Grooming
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje’s luxurious coat may look high maintenance, but it’s not as bad as you might think. Their silky mane repels dirt and water, so less bathing is required. (There’s an old Dutch saying that says you should never wash a Kooiker unless they’ve rolled in a dead fish.) Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind:
Bathing: You may bathe your pup once a month or even less frequently if they don’t smell or aren’t dirty. This breed is often considered to be a “rinse-only” dog since they have special oils in their coat that capture dirt, causing it to crumble and fall off naturally.
Brushing: Brush your pup once a week with a bristle brush. It will help distribute the oils, keep the coat healthy and help keep their shedding in check. You can follow up with a comb (especially on the tail) to keep tangles at bay. These pups will shed more during the fall and spring months as they get ready for the weather changes. Be prepared to brush more frequently during those times. To help maintain those gorgeous locks, you may choose to take your pup to the groomer every four to six weeks.
Nail trimming: You may need to bring your pup in every four to six weeks for a nail trimming, too. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you hear that familiar tippy tapping on your hardwood floors.
Dental care: Brush your Kooiker’s teeth every day with a gentle toothbrush designed for your dog. Start that routine early to get your Nederlandse Kooikerhondje puppy used to it. And don’t forget to schedule a professional teeth cleaning by your veterinarian every year.
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Training
Big love comes in small packages. Rightfully so, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is often called the “little white-and-orange dog with a big heart.” Indeed, they are about the same size as a Cocker Spaniel but smarter—and they won’t let you forget it. The intelligent nature of the Kooiker sets the stage for successful training; however, as with any clever type of dog, you will need to stay one step ahead of them.
Get ready to go to school with your pup! They’ll benefit from puppy classes (learning to play with other dogs and people), obedience classes (where they’ll learn commands like sit, stay and come and how to walk nicely on a leash) and Canine Good Citizen. Structure with a capital “S” is important for this breed as they love to wander on “sniffaris.” (So many things to smell!)
You’ll need a lot of patience and positive motivations to keep your dog on track. Use lots of praise, toys and treats to reward your pup. And everyone who lives with the Kooiker must be included in training—it’s all hands on deck! Harness their intelligence, make training matter, and you’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of successes and laughs.
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Diet
A complete and balanced diet is important to satisfy your Nederlandse Kooikerhondje’s nutritional needs. Look for a high-quality dog food that fits your pup’s age and stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Your veterinarian can help you choose a formula that’s best for your individual dog. They can also help you set the portions and times for your pet’s meals.
Because Kooikers love learning new things, you’ll be doling out lots of treats as they learn new tricks. But treat calories count, too! Your vet can help you factor in all those delicious snacks in their overall meal plan, so they stay at a healthy weight. And of course, make sure you have clean, fresh water available for your pup throughout the day.
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Exercise
Because Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are so independent, exuberant and energetic, you will need to work your way into their good graces, gain their cooperation and show them a good time. Given the task they were originally bred to perform—duck hunting in the Netherlands—this streak of self-sufficiency and demand for activity should come as no surprise. And they’ll “demand” at least an hour of exercise every day. The key is to keep their lively spirits high by engaging them with challenging tasks and activities that stimulate their sense of purpose and playfulness.
You can take them on long walks or jogs, but it’s a good idea to mix it up to keep it interesting, so add games like “Find the Treat” (to practice scent work), Frisbee or fetch (retrieving). They excel in scent work, agility and obedience, which are great if you have a slight competitive streak. (And your pup will love it.)
Creating opportunities for activities that play to their natural instincts will help them feel like they’ve accomplished a “job well done,” and that they are pulling their weight as a part of the family.
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Environment
For the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, home-sweet-home has a fenced back yard for exercise and adventure. Prepare to fully engage with this “play with me” breed and know that, while the dog loves children, they’d prefer to be playing outside. So, tie those two things together and you’ve got a match made in canine heaven.
Kooikers are affectionate and sensitive companions to their people, but they like routine and quiet, which is why they tend to fare better in households without little ones who may surprise them with middle-of-the-night crying, unpredictability and disorder.
Even still, they are often referred to as a family dog. These pups are happiest when they’re included as part of a family of older children who embraces a mantra of mutual respect. As with any dog, it’s important to socialize and train a dog as well as teach children how to properly interact with dogs.
Having a Kooiker as a pet is rewarding, but you’ll need to devote a fair amount of time to them. They will want to be with you, do things with you and be of service to you. They need space, socialization and ample opportunities to show off their smarts and their skills. Let them work it, baby!
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