Temperamental Cocker

by Shaye
(Australia)

Sadie - Beautiful Golden Cocker Spaniel

Hello All - I have a female golden cocker spaniel who is 3 years old this year.

She is a very timid girl and was very spoilt as a puppy. She has lived with my parents for the past 12 months as we were in a unit and couldn't have her with us. We have now bought a house and have brought her back to live with us.

I'm wanting to know why she can never relax. I get the impression that she feels it's her job to protect us as she constantly runs from door to door and window to window when she is inside, looking out for strangers or other dogs, and when she sees them she barks!

She also doesn't like to be outside for very long by herself.

We have just also brought a new puppy home - a Maltese cross. We are hoping this calms our cocker spaniel, Holly, down a bit and that she might start to relax and play.

She doesn't bite or growl at visitors once they're inside but she won't let them pat her until she is ready for them to.

If anyone has any advice as to why she is like this or how to calm her down please let me know.

Concerned Owner.