In my personal experience, American Water Spaniels do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are known to be very social dogs and thrive on human interaction. When I first got my American Water Spaniel, I made the mistake of leaving him alone for several hours a day while I was at work. I quickly realized that this was not a good idea.
Whenever I would come home, I would find that he had become anxious and restless. He would chew on furniture, shoes, or anything else he could find. It was clear to me that he was not happy being left alone for such long periods of time.
I decided to make some changes to ensure that my American Water Spaniel was not left alone for extended periods. I started by hiring a dog walker to come and take him for a walk during the day. This gave him some exercise and a chance to interact with another human.
I also made sure to leave him with plenty of toys and puzzles to keep him occupied while I was gone. This helped to alleviate some of his anxiety and boredom.
Additionally, I made an effort to socialize my American Water Spaniel with other dogs and people. I took him to obedience classes and enrolled him in doggy daycare a few times a week. This allowed him to interact with other dogs and learn how to properly socialize.
I found that these steps made a significant difference in my American Water Spaniel’s behavior when left alone. He became much more content and relaxed when I had to leave him for work.
However, it’s important to note that every dog is different and may have varying levels of tolerance for being alone. Some American Water Spaniels may be more independent and able to handle being left alone for longer periods, while others may struggle with it.
If you are considering getting an American Water Spaniel and know that you will need to leave them alone for extended periods, I would recommend considering a different breed or making sure you have a plan in place to ensure they receive the socialization and attention they need.