How Can I Get My Cocker Spaniel To Listen To Me?

by Jackie
(Texas)

She's Not Listenting To Me!

She's Not Listenting To Me!

I have a 13 month old female Cocker Spaniel and she only listens and obeys when she wants to!!

She is so playful and energetic, but the listening thing she will not comply to unless she feels like it. I have tried treats as rewards, she went to puppy kindergarten, and nothing has worked so far.

Every single day it's a struggle to get her to come inside.

I know she loves being out back and playing in the yard but in the morning and at night it's hard to get her to listen.

When I get ready to go to work she runs so I can't crate her. I crate her every night, but only sometimes during the day. When I don't crate her during the day she destroys and tears up everything in my room. I know she does this out of boredom, but I have given her toys, and challenging toys, but she still is very mischievous.

She just got spayed in December, but that only calmed down the urge to hump the other dog. Believe me I'm thankful for that, but the hard-headedness has got to come to an end.

Any suggestions?

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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you
by: Jackie

Thank you so much Cocker Lover. Just reading this brings tears to my eyes. I still have not accepted her death yet and she is very much in my thoughts every day.
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starstarstarstarstar 		RIP Lexy
by: Cocker Lover

Rest in peace sweet Lexy. xxx
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starstarstarstarstar 		She's Not Listening To Me
by: Anonymous

Hi Everyone, thanks for the feedback. Wow, I forgot that I had posted this. My sweet Lexy has since passed away from Liver disease. She passed this past October, but lived much longer than the Vet and the specialist expected. I loved Lexy with all of my heart and although she was mischievous I can't tell you how much I miss her and her mischievous behavior now. Lexy actually matured and a lot of the puppy behavior she out grew. I am so blessed that the Lord allowed me to be her mom. She brought me so much joy and happiness. No other dog could ever take her place in my heart. I hope that I gave her the best 3 years, because I know she gave that to me. I am still mourning her death and have not even put away her bed or her things. Occasionally my other Cocker Lady will sleep in Lexy's bed and that brings me joy. I did not have Lexy put down, but instead took her home to die, and she did in my arms. She is truly missed by me and I think about her every day. Sometimes with tears in my eyes, and other times with a smile.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Cocker Spaniel Not Listenting
by: Anonymous

Hi, I'd try giving her some obedience classes or at least trying some obedience training at home. Teach her (or re-teach) to sit, stay, down, and the recall commands. Practice it until she does exactly what you ask, as soon as you ask it.

I regularly practice these commands with my Cocker even though he's 6 years old - it just seems to keep him 'on the ball'.

Good luck and I hope this works for you.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Puppy Not Listening To You!
by: Arlene

It sounds like your puppy has way too much energy.

Do you walk her every day to burn off that excess energy? She needs about an hour's walk every day. Throw a ball or a stick for her so that she has to run for it to give her a bit of aerobic exercise.

Leaving her in the yard is not the same as walking her and letting her run around.

Don't get me wrong, being outdoors is much better for her than being inside and I'm sure she loves her yard but it's simply not enough.

As for not listening to you, have you tried re-training her from scratch? It sure sounds like your dog is calling the shots! :)

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