Spaniel with separation anxiety refusing to walk with dog walker

[Jinglejinglejingle7]

My spaniel seems to have separation anxiety! He wo t walk with a dog walker. Hes 2. Always been walked by me or husband- husband has injured leg so now just me walking him. Tried a familiar dog walker but hes getting really stressed and wont walk with her- freezes, pulls to go back, lits of panting. Shes referred us to behaviourist,im waiting to hear back. Anyone had similar experiences? Or any advice?

I really don't think this needs a behaviourist - she just needs to get your dog used to her at home (and in the garden) before attempting a walk.

I've been a dog walker for almost 7 years and have had plenty of dogs refuse the initial few walks. A week or so of playtime at home, treats, cuddles and bonding and every single one has been happy to go out after that.

Think about it - a stranger has come into your dogs' home and attempted to take them out alone - and while some dogs are just happy to be out, many are understandably thinking "um, I don't quite think so!" and will put the brakes on.

Time and patience is all it needs.

My dog wouldn't go with the dog walker if I was home (even though he loved her and would happily go out otherwise). So I'd try her picking him up from an empty house (assuming he's ok to be left briefly). Otherwise I'd try you going for a walk with the dog walker. But if he's unhappy then you are probably better reducing his walks down and doing other stuff with him (eg games, play, training). It's not the end of the world if he's walked less until your husband recovers.

I wouldn't call that separation anxiety, tbh and I wouldn't think it required a behaviourist. If anything I'd be quite pleased with that behaviour - means your dog will never let anyone run off with them and he has a healthy sense of distrust of strangers, which is no bad thing given dog-napping (particularly of pedigrees for doodle breeding or even simply dog fighting).

I'd think pretty poorly of any dog walker who reacted to perfectly natural behaviour with 'needs a behaviourist.'

Thanks all so much. She took him once and when she got to field he wouldn't walk. This time I went with her. He was fine with us both- she then sent me back to car, dog pulled to cone to me- I thought he would. Ok so maybe try a different walker and get him use to them first before he goes- I feel he might do better if im not there. Ill get dh to be there i think- doesn't like him as much as me!!

She doesn’t really sound like she knows what she’s doing, to be honest - I’m not sure I’d trust her with my dog 🫣

I would find a totally new walker, do some settling in sessions at home and then arrange for them to come and take the dog while you pop out.

It’s so, so common for dogs to be nervous at first - a total stranger is basically coming to their home and taking them away 🫣 if she hasn’t dealt with this before then she’s either incredibly lucky or has ignored the signs and taken the dog anyway - not sure what’s worse!