2 year old Cocker spaniel - clinging and nervous when going out

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Our 2 year old cocker spaniel has recently become quite highly strung

He is very very vocal and excitable when he sees us , even if we’ve just been upstairs

he whines loudly when out if we are having a coffee if one of us goes to the loo

He’s quite stubborn about where he wants to walk and recently he’s become very nervous when only one of us takes him out for a walk

He’s only happy if there’s 2 of us or more walking him .

He gets very scared of łoud bangs like fireworks or loud cars etc

I am not sure what to do to help this situation and am considering getting a dog behaviouralist involved ,,,?

Any advice is much appreciated. TIA

Has something happened when he was with only one of you? Clearly he feels happier/safer when you are both together.

Sounds like separation anxiety

You are going to have to be very calm and build the time you are away up. A behaviourist might be a good place to start. Has he been attacked, frightened in any way ?

Hi has been very frightened by fireworks , and i don’t honk he has forgotten about them.

He’s very very clingy to me , and i’ve read that might be partly because i feed him …

It’s making having him, a bit sad really…. i wish we could work out a way of getting him less stressed ,,, ?

Does he get enough walks as a young dog needs a lot of exercise , especially a high energy dog like a cocker spaniel. It is not unusual for dogs to be terrified of fireworks. I have one who is as well and one who clearly doesn’t enjoy the noise but is not terrified.

Mine (WCS) cries when one of us leaves him in unfamiliar places like a service station even though he is with someone.

He is also scared of bangs and sudden loud noises (good job he isn't going to be a working dog).

I think spaniels can be quite sensitive but sorry can't offer any help.

I agree it sounds like a bit of separation anxiety.

What's he like when he's left home alone?
How much exercise does he get?
Have you done a lot of work training him to settle/be calm?

Spaniels can be quite nervous, highly-strung dogs in general, especially the working lines.They need plenty of both mental and physical stimulation each day.