top of page

BREED GUIDE

YOUR COCKER SPANIEL PUPPY

Cocker Spaniels are a big nose on a small gundog, merry and people-loving and busy from morning to night. Working Cockers and show Cockers can be quite different dogs, and both come with a nose that needs a job and a mouth that likes to hold on to things.

A golden Cocker Spaniel walking through white flowers

WHAT I'D START IN THE FIRST WEEKS

GUARDING

TEACH A HAPPY SWAP

Cockers can be prone to guarding things they've picked up. Swap for something tasty, give the toy back most of the time and never chase them for it, so giving things up always feels like a good deal.

THE NOSE

LET THEM HUNT

Hide treats, scatter their dinner in the grass and play find-it games. That nose needs work, and sniffing tires a Cocker far better than ball throwing ever will.

EARS

HANDLE THE EARS

Those long ears need checking and cleaning for life. Touch them gently from day one with a treat for every touch, so ear care never becomes a wrestling match.

Cover of The Modern Cocker Spaniel Handbook by Renée Patience

MODERN BREED HANDBOOKS · NO. 21

THE MODERN COCKER SPANIEL HANDBOOK

The Cocker Spaniel explained, from working and show lines to guarding, recall, pulling and ears, written by Renée. It's an instant download for €9.99.

WANT STEP-BY-STEP HELP?

 

Puppy Club walks you through the first weeks and months with any breed, one step at a time, with a roadmap for each stage so you always know what to work on next. Essentials is €99, one payment, and you keep it for life.

bottom of page