Do Cocker Spaniels Like To Cuddle?

Cocker Spaniels are a great breed and trustworthy family companion, especially due to their sweet temperament. A Cocker Spaniel has a sensitive personality and does not like harsh treatment, but is eager to please the owner and loves nothing more than spending every hour of the day next to their pet parent in the same room.

Most Cocker Spaniels have their favourite person. A typical Cocker Spaniel can often be found cuddling in a human's lap or snuggled up by them. They are small animals which make them a perfect breed to cuddle.

This must mean that Spaniels like to cuddle more than other dogs? This article will try to answer this question as well as give you some tips on how to get more cuddles from your Cocker Spaniel.

Do Cocker Spaniels Like To Cuddle?

A Cocker Spaniel cuddled up to his owner is a common sight. It definitely shows that a Cocker Spaniel loves their owner and is a faithful furry companion.

Do Cocker Spaniel like to cuddle or are there any other reasons why they are so close?

The truth is, some dogs do and some don't like cuddles. Many Cocker Spaniels like to cuddle. Some dogs might even have separation anxiety or are very affectionate dogs who just want to grab any opportunity for spending time with family.

Some owners might feel they have Velcro dogs, who try to be as closely snuggled up as possible. This shows that the dog is very comfortable with you and is feeling safe.

A Cocker Spaniel likes to be part of family activities. So, if the rest of the household is sitting together on the sofa, she might just want to join. This can show that your Cocker Spaniel enjoys cuddling as she will climb extra close to the dog owners.

A Cocker Spaniel is also good one person dogs who are very happy to just cuddle with their favourite person. A Cocker owner will never feel lonely.

It does not matter if you have an English Cocker Spaniel or an American Cocker Spaniel. There is also no difference if you have a male or female Cocker Spaniels.

As a dog breed, Cocker Spaniels are all just very cuddly dogs. They also have many ways they like to show their affection with.

How Do Cocker Spaniels Cuddle To Show Affection?

While we really want to know do Cocker Spaniels like to cuddle, it can be said that their definition of a cuddle might be something different than what it is for us.

Cocker spaniels are a perfect breed. As said before, Cocker Spaniels have a sweet temperament. While Cockers enjoy showing affection, Cockers Spaniels also love cuddling in their own ways.

Ways of Showing Affection

• Licking their owner
• Sitting on your lap
• Sleeping next to you on the sofa
• Checking up on you, walking after you room to room
• Resting parts of their body on their owner
• Cuddling next to you
• Staring at you

So, it is worth remembering, that when the Cocker Spaniel jumps next to you and cosies up right next to the owner, this is also a Cocker Spaniel cuddle.

Most owners enjoy cuddling their dogs and Cocker Spaniels love affection, they might just sometimes show it differently.

Reasons Your Cocker Spaniel is Extra Cuddly

Some days your Cocker spaniel can be more cuddly than normal. There are some factors that can make a Cocker Spaniel give you more attention:

• Storms- some Cockers get nervous of the loud noise and may seek support from their favourite human
• Danger- while many Cockers will want to protect, some are just scared and will come close for support.
• Pregnancy- some dogs react to changes in smell and hormones and be closer than before.
• Missing you- your Cocker can become extra cuddly after you are back from holiday just because she has been missing you desperately.
• Sickness- some active dog can in fact seek closeness, when they are unwell and tired.
• Heat- some dogs can get clingy when in heat and want to show more affection.

Reasons Your Cocker Spaniel Avoids A Cuddle

Cocker Spaniels are cuddly by nature so they are likely not to refuse a cuddle. While Cocker Spaniels were bred to be hunting dogs, it its easy to forget this when your Cocker Spaniel is curled up next to you snoozing.

You might sometimes question do Cocker Spaniels like to cuddle, when they try to get away and refuse a cuddle.

However, it is worth remembering that while Cocker Spaniels like to cuddle, a Cocker is a sensitive dog and this can sometimes affect how they act.

Cockers tend to get nervous or frightened at times, which can make them alert to surroundings and refuse a cuddle.

In that case, it might just be that there has been a strange noise or new object that is distracting the Cocker Spaniel. It is best to reassure the Cocker Spaniel and show it is nothing to be afraid about.

Also, some Cocker Spaniels are brought home from a rescue centre. These little Cocker Spaniels may require extra reassurance to feel comfortable.

It can also be the case that the Cocker Spaniel has come from a home where she has not got many cuddles.

The best thing to do is to make the Cocker Spaniel feel comfortable being around you as well as any other pets in the home. Spaniels like to cuddle, but your Cocker might just not know it yet.

Spend a lot of time with the Cocker Spaniel doing activities together. A brisk walk, playing with you Cocker and her chew toys and training sessions for mental stimulation will bring the Cocker spaniel closer to the owner.

Be very gentle around the nervous dog and soon the Cocker Spaniel will seek out your company. Pet her often and soon she will come to you for a scratch and a cuddle.

Health Issues and Cocker Spaniel Cuddling

Health issues can make a Cocker Spaniel refuse a cuddle. While Cocker spaniel likes affection, being unwell and hurting can affect how the dog is behaving.

A dog with pain or undiagnosed issue can avoid petting and cuddles as it hurts them.

A signs that you are dealing with an health issue is that your dog has suddenly changed its behaviour.

If your Cocker Spaniels normally cosy up next to you and are very lively, but suddenly show temperament problems and are lethargic when you approach them, then it needs to be observed further.

You might also notice other signs like your dog is limping, not being able to keep food down or not being able to settle down for naps.

When you notice any potential for health issues, you should talk to the vet immediately so they can examine the dog and ensure they are as healthy as they can be.

How To Train Your Dog To Cuddle More?

Cocker Spaniels are one of the dog breeds that need a lot of attention, care and love. If your Cocker Spaniels are not cuddly enough, it might be that they are just not given enough cuddly time.

You can be very busy with a lot of tasks to do, but when at home, it is important to give the Cocker one to one time. Time needs to be spent just sitting and relaxing, to give the Cockers spaniels opportunity to come relax with the owner.

It might be worth making a daily plan and setting a time every day for spending few hours with the Cocker Spaniels.

Best times for cuddling are when the Cocker Spaniels are relaxing already. For example, why not join the dog when she is resting before bed time.

A good time to cuddle is also first thing in the morning. Your Cocker Spaniels will be so excited to get a little cuddle in before the day starts.

Look out for signs your Cocker Spaniel is looking for contact as brushing up next to you or coming to sit next to you on the sofa. Just remember to be gentle with your puppy.

Do Cocker Spaniels like to cuddle when they are old?

The good news in it does not matter if you have a puppy, adult or a senior dog. Your older dog will be as cuddly as they were as a puppy.

Cocker Spaniels like spending time with their family and are great dogs whatever the age.

However, an older dog can be more prone to serious health issues that can make them feel pain or discomfort.

So, while Cockers like to cuddle, if you notice any changes in your senior dog, it can be a time for a vet visit.

When Should I Not Cuddle My Cocker Spaniels

While many Cockers can enjoy cuddling and spending time with their owner, you need to always respect their feelings.

A Cocker Spaniel is not a toy (while their fluffy coat may sometimes seem like one).

Never force a cuddle when your dog is not interested.

Remember also to teach children to respect dogs and their boundaries. Never let them corner Cockers for a cuddle or pick them up when they do not want it.

Any signals that suggest that a Cocker Spaniel is not feeling comfortable or is nervous need to be listened to.

If your Cockers are not enjoying a cuddle you need to learn how they show affection and let them show love in their way.

Cockers also sometimes need space. However, normally not for long.

Are Cocker Spaniels Clingy?

The short answer is, yes. Many Cocker Spaniels can be very clingy. They want to spend all their time with their owner and can even have separation anxiety when not near their owner.

Cocker Spaniels like any other dog breeds are pack animals. Their family is their pack and they want to be together.

So while having a cuddly dog is great, if you have a Cocker Spaniel who is so close to you that she cries and has separation anxiety when you have to go to work, it can make life difficult.

After all, you want the relationship to be positive for you as well as the dog.

It is normal for the dog to cling most to the person who she or he spends post time with. For example, if certain owner is home more, the dog will likely cling to that person.

However, a cuddly Cocker Spaniel will also like to go to the person who gives them more affection.

Do not forget to relax and scratch the little Spaniel, if you want it to be closer to you.

So, Do Cocker Spaniels Like to Cuddle?

Most Cockers love spending time with their family and get close and cosy. Some Spaniel pups may even remind you of Velcro as they seem to be stuck to the owners side.

And it does not matter if you have American or English Cocker Spaniels, old or young, they can all be extremely affectionate.

Some Cockers might have a health issue or may be a bit anxious and avoid a cuddle. Or they might just need a little bit of space. These Cockers need be respected as they are not toys.

Furthermore, it is important to relax, spend time with your little Cocker and give them opportunities to share their affection.