Do Cocker Spaniels Bark a Lot? How Much & How to Stop It (Vet-Reviewed)
In this article
View 1 More +If you’re considering adopting a Cocker Spaniel, you may like to know how much they bark. Cocker Spaniels can be vocal and are known to bark, especially if they are bored or not properly trained. Without training focused on positive reinforcement and enough mental and physical stimulation, a Cocker Spaniel, similarly to other breeds, may develop excessive barking habits. This may leave you with a couple of questions, such as how to stop a Cocker Spaniel from barking and why Cocker Spaniels bark so much.
Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about why some Cocker Spaniels bark so much and how to stop them.
Do Cocker Spaniels Bark A Lot?
To answer if and why some Cocker Spaniels bark a little too much, we must go back through their history and find out why they were bred in the first place. The Cocker Spaniel descends from the spaniel group of dogs. These Spaniels were hunting dogs, and Cocker Spaniels were bred for the same reason. Cocker Spaniels existed to flush out and retrieve a bird called the Woodcock.
Since they were hunting dogs, they needed to be energetic, observant of their environment, and signal the hunter, which can lead to barking in some cases. On top of their energy, they were also bred to be very loyal, which made them form strong bonds with people. Some Cockers suffer from separation anxiety when their owners leave, which can cause them to bark more.
How to Stop a Cocker Spaniel from Barking
You can employ a few strategies to reduce your Cocker Spaniel’s barking. It's important to note that some methods will not work for your pet; Spaniels bark for several reasons, but you can investigate what seems to cause the most barking.
Ignore Their Barking
Sometimes, it's best to ignore your Cocker Spaniel's barking, especially if it is attention-seeking. Don’t pet them, don’t talk to them, and don’t even look at them. Giving them attention reinforces the idea that they can bark to get what they want. Instead, reward them when they stop barking. Your dog will quickly realize they get ignored when barking and rewarded when they’re silent. However, this approach should only be used when you are sure the barking is for attention and not due to anxiety, fear, or another issue.
Get Them Used to What’s Triggering Them
If you can find out what’s causing your Cocker Spaniel to bark, you can get them used to it. If a new pet or roommate is upsetting them, try gradually introducing them in small steps. However, for dogs that bark due to fireworks or other loud sounds, desensitization should be done very slowly and carefully, as sudden or intense exposure can make their fear worse.
Socialize Them
It’s essential to start this one early; if your Cocker Spaniel barks at new people or dogs, you’ll have to spend time socializing your pet with other animals and humans. Taking them to controlled, calm environments or arranging one-on-one introductions can be a great way to do this, while dog parks may be too overwhelming for some dogs. It would be best if you socialized your Cocker Spaniel while they’re young so that other dogs and people will not bother them as an adult.
If you need some advice on a proper Cocker Spaniel socialization, training or how to desensitize them to certain noises, talking to a vet is always the best option.
If you have a question about your dog's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for free? Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your dog.
Final Thoughts
The Cocker Spaniel is a dog that sometimes has a barking problem. Anything from a new person to the doorbell to simply wanting attention can cause some Cocker Spaniels to bark. Despite this, they can still be trained to bark less frequently.
There are many ways you can stop a Cocker Spaniel from barking, from ignoring attention-seeking behavior to proper socialization and positive reinforcement training. A Cocker Spaniel can be trained to bark less; the earlier you start, the better.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Korvit, Shutterstock
GetIn Your Inbox
Want content like this delivered to you?
News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog
Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her pets, cats Binx and Link and dog Mystery. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.
