How To Play With Your English Cocker Spaniel?
It doesn’t matter the animal’s age, as an English cocker spaniel will always want to play. It’s true that as a puppy he has more energy, but even as an adult he can still enjoy a little play without any problems.
English Cocker Spaniel Behavior
The cocker spaniel is a dog originating in Wales, although it also has Spanish origins. It was developed to chase moorhens and became famous in England, more specifically among the country’s aristocrats. This race even appears in Shakespeare’s works!
It is an attentive, intelligent, athletic, resistant dog, chosen for being affectionate with children. He tends to form a close bond with one of the family members – usually the one who feeds him and takes him for walks – and doesn’t like to be alone. He can bark, cry or howl for hours when no one is with him.
You can also avoid slightly nervous behavior by encouraging the practice of certain canine sports, such as canicross , flyball, obedience rallying , bikejoring, or the famous agility .
How to play with an English cocker spaniel
Although it is a very active dog, it can gain weight from overfeeding or eating too fast. Therefore, it is recommended to adhere to the habit of playing or walking every day.
When trained from an early age, the English cocker spaniel is very obedient, balanced and cheerful. And he will love being outdoors playing with his owner.
Since puppies, they like to play fetching the ball, hiding so that others can find them or being chased. In this way, they manage to use up all the accumulated energy and sleep ‘like a baby’ at night. Other interesting games to have fun with your English cocker spaniel are:
1. Cup set
According to Stanley Coren, the cocker is ranked 18th among the smartest dogs. In total, there are 80 dogs on this list, so he’s smarter than the average dog. That way, you can enjoy this game, in which you can reveal your abilities.
It’s all very simple. You’ll need two cups – to start – and kibble or snacks. Hide the prize in one of them and shuffle the cups so the dog ‘picks’ which one he wants. Thanks to its sense of smell, the animal will be able to find the prize easily. After practicing several times, it is possible to increase the number of cups gradually.
2. Cardboard box
It’s not just cats that have fun with empty boxes: dogs too, especially in the case of the English cocker spaniel. The idea is that the dog enters the box to hide or find some objects, such as toys, food or snacks.
The crate doesn’t have to be very large, but if it’s a considerable size, some owners choose to hide and hope that the pet, with its hunter’s nose, can find them.
3. The hideout
The English cocker spaniel has a great sense of smell and, as a result, has been used for decades as a show dog or prey lifter. You can enhance this ability by hiding toys or treats in different parts of the house. Always switch hiding places: that way, he won’t get used to looking in one place.
4. Frisbee
The famous flying saucer is one of the cocker’s favorite toys. It’s ideal for when we go to the park or the beach, if we don’t have a garden or backyard at home. In addition, it is perfect because the dog spends a lot of energy and, when he returns home, he will only think about resting.
If you are out all day or your pet is going to be alone for many hours, we recommend that you play with it using the Frisbee for at least 15 minutes before going out. He will love it, and it will keep him from feeling sad about not being together. After all, you’ll spend the morning or the entire afternoon sleeping!
It is also important that the English cocker spaniel have their own toys when they are alone at home. Especially the teethers are recommended, as this will prevent it from destroying your shoes or any objects you find.
