Hi everyone - I'm a newbie here and hoping someone can help!
I have a couple of dogs that I love to death... but they are not my issue.
I have recently offered to help out a friend that has a couple of springer spaniels (about 3-4 yrs old). Once a week, while the friends are at work, I go over and let them out into the fenced in back yard to play. One of the dogs paces the perimeter of the fence with her head down constantly whimpering. She'll do this for what seems like forever. I've stood in her way and she just turns around and paces the other way. It's so sad to watch. When she's in the house, she paces the perimeter of the kitchen (or whatever room I'm in)... she does NOT sit still. These dogs RARELY go for walks and are kept in a 10x10 room with no windows and locked doors when alone. No bedding or anything... just the concrete floor. (Apparently, they still pee inside if they are let into the other rooms.) I've taken them for walks, but they just about rip my arms off! No leash training whatsoever. I've suggested that they get the dog some help, but the friend thinks nothing is wrong. "That's just how she is."
I really want to help this dog (the other dog doesn't pace, but he's horrible on a leash)... I know I only go over once a week... is there anything I can do to help?

[Yogi]

yes, contact animal control. The pacing dog sounds as if there is either an inner ear infection of physiological issue going on. This in no way is normal behavior and most likely can be attributed to being cooped up with no outlet.
This breed needs regular exercise, failing to provide it can seriously jeopardize its health.

[chevy & karen]

This rip's my heart right out. I hope and Pray you can talk some sense into your friend's. I have a feeling you will make a difference in these pup's live's.

God Bless.....

[DoggieVogue]

That is so sad!

[lil mutt]

hi,

what happened to your dog? any updates?

[Lunareclipse]

Springer Spaniels are active dogs. They need lots of exercise. Did you try to take them to a dog park? If I were you, I would go over and get the dogs and not return them. Threaten the owners with calling the ASPCA if they want the dogs back. a 10x10 concrete room is not humane for these or any dogs. If the dogs are still peeing in the house, it is due to lack of training and neglegence. I think the dog is pacing due to stress. It has no release for all of it's pent up energy and it wasn't shown how to properly expend it's energy at an early age. I do also think it should go to a vet. Maybe you could take the dog and explain to the vet the current conditions the dogs live in. The vet would be able to tell you the best course of action.

Two things I would suggest to the owners is to socialize the dogs, and take them for walks as often as possible, but have them do a couple minutes of research to learn how to effectively walk a dog, and not be walked by the dog. Do the dogs have a high energy drive? If not ensure the owners that taking more time out of their day for the dogs is well worth it, and an hour out of their day will mean the world to the dogs.

Originally Posted by doglover330

These dogs RARELY go for walks and are kept in a 10x10 room with no windows and locked doors when alone. No bedding or anything... just the concrete floor. (Apparently, they still pee inside if they are let into the other rooms.) I've taken them for walks, but they just about rip my arms off! No leash training whatsoever. I've suggested that they get the dog some help, but the friend thinks nothing is wrong. "That's just how she is."
I really want to help this dog (the other dog doesn't pace, but he's horrible on a leash)

As has been said before, Springers are very active dogs - no wonder they nearly rip your arm of when they get walked if they hardly ever get walked. Their living conditions sound horrible too. This pacing behaviour sounds like a psychological response to the fact that they aren't getting enough exercise along with the fact that they are cooped up in a small room most of the time.

The saddest thing about this is the ignorance displayed by your friend. That behaviour is very unlikely to be 'just how she is'. She isn't displaying natural behaviour at all by the sounds of it. I hope your friend comes to realise that the dogs need more than what they have in life at the moment; it's very unfair to keep putting that dog through conditions that make her react in this way.