How do I control my Cocker Spaniel

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1yr Cocker Spaniel named Chase. Hes outgoing smart and very exicied all the time. I adopted him at 4months old from a previous owner. At the time my husband was in Iraq so it was me and Chase. Chase listen to me and he knew a lot of tricks. I named him Chase cause he followed me every where I went. And when I left the room he would cry or pace the room. Is that normal? When my husband came back from Iraq and met Chase. It seem like our dog forgot everything he learn. How is that possible? Why is he doing this? He follows me around ever where I go but its more. I cant even get up to get a glass of water, without him getting up and following me. I have been working on him to stay but it doesnt seem to work.

I know I have a lot say. I just dont know how to handle him.
Thanks
Kirsten

ANSWER: First of all, I'm so glad to hear your husband came back safely from Iraq.

Now Chase - well, he was used to his "pack" of two and now (for him) the whole order of his universe has changed so he's a little anxious.

I suggest having your husband feed him for awhile.  In a dog's mind, the person in charge of the food is the pack leader.  Hopefully you're walking him every day for at least 1/2 hour? Do it together a few times and then have your husband walk him alone.

Our normal reaction to anxiety in our dogs is to comfort - don't do it.  Be matter of fact and pretty much ignore it.  Comforting him sends the message there IS something to be anxious about.

There are a few things I'd like to know.
How is he with other people?
How is he with other dogs?
Is he anxious on his walks?
Where does he sleep?
How long is he left alone on an average day?
Was he like this with his previous owner?

This is solveable, Kirsten.  The first thing to do is teach him your husband is also his pack leader/owner and take his total focus off you.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the fast response. Hes really good with people, he usually barks at them and always under my feet. Eventually he gets use to him and plays. He gets along with other dogs. He is always anxious on his walks, he always pulls. He usually sleeps with us in the bed, he rather sleep on the floor. Chase is usually left at home the max is 3hrs. and he stays in the cage, hes not comepletely potty train. I really dont know how he was like with the previous owner. All I know was her child was allertic to him, and she bought Chase from Uncle Bills.
Kirsten

Answer
Pulling isn't anxiety...just a bad behavior.  It's fine that he sleeps with you or in your room.

Please do try handing over his feeding/walking to your husband (and what are you feeding him and how many times a day?).  Totally ignore any anxiety and behave in a matter of fact way.

When he pulls - stop dead - say nothing.  When he's calm continue on your way.  Repeat 150 times :)

He should be completely potty trained and I'm wondering why he's not?
Can you tell me how you're going about this?  If you really get on it, this can be solved in a week.
Delores