definitely be easier on yourself than me! 😅
Sorry It's Fenrir Spaniel Show
Thank you so much, I will definitely check them out!
Thanks for honest account.
No problem at all, thank you so much for commenting
Seriously!! Is this for real? How would you like being in a cage all the time in the dark whilst your parents chilled on the sofa. Next time you cry I hope your partner looks at you and walks out. You are going to end up with an anxious and difficult dog that is very difficult to train. They need alot of time, attention and love not just training. You have picked a very loving breed which has alot of energy. Maybe buy a toy dog next time to do lots of tricks for you
Babe, I think you need to take your issues up with a dog trainer, not me. I’m just going off what multiple dog trainers say to do, I’m not an expert or professional. There is absolutely no need to make it personal or comment just rude things like that. I hope whatever problems you have with this, you find someone who will have a conversation with you who will put up with how you refer to them, because I’m not.
I think you need to educate yourself on crate training. Very ignorant comment. Not aimed at you Sarah , it looks like I'm responding to your comment 🤦
Thank you so much Debbie xx
@marie you should educate yourself on the benefits of crate training. Crates are a safe space for dogs, known to reduce anxiety and it’s their “safe” space. A quick google search and you’ll see all of the recommended reasons to crate train. Recommend you do that before typing a comment next time. Also you clearly haven’t watched the videos he is not in the crate all of the time. And yes cocker spaniels are a loving breed but lets not forget this is a working cocker spaniel, much more work needed than a typical cocker spaniel with different personality traits to account for as well. So Marie, maybe think next time before you write.
@@jharps7502 thank you so much, that really means a lot