Tango (my black, neutered show cocker) is now 2 years 8 months and he has changed so much in the last few months. I have been reading other threads and I think everything he is doing is within the realms of "normal" but I would appreciate some confirmation and advice from more experienced owners! As you may have gathered, he is my first cocker, my previous dogs having both been just rescue mutts.
I am unable to drive any more so virtually all his off lead walks are in a small area of national trust land adjacent to where I live which has some wooded areas, rough scrub and a grassy area. He used to love running around and playing with other dogs but now barks, often quite aggressively, at most dogs we pass, or sometimes just see in the distance, and this week made a lunge at a young staffie who just came to say hello. He does go into doggy day care from time to time and they always report that he is no trouble and has a good time whilst there.
I tend to now stay in the wooded and scrub areas, where I throw a ball or sticks which he seems to enjoy, although he
just cannot get the fact that he could bring the ball back to me once he has found it! Any tips as to how to make these games more interesting?
I street walk him on a lead around the village regularly and, apart from the pulling and zigzagging, he doesn't bark anywhere near as much, only usually if another dog comes up to him.
He is very strong willed and has never been a lap dog, unlike other cockers that I know, but I want to be sure that, so far as I am able, that I am doing the right things with him. Although I never leave them alone together he has always been good with my granddaughter (just 6) and I want it to stay that way!
Thanks for taking the time to read this and in advance for any advice.
Kevin