I have a 15 month old cocker spaniel dog and we moved house in December 01. He has been left alone from quite a young age as due to circumstances I had to go out to work. However since we have moved he has found it very distressing to be alone during the day. He has his food etc and bed in the utility room from where he has access to the outside garden but he has totally ruined a wooden door and barks fairly consistantly during our absence. When we return he is exhausted and happy to be with us and behaves like an angel. We understand that it is not his fault and we are sympathetic and we hope it will improve with time, I would like some advice on whether or not it would be a good idea to introduce another dog so that he would have company during our absence or would this perhaps create further problems?? Any advice would be appreciated as we are determined to conquer this problem.

I'm certainly no expert, but I have two dogs who are on their own as I too have to work. They behave impecably in my absence and are always extremely pleased to see me. Although one of the girls is 8 and less lively than my 4 year old, they do seem to enjoy each others company. I haven't known them whine or bark when I have gone out. Hope this helps......

It's not clear from your message just what hours you work - but if you work full-time or long part-time hours, then to introduce another dog will simply compound your problems. The one you have that barks will encourage the new one to bark - Sadly they generally don't learn each others good behaviour but pick up on all the bad ones!!!!

Rather than getting another dog - what about a dog-walker callinig in during the day to walk the dog etc? If on the the other hand you work part-time and can spend a good amount of time settling them in together then it could work.

In my mind though - bringing in another dog where you already have problems is not the answer. You need to sort out the problem first - then a companion may help. I think you need to think of ways to ease the boredom that your dog is suffering. Do you have a pattern that lets him know when you are leaving him? If so try and break it so that he doesn't get upset to early on. Give him toys to occupy his mind. Cockers are bright dogs and need mental stimulation or they do go potty!! Try stuffed Kongs with his food etc - that'll keep him occupied for a while. Buster cubes or balls with holes in for the treats to come out can be good too.

Good luck - hth

Pam n the two boys

You might find his is more settled without access to the garden. I find they are often more relaxed without a large area to 'safeguard' while you are away, particulary is it is new territory. There may be neighbourhood cats teasing him, dogs barking and even birds flying in and out can be stressful. Also if he is barking a lot you may find your new neighbours may eventually complain.

As a breed, I don't think Cocker Spaniels tolerate long periods of solitude very easily - certainly separation anxiety crops up quite often in relation to owners wishing to rehome a Cocker & it's one of the reasons why many breeders will not sell puppies to homes where the owners are absent for most of the day. I agree with Pam that getting another dog is not necessarily the answer - certainly not a puppy anyway as puppies have a habit of following an older dog's example (& puppies should not be left alone for long periods anyway) I do know of a couple who had this problem with their Cocker & did take on another older Cocker - this did improve the situation though did not totally cure it. I believe Peter Neville, the behaviourist, has produced a pamphlet on separation anxiety which you might find useful (you can order it here)I would tend to agree with Pam though that you need to find some way of breaking the day up for your Cocker (if you do work long hours) such as employing a dog walker or perhaps you could consider day care at a local boarding kennels.