Thankyou londongirl. I feel I just need the reassurance that I'm not doing some form of mental damage by him being effectively locked away from us while he is learning to settle!
I feel I treat him too much like I would a child!
Leo has... many twice recently.. chosen to stay asleep in another room from us so I feel that may be the start of him learning.. the kitchen is his safe place I feel !
Thanks again
Sounds like real progress
I found it incredibly hard with the first one (Pearl) and took her everywhere, let her sleep upstairs, was with me wherever I went including the bathroom
not only did I create a whirling dervish but she had horrendous separation anxiety - I'll never forget going to Lynton in Devon with friends - they stayed outside a shop with their Tibetan Terrier and Pearl while I and my friend Sue popped into the shop.......Pearl howled like a banshee!
. She doesn't even notice when I'm not with her now and although still an anxious dog is so very much better than she used to be. This in part as she has Coral to give her attention not just me and at OH house there are two humans and 3 other cockers......
You will get over the guilt. Dogs do really well living in kennels outside, often wcs are better behaved in these circumstances as they only get "hands on reward" or attention when the owner says - that usually needs to be earned
. Clearly Leo is a much loved and very typical cocker spaniel
Ashbourne is a bit of a distance to travel but if you are happy to do so once a month then I would highly recommend Lara at Ironpitts Gundogs. Let her know I've recommended her due to her positive training methods and say hello for me. I'm the other side of Shropshire so it's a bit of a journey for me but I have been over several times and will be attending her novice dog day on a local shoot! I'll have a look for trainers a bit closer to home for you as well!
Jayne