is a show type cocker good for a novice dog owner??

[Emilyoliver]

I'm really quite sad to read some comments suggesting show type Cocker puppies are not suitable for first time owners and can only assume that either the breed has changed or that our expectations of what living with a puppy should be like has changed or perhaps it's a mixture of both

I think it's a mixture of both.  As the second most numerous registered breed in the UK, I think there are many cockers bred without much thought given to health, temperament, etc and the inevitable damage is done by the irresponsible, thoughtless breeders.  In addition, I have found all my cockers to be fantastic, fun-loving, exuberant dogs.  However, none have been angelic, 'push-over' types. Their angelic, sweet looks can be deceptive and I have found that they are characters that need stimulation and boundaries.  Cockers are smart little dogs who, like most dogs, will test boundaries.  They are definitely determined little creatures - and this is what I love most about them. They are not 'easy' dogs, especially when you include the required grooming to the list.  However well within the capabilities of responsible first-time owners who have done their research and know what they will be getting.  (Which could be said for most breeds - all have specific characteristics/ requirements that need to be matched with the right person/s offering a home).

[Jane S]

I think it's a mixture of both.  As the second most numerous registered breed in the UK, I think there are many cockers bred without much thought given to health, temperament, etc and the inevitable damage is done by the irresponsible, thoughtless breeders.

True enough and also too many buyers today buy from the free ad sites on the internet without knowing much about the breed or indeed dogs in general and are swayed by the "chocolate box" photos of cute little Cocker puppies. If they are lucky, the breeder they contact will give good advice about the breed and a "reality check" about the demands of training a puppy but so many of the free ad breeders just want to make a sale & will ask no questions and certainly give out no realistic information about the breed Same goes for every other breed as the general pet forums are full of threads posted by struggling new owners covering all manner of breeds/cross-breeds.

[supergirl]

Hmm does this then beg the
question...
"what is an ideal breed for a
novice new owner?"
steffxxx

I think a lot also depends on the individual person as well.  The recent puppy foster that I had came from a home where there was a 5 year old working cocker and the puppy.  They were keeping the adult dog and reading between the lines the puppy didn't fit in with their lifestyle.  They had the adult dog from a puppy so they knew what was involved. The puppy was approx 5 months and through the worst really, housetrained, didn't climb on the furniture, didn't go upstairs, didn't play bite particularly.  She was boisterous but then you would expect that from a puppy.  My feeling really was that they weren't prepared to put in the effort, and I think it is the sad reality of the "easy come easy go" disposable attitude that some people have (plus they were renovating their house and the little pup was big chewer!!). 

[Emilyoliver]

Hmm does this then beg the
question...
"what is an ideal breed for a
novice new owner?"
steffxxx

I don’t think any specific breeds are/ not suitable for first time owners as so much depends on the commitment of the owners and their lifestyle and personality.  I do think, however, that there are such a huge variety of breeds  in terms of size, temperament, activity-level, trainability, appearance, etc) that there is probably one to suit every lifestyle/ personality!  Often breeds such as border collies/ WSDs are categorised as ‘difficult’ and not suitable for novice dog owners.  However, their inbred capacity for learning coupled with their willingness, mean that many are fantastic dogs in homes (experienced or not) where they are given enough to occupy them.  Some breeds classified as ‘easy’ or ‘low maintenance’ can be stubborn or may (despite the calm exterior) have an innate hunting drive difficult to control, and thus may not always be easy to live with/ train.  Some of the smaller breeds may be very sensitive – the list is extensive.  The ever-popular Labrador is seen by many as the ‘perfect’ family dog – and many are.  I think, though, many people get them and just expect them to be a ‘ready-made family dog’(which is why perhaps we see many hardly trained).  All breeds need grooming, exercise and stimulation – some more than others perhaps, but aside from some large guarding/fighting-type breeds (which may actually just be too large/ strong for some owners), I wouldn’t say many breeds are outside of the capabilities of first time dog owners (so long as they do their research thoroughly and are careful to match their requirements with the breed they choose).  Most reputable breeders are more than happy to share their wealth of experience of their chosen breed, and most are happy to offer lifelong advice and support.  So selection of the right breed as well as breeder is paramount, and in most cases results in a successful pairing of dog and new owner regardless of experience.

[Emilyoliver]

I think it's a mixture of both.  As the second most numerous registered breed in the UK, I think there are many cockers bred without much thought given to health, temperament, etc and the inevitable damage is done by the irresponsible, thoughtless breeders.

True enough and also too many buyers today buy from the free ad sites on the internet without knowing much about the breed or indeed dogs in general and are swayed by the "chocolate box" photos of cute little Cocker puppies. If they are lucky, the breeder they contact will give good advice about the breed and a "reality check" about the demands of training a puppy but so many of the free ad breeders just want to
make a sale & will ask no questions and certainly give out no realistic information about the breed Same goes for every other breed as the general pet forums are full of threads posted by struggling new owners covering all manner of breeds/cross-breeds.

Yes, agree totally - responsible puppy sourcing by buyers is so important.

[PennyB]

I don't think Cockers are the easiest breed no, we don't tend to give show Cocker puppies to first-time socialisers at Hearing Dogs unless they are already dog savvy (we never give first timers working Cocker pups unless they've previously owned working type gundogs!). They can be stubborn and bitey puppies and we see a higher tendency to developing resource guarding and poor handling (mouthing/biting when being groomed or examined) than in our other breeds and if this isn't handled correctly can escalate and be difficult to manage. They are by and large vocal dogs and inappropriate barking, usually for attention, can also be an issue with them. Obviously you get difficult pups/dogs of every breed and we get some easy show Cocker pups too, but generally speaking I wouldn't say they're ideal novice dogs. If you know what to expect and go to a good breeder then most people will cope and be fine, but we definitely find that our first time socialisers have an easier time with the Poodles and Labradors.

couldn't agree more with this

my view is that while some that do their research they get blinded by the cocker cuteness and chocolate box image and aren't always prepared for their behaviour when it happens - one thing is while they are show types they are still descendants of a working breed but another is that expectations of what a cocker should behave like can in some be too high

[cjealing]

We always had rescue dogs & after lots of thinking & research we decided to have a puppy, with help from a dog trainer friend & internet reasearch we decided that a working cocker would be right for our lifestyle.. dear Millie came to us from a reputable breeder & we were warned that we "would have our hands full!!" but we were sort of prepared for this, what you need is plenty of time, patience & a strong belief that you are definatly the boss! we have had general puppy issues with millie but thankfully could always see the temperment and character that we knew we would eventually get, COL have helped us on so many occasions , we have friends that have a young show cocker & she does seem quieter than our working girl but they had very similar issues when she was a pup.. I would always say only have a puppy or any aged dog for that matter if you have plenty of time to spend with them, Millie gets a 2hr walk every day then we play mind games in the early evening.. she definatly needs her mind excersising as much as her body!!  she is just one and is calming down but still is challenging some days , she's very bright & quick to learn she also gives us such happy times & so much love.. go for a working cocker only if you have plenty of time on a daily basis to spend with them.. I suppose that goes for most dogs really.. we would choose a working cocker again, but maybe an older rescue one, only on the basis that we think we would be to old for a puppy next time round!!!!.

[lynnruby]

I agree with Michelle.  I don't think there are any specific breeds that are or aren't suitable for first time owners.  Clearly doing lots of research on your chosen breed and choosing a reputable breeder are paramount.  Then having done the research, being realistic about your commitment and expectations.  But as we all know, individual pups (whatever their breed) are just that.....individuals.

Ruby is my first Cocker.  She took ages to housetrain, was quite "bitey" and was a chewer and a garden digger     At 2 years old, she can still be a challenge at times   

Prior to her, I have had 2 Labs (in my adult life)  The first was the easiest pup in the world!  He was housetrained within 2 weeks, didn't chew, wasn't "bitey" at all    His recall was excellent, but he didn't walk too well on lead. He was good with other dogs, cats and people of all ages. He developed health problems at a young age (epilepsy) but lived until he was just over 13 1/2. So when I lost him I got another Lab.......

A completely different dog......he was the puppy from hell!!    Again, very quickly housetrained but very "bitey", chewed everything and very stubborn.  He became quite aggressive towards me    It took lots of time, training and hard work......but I got there in the end eventually   

He became the most loveable, placid, biddable dog ever  He was great with other dogs, cats and people including my 2 little nieces who were toddlers at the time.

...  I should say at this point, my first Lab came from a "pet" breeding.  The second came from a gamekeeper who was a gundog breeder. He was bred to work and hand on heart, while he had enough physical exercise I don't think I really understood how much mental exercise he needed 

I would say, Ruby is somewhere between the two (temperament wise)......so as long as your friend has done the research, finds a good breeder and has the time, energy, patience and commitment.........and also understands that no two dogs of the same breed are alike.....

 

[karen488]

Darcey has been the easiest dog on the planet. Never had any bother with her. Bingley has been easy (I am also more experienced) although he is more energetic. I really fail to understand why anyone has anything else   . If anyone asks me though I do explain about the coat being difficult. I spend 40 mins a day grooming mine and there is still hair everywhere  

[JeffD]

We are all first time dog owners at some time, do the research and make an informed decision and the first decision is can you accept for the next 12 months your house and possessions are likely to be damaged and for the remaining 11 or so years you will have to change your current lifestyle to suit the dog.
Second decision is what breed, hopefully staying away from the extreme ends of the spectrum such as tiny designer dogs or the larger guard dog breeds.

Any puppy of any breed can really test your limits but just because they are a handfull does not mean you wont love them and treat them the best you can, my little angel springs to mind,
If you are a true dog person you will adapt, if your not a dog person and expect the dog to adept to your life style it will not matter what the breed  the outcome will not be good for owner or dog.

[MrsOmalley]

We have 6 1/2 month old cocker sisters.  People said we were crazy to get two but it was our choice and we had long discussions with their breeder before going ahead with two.  We had previously had a cocker and a collie x together without problems they lived to 14 and 13 years respectively.  We were prepared for problems and appreciate the girls are only young and things may change when they are older, however, they seem to have found their own places in life and are coming along really well.  They have their mad moments and are going through a "gardening" phase at the moment but they are only puppies and still learning. We are fortunate enough to have retired so spend a lot of time with the girls which I think makes a huge difference. I think you have to be prepared to put in a lot of hard work with puppies but the results are well worth it. I was a novice cocker owner years ago and it didn't put me off doing it again!

[Redked]

Shows how puppy brained I am...I read the post wrong and answered regarding working cockers. Sorry-I have no experience with show cockers but it was a show type that I wanted for us as I knew from all my research that workers need much more exercise. My OH insisted on a working cocker as he loves to do marathon walks so we have Bonnie. Sorry again for confusing the thread.

[PopPops]

I'd craved a cocker for years but had always grown up with terriers in the house, who are very different. I was given a great piece of advice about choosing a puppy from a litter if I was inexperienced, that the shyest and the most outgoing puppies of the litter were the ones more likely to do better with more experienced owners, and the breeder was great at helping me figure out which puppies of the litter were the 'middle' ones.

Four months in.... Pops needs more stimulation and exercise than any of the terriers did, she's brighter and she needs things to think about and do every day, but I love that and I really wanted a dog who wouldn't let me opt out of going for a walk. Grooming also much higher maintenance. In terms of an upbeat, affectionate companion? Wonderful. 

[helenb14]

I am a first time dog owner, my brother had cockers and liked the breed. I did vast amounts of research kept thinking could I commit when the weather was pants, went off it a few times then when I finally decided I knew that it was the right decision. I knew it was not going to be easy but actually had thought so much of the pitfalls that it wasn't nearly as arduous as I thought!
I think I was lucky as Seve has been a good puppy, and has grown into a lovely natured dog, but I have put a lot of time and effort into training, socialising etc
I wouldn't be without him now! 

[Ben's mum]

I'm really quite sad to read some comments suggesting show type Cocker puppies are not suitable for first time owners and can only assume that either the breed has changed or that our expectations of what living with a puppy should be like has changed or perhaps it's a mixture of both

I don't know if the breed has changed as Ben was our first but what has seemed to have changed is the availability of cocker puppies because of their popularity from 'dubious' breeders, and I do think this has an effect on possible health and behaviour issues.  I think puppy's from good breeders who give advice and support are going to be easier to live with, or at least novice owners have a source of information and support if they are struggling.   I also think there is still so much poor and out of date thinking regarding cockers and rage, it comes up regularly on here as new owners ask if their dog has rage, so sadly the thinking is still out there, combine this with a cockers tendency to guard, and old fashioned thinking about taking food away from dogs to teach them not to be dominant (again you still hear this said) and it really does start to cause issues which would be diffused by a more experienced owner.

I suppose like others have said the answer is for new owners to do their research thoroughly first.