Questions About Dogs and Puppies? Have All Your FAQs Answered Here!

New and experienced owners often have questions about dogs or their puppies; it's perfectly normal, so don't be shy about asking for help. Even seasoned dog lovers have questions!

Find answers to all your puppy care problems here and resolve your issues fast!

Please Note: I am not a vet or a dog behavioural analyst - I am simply an experienced dog lover passionate about Cocker Spaniels.

If you have any urgent questions about dogs or concerns about your pet's care or behaviour, please don't wait for someone to answer them in this forum. Contact your vet immediately.

Questions About Dogs

Every day I receive many dog questions from anxious pet owners, such as,

Why has my Cocker suddenly turned aggressive?

I think my Cocker Spaniel is overweight; how can I help him to lose these extra pounds?

How can I stop my Cocker from chasing the cat?

Why does my Spaniel sniff so much?

And so it continues.

That's why I thought it would be helpful to list the most frequently asked questions about dogs and their answers here to help future visitors.

Questions about dogs? Ask them here!

Beautiful golden cocker spaniel, sitting, white background. Many questions about dogs are answered hereQuestions about dogs? Ask them here!

Questions About Dogs: Housetraining

Many of our questions about dogs are centred around housetraining puppies. So this next section covers toilet training dogs and puppies; however, if you'd like to see all our visitors' questions about dogs, follow this link.

Housetraining Puppies and Dogs

If it's a simple case of potty training your puppy, that's easy; follow this link for step-by-step guidance on how to toilet train your puppy.

If your Cocker was previously housetrained and suddenly started to pee in any corner of the house that takes his fancy, it's not funny. And, of course, it needs to be addressed.

If your dog has been locked indoors for too long and hasn't been able to hold it, then the occasional accident is understandable and isn't his fault. However, it's a definite 'no-no' if this happens regularly.

Here are some of our visitor's questions about dogs whose toilet training habits have lapsed, together with suggested answers.

I hope they help!

Do you have any questions?

A beautiful golden cocker spaniel sitting, his pink tongue lolling.Do you have any questions?

Potty Training Problems Solved!

Peeing On My Bed

Help! My 10-year-old female cocker spaniel has suddenly started urinating on the bed, MY bed! She's done it twice tonight...

Problems Potty Training My Adopted Dog 

Hi, we're having problems potty training a 3-year-old cocker spaniel which we adopted from the cocker rescue in Austin, Texas. The original owners returned the dog as an owner surrender because of an inability to potty train the dog for about a year...

Cocker Spaniel Toilet Training Lapses

Cocker Spaniel toilet training issues are not unheard of. It's not just the Cocker breed either; many adult dogs may have minor setbacks with toilet training. It's not surprising that visitors ask questions about adult dog house training pretty frequently. Here are some of our visitors' questions and answers...

Accident Prone Cocker Spaniel

'Accident' prone Cocker Spaniel...my Zoey has started having little accidents while I'm out of the house...

Dog Peeing At Night

Hello, my Cocker (Pepper) has been potty trained. She is very good at holding it all day while my fiancé and I work. Her only problems occur...

Cocker Spaniel Puppy Pooping Issues

New and inexperienced Cocker Spaniel owners often ask questions about puppy pooping schedules. They're worried that their pet is either pooping too much, too often or during the night. They all ask, what is normal?...

Toilet Training Issues: My Cocker Spaniel Is Messing In My Kitchen

I have a few questions about dogs, and I need your help! I have a 3-year-old cocker spaniel who is constantly urinating and pooing on my kitchen floor! I have tried all the…

A cute black and white cocker spaniel lying in the grass.Hi, my name's Sophie Ellis, but I can't sing!

More Puppy Potty Training Problems

If you're having problems potty training your puppy, you will find some help on this page, where we try to answer as many questions about dogs as possible!

How Often Do Puppies Poop?

I'd like to know, how many times should my puppy poop? He's 10 weeks old, and we feed him 4 times a day, but he poops about 6 times daily. Is it normal, or are we overfeeding him..?

My Dog Is Peeing A Lot. Should I Be Worried?

You're reading this because your dog is peeing much more than usual, and you're looking for answers. Follow the link to read more...

General Questions About Dogs and Puppies

Why won't my dog listen to me?

My Dog Won't Eat His Food!

I'm having problems potty training my puppy

Why is my dog rolling in poop? What can I do to stop him?

My Puppy Won't Eat His Food. Help!

My Spaniel's Not Sleeping At Night!

My 6-month-old working cocker spaniel bitch has recently started to wake up early in the mornings, around 5 am. What can I do to help her sleep longer?

Puppy Feeding Guide

Many puppy feeding guides are available online; they offer sound advice about how and when to feed your puppy. However, many visitors still have questions despite all these puppy feeding schedules, so I have added a few here...

Cocker Spaniel Shedding

Cocker Spaniel Shedding is a subject that crops up frequently, and it's becoming apparent that Cockers lose their coats in varying degrees. Unfortunately, there isn't any consistent reason why...

My Dog Doesn't Listen To Me! Why?

Hi there, our dog doesn't listen to a word we say. We need some help.

We have a ten-week-old cocker spaniel, and during his first week in the house, we managed to toilet train him and teach him to 'sit' and 'stay', and he's learned to play fetch very well...

My Dog Is Not Eating!

You're reading this page because your dog is not eating, and you're looking for some answers. If your Cocker is otherwise healthy but hasn't eaten for a couple of days, read on to learn why your dog isn't eating and what you can do about it...

Ear Infection in Cocker Spaniels

I have a question about ear infections in Cocker Spaniels. My 9-year-old Cocker has been to see his vet and was diagnosed with an ear infection; however, he has lost sight in one eye...

Do I Feed My Dog Enough? How Much Should I Feed My Dog?

Hi, I'd like to know how much to feed my dog.

I have a 13-month-old cocker spaniel called Macy. I feed her twice a day, approximately 150-200 grams each meal. Now I'm wondering if I need to feed her more because...

Should I Sleep With My Dog?

My name is Pauline, and I sleep with my dog!

There, I've said it, but is it terrible? I'm asked this question frequently, so I'd like to get a discussion going here. It's proving quite a controversial question, as you will see...

Sleeping With Your Dog - Pros and Cons!

Visitors often ask whether sleeping with your dog is a good thing or a bad thing. Is it dangerous, or can it be good for your health?

The subject of sleeping with dogs is a controversial topic, and opinions are widely divided...

Tail Docking in Dogs

Tail docking in dogs is no longer legal in the UK (in fact, it's been illegal since April 2007). However, docking puppy tails was routine for both working breeds and show dogs. Understand what docking is, and why breeders docked tails...

Unfortunately, I now receive too many questions about dogs and puppies. I cannot answer them all. I answer as many as possible, and loyal visitors often step in and offer their experience and advice.

If you post your question on my Facebook page, I will try my best to answer it; if not, I'm sure one of our loyal visitors will.


Unfortunately, I now receive too many questions about dogs and puppies. I cannot answer them all. I answer as many as possible, and loyal visitors often step in and offer their experience and advice.

If you post your question on my Facebook page, I will try my best to answer it; if not, I'm sure one of our loyal visitors will.

Photo Credit for Questions About Dogs:
1. Isselee at http://www.dreamstime.com/american-cocker-spaniel-10-months-old-image17953088
2. Stefan Andronache at https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/290137/stefan-andronache?asset_id=41006831  (Ex Fotolia_41006831)
3. Visitor photo - Sophie Ellis

More FAQs: Questions About Dogs

Click below to see all our visitor's questions about dogs:

Your Questions About Dogs and Puppies

If you're a new puppy owner (or even if you're an experienced Cocker owner!) you're bound to have many questions you simply don't have the answer to.

This is where you can ask them and find all the answers. There's no such thing as a silly question here, so what are you waiting for?

Please make sure you give lots of detail when asking your question(s) to help our visitors give you a clear answer. If your question isn't understood or isn't clear enough, you may not receive a reply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs and Puppies

Click below to see more questions and answers from our visitors.

Cocker Spaniel Puppy Vomiting 
I just bought a 35 day-old cocker spaniel puppy yesterday. Since yesterday he seems lazy. But today he is vomiting continuously within a minute or two. …

Golden Cocker Spaniel Aggression 
I have two cocker spaniels, both female and spayed. My black cocker is five and my golden spaniel is four and I have had them both from pups. My …

My Cocker Has A Pulled Muscle 
My 6 year old cocker spaniel started limping yesterday so I suspected he had gotten a thorn in his paw as he squealed when I tried looking at it. Today …

Why Does My Dog Do That? 
Well when my Mom comes to tickle me or something my dog barks at her like she is going to bite her but I recently found out that cocker spaniels don't …

Please Help! 
Please help! My Cocker Spaniel named Lady has an aggression issue. She was born on November 27th and she was rescued when she was a few weeks old. We …

Cocker Staring And Whining 
Hi, About 6 months ago, Max our 8 year old cocker began a new night time behavior. He sleeps peacefully at my feet when my husband is not in the den. …

14 Week Old Cocker Growling 
We have a 14 week old cocker spaniel who has started to growl at my husband when he tries to pick her up or move her. She doesn't always growl, it's …

Sebastian 
Hello, I have just bought a field cocker. I got him from a kennel which is a registered rescue centre. I am not sure of his age but I think he's around …

Cocker Spaniel Bit My Husband 
I have a 14 month old Parti-black and white Cocker Spaniel. I bought Mic a year an a half after our Britney Spaniel/Black and Tan Terrier died at 17 and …

Barking Spaniel  
Hi, I was just wondering if you could advise me about my 2-year-old cocker spaniel, who has recently begun barking at strangers and other dogs while we're …

Skin And Health Condition 
My cocker spaniel, who is a blue roan, has developed dry itchy patches all around his body and they don't look nice and certainly bother him - he also …

Crated Puppy Howling In Morning 
My cocker spaniel puppy is now 6 months old. We have been crate training her which has been brilliant, she happily takes herself off to bed and doesn't …

Cocker Spaniel and Baby Introductions 
I have a 3 year old cocker spaniel who at the moment is very good and enjoys lots of cuddles, which isn't a problem and he will still get lots of attention, …

Aggression to Intrusive Dogs 
I would be grateful for some advice regarding my 3-year old Cocker Spaniel, Fergal. He is of the show type, although I do not show him, and he's neutered. …

Possesive and Aggressive 
I have two 11 month old male cocker spaniels from the same litter. Buster is extremely outgoing, confident, loving and laid back. Max is a little …

Blisters On My Dog's Skin 
Hi there, I live in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. My American Cocker spaniel Scott is 13 years old. He has developed fluid-filled blisters under his …

Cocker Spaniel Losing Weight 
My 13 year-old cocker is losing weight fast. She doesn't want to go for walks or eat her treats which is most unusual. She has had blood work done and …

Limping Cocker Spaniel 
Oreo is an 11 year old male and has been a very active loving dog and his health as been excellent up to now. One day we noticed he seemed to be limping …

Behavioral and/or Breed Issues In Cockers 
I have had my American Cocker Spaniel for about 5-years now and he (Lucky) had been mistreated (beaten) in the past, by another owner, and had been left …

Bad Odor 
My chocolate cocker spaniel, Teddy, has a bad odor. He is 3 1/2 years old and is groomed regularly. His skin looks healthy, he eats well, and he poops …

My Pal Zoey  
Zoey is a three year old beautiful cocker spaniel. I noticed today that she has been scratching her right ear, and when I went to go look in her ear I …

Barking At Night 
I have a gorgeous show cocker who I have now owned for 5 weeks. When I purchased him the breeder told me he was 14 weeks old, but he was nearly 18 weeks. …

Puppy Food Aggression 
Hi, my cocker spaniel puppy I named Macie has been very sweet and loving and she is almost 9 weeks old. Recently when I feed her she becomes very aggressive; …

Why Does My Cocker Spaniel
Chase Shadows?
 
Hello, We have recently rescued a cocker spaniel. He is about 18 months old and has started to chase his own shadow. Is this a common trait and do …

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Neutering My Male Cocker Spaniel Puppy 
I have a six month-old male cocker spaniel and I have a three and a half year-old female cocker who was spayed at six months of age. My male cocker …

Rescue Cocker Spaniel Aggressive With Toys 
We have just got a rescue cocker spaniel, he is lovely in every way, however, he is aggressive with toys and chews and will growl and snap at us even if …

Teaching My Puppy To Walk To Heel 
How can I get my puppy to walk to heel? I use treats to encourage her but whilst we are out she gets very excited and as a result needs a wee even …

Lola - Separation Anxiety 
I have a 3 year old cocker spaniel and when we go out she cries until we come back. I am her fourth owner - what can we do to help her not cry when …

Aggressive Cocker  
We have a gorgeous 14-month-old blue roan cocker boy called Fergus. He had always been incredibly sociable and great with all other dogs. We go for …

Overweight Cocker Spaniel 
My Cocker Spaniel is a little overweight and I was wondering what kind of food could help her to lose weight. At the moment, I'm using Taste of the Wild …

Growling But Actualy Purring! 
Hi, This is my cocker spaniel, Ben, and he has a very strange habit! When my father returns home, my dad pets him and my spaniel growls! Or at least …

My Cocker Spaniel Won't Come Back To Me! 
When I take my Cocker Spaniel to my local park and let him off the lead, he will never come back to me when I call him. I end up going all around the …

Cocker Spaniel Stealing! 
How can I stop my cocker spaniel stealing items and running off with them? My dog steals everything she shouldn't have, from clothes and shoes to remote …

Aggressive Cocker Spaniel Puppies 
I have two male cocker spaniels that are 6 months old. They are not from the same litter, but they were born a few days apart and they are basically about …

Viscious Cocker Spaniel 
Our 10 month-old black cocker spaniel, Maggie, attacks my husband very viciously. She only does it when I am here; when I am at work, she does not act …

Collar Size  
Hello, I'm getting a cocker spaniel puppy in about 4 weeks. She will be 10 weeks when we pick her up. I was just wondering if you could help me with …

My Cocker Spaniel Howls 
My cocker spaniel is now 7 months old and she howls. In the day, if I go to the toilet, she will howl. She didn't do this when we first got her, but …

White Nose Syndrome! 
My son's Spaniel's black nose has started to turn white in patches! What has caused this and will it go back to normal? Greg on behalf of Alfie :-) …

How Do I Stop My Cocker Puppy Eating My Garden Plants? 
My beautiful cocker spaniel puppy has always eaten greenery out of the garden. He nips the heads off the daffodils, bluebells and bits of ivy, but this …

How To Stop Your Puppy From Barking 
We got our cocker spaniel when he was 8 weeks old, and apart from the usual eating, demolishing everything in sight, grooming a lot, etc., our main problem …

My Cocker Spaniel Won't Leave My Cat Alone! 
We have just adopted a 3 month old cocker who is very smart but we have a 7 year old cat that she just keeps on going after. Do you have any ideas …

Is My Cocker Being Aggressive Or Playful? 
I have had a 3-month-old solid chocolate brown Cocker Spaniel for 1 month. Her name is Mary Jane and she is so pretty. She seems to be very smart, she's …

My Cocker Has So Many Ticks! 
Why does my Cocker Spaniel have so many ticks? Reply from Pauline (Web Owner) Your dog may pick up ticks if he's walked in the countryside, or …

When Is The Right Time To Euthanize Your Friend? 
I have a 14 year old American female cocker spaniel. I got her when she was a year old and she's on about 7 different medications for various problems; …

Separation Anxiety Or Unhappy Puppy?  
This is the second night home with my 8 going on 9 week Cocker Spaniel. I run him until he can barely open his eyes at night thinking that a tired puppy …

Why Do Cocker Spaniels Nip People? 
I got a cocker spaniel 2 months ago and she's now 8 months old. The previous owners left her in their flat in a room every day from 7:00 in the morning …

When To Start Puppy Obedience Training? 
We are picking up an 8 week old Cocker Spaniel on the 4th February. Your site is excellent, very helpful, but one question we have is regarding when we …

Buying Two Cocker Puppies! 
I'm thinking of getting two cocker spaniel puppies - am I crazy? We just put a deposit on 2 cocker pups. Can't anyone here help me figure out if this …

Grooming My Sprocker 
My Sprocker (Lelah) has started biting and licking around her paws. Could this be something to do with the fact she has a lot of hair around and in between …

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Is My Cocker Spaniel Too Protective?  
I have a 14 month old Cocker Spaniel, she is lovely natured and a great family pet. She is very well-behaved with my daughter aged 6 and, in all other …

Loss Of Wagging Tail 
I have a 4 year 9 month cocker spaniel, who has always been so happy, his tail was always high in the air and wagging. He recently hurt his back leg …

Sibling Rivalry 
Hi! I have two 19-week old male brothers who have just started to fight what can I do to stop this? Reply from Pauline (Web Owner) Oh Deana, it …

Is My Cocker Shy? 
I have a (nearly) seven-month old cocker spaniel puppy, whom I brought home when he was 8 weeks old. Since day one he has been socialised in every …

16 month Old Cocker Spaniel Is A Bully
How Can I Change This?
 
I always wanted an American Cocker Spaniel and finally got one a couple of years ago. He became severely aggressive (champion bloodline) and attacked me …

Do English Cocker Spaniels Need
Other Dog Companionship?
 
I have a 13 month old English cocker spaniel. She is wonderful and has a good nature and loves me lots. Do cocker spaniels need a friend, ie another dog? …

My Dog Appears Depressed
Is This Possible?
 
We have just lost a 1 year old cat - my Cocker and my cat were great friends. My spaniel is not eating, it seems she just wants to sleep - she can't …

Excited Cocker Spaniel 
Hi, We have a 1 year old male cocker spaniel who is very friendly. The problem is when visitors come to the house he can be too friendly. He gets very, …

Lame 
Hiya Everyone, Why suddenly has my best friend started to limp? I'm extremely worried about him as he seems very uncomfortable. He's let me thoroughly …

So Happy I found this site! :-)
But I Need Some Help! :-(
 
Back in September, I purchased one male cocker spaniel from a lady who was overwhelmed with a litter of 10 and 3 adult dogs! While visiting, CoCo, …

Are Cocker Spaniels Prone
To Breathing Problems?
 
Are cocker spaniels prone to breathing problems? Reply From Pauline (Web Owner) You don't offer much information for me to work with so I have …

Why Does My Cocker Snap At
ther Dogs And People?
 
We adopted a 3-4 yr old cocker spaniel bitch from someone who said they were re-homing her from a friend's neighbor who basically left her alone on a patio …

Potty Training An Indoor 3-Year Old Cocker Spaniel 
We adopted a 3-year old female cocker spaniel from the cocker rescue in Austin, Texas. The original owners returned the dog as an owner surrender because …

How To Stop My Dog Barking? 
Hello, I have a small question. I recently adopted a 5 year old cocker spaniel but when someone like Mom or Dad comes into my room she will bark a lot …

How To Stop My Puppy Howling And Crying? 
I love your website! I have a question - Do you have any advice to stop our puppy from whining, howling, and barking at night or when left in a room alone? …

My 10 Day Old Cocker Spaniel Puppy Cries 
I really need some help. I bought a new puppy (he's only 10 days old) and, as winter has recently begun, he cries and feels cold. Please suggest something …

My Little Female Puppy - False Pregnancy? 
Hi All, My puppy is called Tuffi - she is a ten-month-old female cocker spaniel. She's an amazing, adorable, active, and well-behaved puppy. She had …

How Much Water Should A 6-Month Old Female Cocker Spaniel Drink? 
How much daily water should I give my 6-month old female cocker spaniel? She's marking on my rug - maybe I am giving her too much water? Reply from …

Cocker Spaniel Not Gaining Weight  
My cocker is not gaining weight. We bought her from a farm where they breed dogs. They mated her at 6 months of age and she sadly had a litter of still …

Please HELP My Family!! 
My 9-year-old Cocker, Jodi, was adopted by us three and a half years ago. She came with a myriad of skin, ear and eye conditions. She had ear ablation …

Female Cocker Spaniel Displaying Aggression After Having Puppies 
My female cocker spaniel had a litter of puppies. She will not let me in to help her at all during the time she is giving birth and afterwards, I have …

Marley! 
I have a 15-month old cocker spaniel and would like to get another one but don't know if it would make Marley aggressive or change his personality. …

Wound On Leg 
Hi, I have a male rescue cocker spaniel. He's approximately four years old and we have had him for two years now. I just got back from the vet as he has …

My Pearl 
I have a female cocker spaniel who is just over 2 years old. I am not sure that I will mate her at any time, however, I am not in favor of spaying her …

Running Away 
We have two cocker spaniels from working parents. They are half sisters aged 18 months and 2.5 years old. Unfortunately, the older one has taken to running …

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Help Puppy With Separation Anxiety 
My Mum got an orange roan puppy 3 weeks ago and it is now 13 weeks old. At first she let her sleep in the same room with her but as my mum has a terrible …

Cocker Spaniel Aggression 
We have a 5-month old cocker spaniel - we have had him for about a month and a half. Our last dog was also a cocker and lived to be 12. He was such a …

Biting Cocker Spaniel 
I have a cocker spaniel puppy who in nearly nine weeks old. I've had him for a little over a week and at first he was settling in really well. In the last …

Neuturing My Spaniel 
I am a first-time dog owner of a cocker spaniel and my husband isn't sold on getting him neutered. We don't have any plans of breeding him or anything …

Dogs Odour  
I have an American cocker spaniel and we live in Malaysia. Although I shower my dog with best shower soap possible or the best as recommended by pet shops, …

Puppy Exercise 
I cannot find any information on how to exercise a puppy before inoculations, then how long after? Reply From Pauline - Web Owner Hi Ali, Just …

My Cocker Has Suddenly Become 'Un-housebroken' 
We adopted a 3-year-old male almost 6 months ago, after the passing of our 11-year-old. The cocker rescue location was hesitant to adopt him out because …

My Cocker Spaniel Lost His Courage 
I got a spaniel from an animal rescue shelter back in February who was rescued from a puppy mill. He's 5 years old and it took him quite a while to adjust …

Agressive Puppy ! 
Hi, my name is Evette and I just recently bought a 4 month old Cocker spaniel. My twin baby brothers play very rough with him and recently my spaniel has …

Is It OK To Leave A Cocker Spaniel Alone All Day While I Work? 
I saw a cocker spaniel that needed to be adopted from a rescue organization today. I'm not sure how old she is, but they said she is house broken and …

Cocker Spaniel For An Apartment 
I have wanted an English Cocker Spaniel for years and now live with my partner in an apartment. We don't have a garden but we have a private field literally …

How Do I Show My Cocker Spaniel
I Am The Alpha Male?
 
I just got a 3 year-old cocker spaniel and he is very friendly. Unfortunately he is not neutered and it seems his previous owners let him run the place. …

Start Training?  
At what age can a cocker spaniel start training, especially potty training? Mine is 6 weeks old and I'm beginning to worry that I've left it too late. …

My Cocker Spaniel Stinks - A Lot! 
My Cocker Spaniel stinks! She starts to stink just an hour after she has taken a bath. Why? And what can I do? Reply from Pauline - Website …

Cocker Aggression 
We have a 2 year old cocker spaniel rescue dog (mixed breed, I think). The dog is very lovable towards adults and loves children. However, when I try to …

Aggressive Cocker Spaniel 
I have a golden Cocker Spaniel and an American Bulldog - they were both bought at the same time and are now 8 months old. The Cocker Spaniel has developed …

Socializing Ziggy! 
I have just rescued a 2 year old male American Cocker Spaniel. Apparently, he was a handful and his previous owners kicked him outside 20+ hours each …

Aggressive and Possessive Cocker Spaniel 
Hello, I sincerely hope that you can help me and my cocker spaniel puppy. I have recently become the proud owner of a black cocker spaniel bitch - she's …

Puppy Attacking Me 
We have a 12-week old cocker spaniel puppy who has settled with our family very well. Our only issue is that he loves biting anything, we have a large …

Buying Two Brother Cocker Spaniel Puppies? 
We're buying a cocker spaniel puppy. He has a twin brother and we're considering buying both, but we've read that this may not be a good idea and that …

Dog Sleeping On The Bed 
I have a 14-month old cocker spaniel male who sleeps on my bed, how can I get him to sleep in his own bed? Reply from Pauline (Web Owner) Hello …

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