Having a barking English springer spaniel can be frustrating – and understandably so. But it also may cause concern as you wonder just why your beloved fur baby is barking so much. Continue reading to find out why your English springer spaniel may be barking.
English springer spaniels usually barkes when they are alarmed, bored, or suffer from separation anxiety. These dogs are good watchdogs but not good guard dogs. They are also highly attached to their parents, which can result in separation anxiety. They also need a lot of activity.
Find out some of the typical signs of separation anxiety and boredom by reading on.
Why Is My English Springer Spaniel Barking?
While “excessive barking” is subjective, with some finding a little vocalization a lot and others finding a large amount excessive, one thing is for sure; it is probably enough to drive you (and your neighbours) up the wall.
You might feel frustrated that your fur baby has an uncanny knack for barking when you are trying to get a good night’s sleep, you might also feel concerned as to just why your dog is barking. However, there is no need to worry. Excessive barking is more common than you might think. Below we will list some reasons why your English springer spaniel may be barking.
English Springer Spaniel Barks To Alarm
If you find that your fur baby is barking excessively, it may be due to something that has caught their attention. Dogs such as English springer spaniels have a reputation for barking at things that alarm them. As a result, English springer spaniels are often fantastic watchdogs. However, you may need to reconsider if you want them to jump into guard dog mode.
Engish springer spaniels make lousy guard dogs. They may talk the talk (A.k.a have a loud bark), but they cannot walk the walk. So if you are looking for some extra protection, it is probably best to find another breed more suited to guarding. It may be worthwhile to consider that although English springer spaniels do not offer much defence, they do offer some form of protection from their loud alarm bark.
Their bark can warn you of potential incoming dangers, prompting you to take action in a timely manner. So although their bark might seem annoying at times, there are benifits to this type of barking. Your furry friend is just trying to communicate that they have seen or heard something out of the ordinary.In the same way that you want to protect them, they also want to safeguard you.
But here is the catch: Despite their wariness, English springer spaniels quickly trust strangers. This is because these lovely fur babies have an affectionate and friendly nature. They may bark initially, but soon after, they will be best friends with the new human. So do not expect these dogs to act aggressively towards intruders.
English Springer Spaniels Bark From Separation Anxiety
English springer spaniels love their parents. Unfortunately (or fortunately), they can love their parents a bit too much. Separation anxiety is a common trait among English springer spaniels. This means that they feel the need to be around their parents practically at all times.
In these cases, leaving causes enough stress on your dog that they begin to manifest symptoms of stress such as pacing, whining, chewing, or destruction of property. You might not notice the signs of pacing or whining due to your absence, but you might find the aftermath of the separation anxiety once you return home by torn-up plants or chewed-up sofa pillows.
One of the most prolific symptoms of separation anxiety is excessive barking. If you often return home to complaints from your neighbours about excessive barking, it may be likely that your beloved fur baby has separation anxiety. Separation anxiety has different levels of severity.
If you suspect your furry friend has severe separation anxiety, it’s best to consult your veterinarian or seek professional assistance.
English Springer Spaniel Barks From Boredom
English springer spaniels are athletic dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They are hunting dogs used to flush out game. In other words, they chased birds into flight so that the hunter could shoot them down. As a consequence of their hunting instinct, they are highly energetic. If the
ir energy is not sufficiently spent, they may engage in destructive behaviour.
This behaviour could manifest by chewing, clawing, whining, or barking. An easy way to spend energy is to engage in exercise. Running or cycling is a great way to relieve your dog’s pent-up energy. Not only will it help stave off dog obesity, but it will help keep the pounds off your waist too. Where possible, try to mix up your routine.
Taking your dog to a new environment or playing a new game or activity is an excellent way of providing mental stimulation for your dog. Another great way of staving off boredom is taking your beloved pet for agility or obedience training. Your fur baby may surprise you with just how quickly they learn the ropes.
Because English springer spaniels are highly intelligent and easy to train, they quickly learn new commands. Not only does training provide mental and physical stimulation, but it also helps to strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Additionally, English springer spaniels are great at other roles too. For example, English springer spaniels make excellent therapy dogs. These dogs are more than happy to provide comfort and affection to those around them, bringing smiles to everyone that they meet.
Conclusion
There are various reasons why your English springer spaniel may be barking. Try to determine if the barking happens while you are away or at home. Boredom and alert barking are more likely to occur at home. Separation anxiety will occur when you have left the premises. If you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour, it is also best to seek the help of a professional.
