Grooming
Luscious locks come with maintenance, and that’s especially true for a Cocker Spaniel’s long coat. Be prepared to brush their coat several times a week. Here are some tips for brushing your Cocker Spaniel:
A metal dog comb, like this Frisco comb, will help you dislodge any mats.
Take care to be gentle; otherwise, you risk pulling the hair out.
As double-coated dogs (having long guard hairs on top of a soft undercoat), a Cocker Spaniel’s shedding is no joke. But luckily brushing with a pin or slicker brush will help that, too. Of course, coat length is ultimately your call, and a short-haired Cocker Spaniel will require less maintenance.
Grooming should start when your dog’s a puppy; it will help them get used to it.
Other tips for grooming your Cocker Spaniel include:
Bathing: If you bathe your pup at home, it’s important to use a high-quality dog shampoo and rinse it out completely to avoid skin irritation. Bathing too often could also lead to skin irritation; once every few weeks is usually best unless your dog decides to take a romp in the mud. Take special care when drying your dog’s ears, as ear infections can easily arise due to their shape. A Cocker Spaniel puppy will need less grooming, but it’s essential to start now so they can get used to the entire process.
Dental care: You can’t forget those pearly white teeth and click-clacking nails. Teeth should be brushed daily, and you can also offer dental chews to help keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Nail trimming: Nails should be trimmed once every three to four weeks; it will depend on whether your pup engages in activities that might naturally wear their nails down, like spending lots of time outdoors.
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Training
A Cocker Spaniel puppy or fully grown adult is easy to train. Their intelligence helps them catch on to concepts quickly. This breed is a natural people-pleaser, so positive reinforcement and attention will go a long way as you train your pup. And of course, like any breed, they’ll take a treat or two for their hard work!
Teach Cocker Spaniels the sit, stay, and roll over commands, of course, but also include dog sports like agility, tracking or nose work in your training. Not only are these a great way for your pup to show off their incredible skills, but they also do double-duty, as they help with mental and physical exercise needs.
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Diet
Choosing the right type of food can be daunting because there are so many options available. It’s important the label says the food is “complete and balanced,” to follow the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Be sure to find one that fits your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Your Cocker Spaniel’s food and diet might need to change even if you pick the best, high-quality food. Some pups develop sensitives to specific ingredients, and that’s something your veterinarian can help determine. Your vet can also help you figure out a feeding chart so you know how much and how often to feed your pup, including treats, because those calories can add up, too.
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Exercise
Cocker Spaniels aren’t as energetic as, say, an Australian Shepherd, but they do have a moderate energy level. That means they’ll enjoy a good snuggle on the couch binging a “Friends” marathon with you, but they do need some exercise. These pups are born hunters, so they’re always up for a game of fetch.
It’s a good idea to carve out time for at least two walks a day (totaling about an hour) and make room for other types of play. Dog sports like agility or nose work are excellent ways to see your feisty Cocker Spaniel in action. Their speed can be surprising for their size, so agility or flyball, a team sport that involves jumping hurdles and catching a ball at the end, might be a great way to play to their “fierceness.” And of course, a working Cocker Spaniel will get plenty of exercise hunting.
While physical exercise is often the first thing we think about, mental exercise is good for your Cocker Spaniel, too. Food puzzles are an easy way to provide that mental stimulation and reward your pup with a little treat.
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Environment
Because these dogs aren’t super energetic, Cocker Spaniels can do well as an apartment dweller. Cocker Spaniels don’t necessarily need a yard to roam; what’s most important to your pup is that you spend time playing and exercising with them.
Cocker Spaniels are not as welcoming as the “I’ve-never-met-a-stranger” Labrador Retriever, but they do well with kids and other dogs and cats once proper introductions are made. These pups can be good for a first-time pet parent, as long as you are willing to spend the time grooming and training them.
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