The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Hello. I just got my 6 month old cocker spaniel puppy less than a week ago. I have signed up for obedience training this coming week. My puppy was already kennel trained and potty trained (thank goodness!) but not at all house trained. As soon as he is in the door (kept on a leash) he is completely out of control and nothing I say gets through to him. Any suggestions of calming him down in the house? Also, while he is VERY calm in his kennel, once the door is opened to come out he is once again out of control. Any suggestions to keep that calmness going outside of the kennel?

At that age , they have energy to burn, and frequent episodes of the zoomies
I loved the zoomie stage- it's pure puppy joy in action.

But to answer your question, Lots of exercise! A tired puppy is a happy puppy, and a happier owner! Obedience training will definitely help, as they learn when it's ok to play and when it's time to settle down and focus.

Congratulations on you new puppy! Your lucky that he's already gotten so much training...

A Cocker at 6 months is full of himself ... some good old fashion obedience training will help. You want to make sure it is positive reinforcement with a Cocker.

Be aware that you are entering what is commonly known as, "the seven month stupid stage". This is a time when your Cocker may forget his basic training... he definitely will forget how to hear (think toddler wanting to do it all by himself). One day he will be spot on perfect and the next day he will look at you like Huh?

Susan Garrett's video ~ Crate Games ~ might help with the out of control kennel behavior. You can google it. People have posted video's of their dogs doing some of it, to give you an idea of how it works.

If you truly think he is out of control, I would suggest treating him as a new puppy and leash him to you. Include him in what you are doing, i.e. laundry, dishes, etc. He will settle down but be sure he has "his" time every couple of hours like quick walking, chasing the ball, etc.

Obedience training is a great 1st step. I also think it will help to tie your puppy to you; it teaches them to pay attention to you and provides lots of bonding time in a manner that still keeps you in charge. I would take him outside for all play time since you don't want him being rambunctious indoors - at least until you have better control. And I would crate him when you can't be watching him indoors. I would also leave a lightweight leash on him when you allow him to be free in the house so you can easily grab him. You may actually need to training him to be calm - here is an article that describes one method http://www.thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/training-relaxed-calm-dog/

How often during the day is he crated/kenneled? Most any dog or pup will have energy to burn once released. My suggestion is not being kenneled or only kenneled for short periods when you are not home.

Thanks to all who answered! Puppy still has the "zoomies" when he gets out of the kennel, but has calmed down in the house quite a bit now...and we are working on the first stage of training!

Expect the zoomies forever. My Hannah is10yo and still gets wound up after her bath, I guess because she feels so good.

...or she's trying to get the heck away from that horrible BATH, LOL.

Have you tried roller blading or bike riding with him on a leash? I take KC out on bike rides in when we wake up in the morning to get his wiggles out. When we get inside the house, he plops down on the floor and relaxes