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!

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!

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

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 😃

We pick ours up in about 6 weeks, can't wait!! 😁

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

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!

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!

Great Video! Thanks for being honest! 👏👏👏👏

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

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

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.

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)

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!

thank you so much for this video!

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!

How do you deal with oakleys shedding? Do you have to take him to a pro groomer a lot? Love the video btw!

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

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

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 KZfaq (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.

Ur doing well n u give good advice🐶

He is SOO cute 😍😍😍

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?

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?

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.

How on earth did you teach him to do left and right? 😨 amazing!!

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

Good vid, honest and straightforward 👍 mine arrives in 3 weeks and imm shitting bricks 😀

Hang in there... what you have sounds like the puppy blues... it happens

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

Thanks for honest account.

Do you brush his teeth? If so how and when did you start,thanks x

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.

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

I can assure you, i have 3 kids and a pup is much harder! 😂

Try talking to him before leave room or when you in the room.

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.

Sorry It's Fenrir Spaniel Show

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