The ideal owner for a Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a good “all round” Dog, they are excellent with Single person families, larger families, young and older people, they are even good with young children as long as the children have been taught to respect the dog. They are adaptable and robust enough to cope with school-aged children but may not tolerate toddlers or pre-schoolers.

Cocker Spaniel training and socialisation

Puppy socialization is the gradual process of gently exposing your new puppy to everyday sights, sounds, and situations, in a positive and non-threatening way to help him get used to his surroundings.  You might ask if socializing a puppy is a necessary part of his training. Well, yes, because a properly structured socialization strategy is necessary for all puppies to help them to integrate successfully, not only into our human world but into theirs too.

Under-socialized puppies often end up being frightened and confused by the simplest of situations or noises and are often nervous about what's going on around them.

In general, Cockers can be trained easily.  They are even-tempered, eager to please and enjoy learning.

How much space and exercise do Cocker Spaniel's need?

Cocker Spaniels don’t need much space and are good for apartment living, or small houses.   If living in an apartment, they will require a walk every day.

Cocker Spaniels and grooming

Cocker Spaniels can be prone to matting and are high-maintenance. Their long wavy coat needs to be brushed every second day, their ears checked, and their coat trimmed on a regular basis (4-6 weekly). During shedding season, you should groom your Cocker every day.  Grooming helps to develop and strengthen the bond between owner and dog.  Grooming also allows you to look for fleas and ticks, sores, grass seeds, matting, lumps, skin problems, and cuts, so you can treat them before problems develop.