New Cocker Spaniel Tips

[Kevgun]

First 16 weeks of a pups life is important, so if you want a steady dog, try not to let the kids get them excited, because if they are constantly wound up that's what it will do all it's life, I have 2 Springer Spaniels and I wouldn't let anyone near them for 4 months, after that I got them on the stop whistle and walking to heel, I'm quite proud of the fact that when I take them beating they never get put on a lead unless walking on a road. both really steady Dogs and amazingly they are brothers, but that's another story ( don't take your mrs with you when you go to pick up your new pup and there's one left )

The Cocker bitch I had was brilliant, although I rescued her from a keeper because she kept fighting with the other bitches, all I done with her for 6 months was love her and didn't tell her off for anything, then once I started working her, if she didn't stop I just raised my voice and that was enough.

 

[georgedoubleyou]

First 16 weeks of a pups life is important, so if you want a steady dog, try not to let the kids get them excited, because if they are constantly wound up that's what it will do all it's life, I have 2 Springer Spaniels and I wouldn't let anyone near them for 4 months, after that I got them on the stop whistle and walking to heel, I'm quite proud of the fact that when I take them beating they never get put on a lead unless walking on a road. both really steady Dogs and amazingly they are brothers, but that's another story ( don't take your mrs with you when you go to pick up your new pup and there's one left )

The Cocker bitch I had was brilliant, although I rescued her from a keeper because she kept fighting with the other bitches, all I done with her for 6 months was love her and didn't tell her off for anything, then once I started working her, if she didn't stop I just raised my voice and that was enough.

That sounds like solid advice, thank you!

I'll try my very best to keep my 3 year old daughter away from her!

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Training Spaniels by Joe Irving has been ordered. All very helpful advice. Thanks everyone

Good book, but I feel his advice re heel work is misleading. Get the pup steady and walking to heal when it’s young. Learning the commands when they are naturally following or sitting for their tea etc. Is far easier than waiting till later, especially if you have a dog with drive.
Some will say you get a sticky dog if you work on obedience too soon. However I haven’t met many of those. Far more that are a handful needing far too much “handling” (read nagging) to stay under control.
The hardest thing I found to train was the wife and kids. Its taken me years to convince my wife to use the same commands thankfully my daughter helped by backing me when needed.
The Cocker is a little old lady who sadly has little time left, legs are going she won’t be around much longer. My Springer is younger, but there are still some things I would do differently. If SWMBO gets her way we’ll be adding another Cocker pup later this year. With a bit of luck we’ll get the best out of her as I think everyone is now singing from the same hymn sheet so to speak.

 

[old 30-06]

Dickie, They have not met my Springer, Peggy.

 

[20-250]

As said by others, build that bond. I have slept the first few nights on the sofa next to the new to the house caged pup. Get her waiting for her food. Just a second or two at first, loads of praise for that. Extend the time she waits and you're on the right road. She'll want to please you soon!

 

[Dan Newcombe]

Use a crate - pup needs down time to relax and when you let it out to do stuff then you are cementing the idea that you are the best thing ever.

Joe Irvines books are in my opinion an excellent starting point but whatever you read, make sure and read the whole book before you get the dog and then work through it in real time - it makes more sense that way.

 

[georgedoubleyou]

Use a crate - pup needs down time to relax and when you let it out to do stuff then you are cementing the idea that you are the best thing ever.

Joe Irvines books are in my opinion an excellent starting point but whatever you read, make sure and read the whole book before you get the dog and then work through it in real time - it makes more sense that way.

Thank you, the book is in the post now and I wont be bringing the pup home until July so that's perfect