Author Topic: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!  (Read 3785 times)

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Offline lilgingemama

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To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« on: August 09, 2017, 07:44:51 PM »
Hello everyone,

I would love some advice from first-hand English Cocker owners (pleeeeease!).

DH and I are considering bringing an English Cocker Spaniel into our family. We have two children - DS is 3 and DD is 5 (almost 6).

1) If we go for it - we would be looking at next April-ish time as we know that's a much better time for us to take on 'the puppy phase' and DS will almost be 4 and heading to school in Sept.

2) We would be hoping for a girl (sorry, can't bring myself to use the correct term yet!) and a golden cocker or orange patchy one (I know this isn't correct!) from a good breeder. We would be making sure that it's Mum and Dad are SHOW cockers and try to see both and check their temperaments etc.

3) After mind-boggling research for a first timer, I think that we would crate-train the pup (to let it have a tranquil place to rest and take itself!)

4) We would be teaching our children to love and respect their dog. It wouldn't be a play-thing! My kids do however, like to pretend to be mermaids, batman - or dinosaurs around the house so though they would be respectful (I HOPE!) they are indeed, children.

5) We would be enrolling on a puppy training class as a family for 6 weeks (or however long it runs) and would take time to focus on socialising and training the pup.


I am a SAHM. DH (on the most part) works from home. He does travel about for work sometimes but the majority of the time - he is home.

This would be my first dog. DH grew up with a Westie and loved having a dog throughout his childhood.

Our questions:

?  --> Though websites recommend them as a great family pet - I have also read forums which describe their pup as a 'cockerdile' or 'going for/taking on the kids'    Are they really much nippier than other breeds? Are they more sensitive around kids and noise? Or with good training - would they soak in the family they have and love that environment?

? --> I've read that show cockers need around 1 hr exercise every day. Does this need to be one solid walk every day or could this be broken up? E.g. a long walk and a short walk or two half hour walks? Or in your experience, does a show need more?

? --> With socialisation, can ECS's do well with visitors? My husband is in Christian Ministry. Our home isn't quite a Vicarage (and I can't bake for toffee - so phew!) but we do have lots of people visiting, having tea etc. We also have playdates with DC's friends.  Would this be a real strain for an ECS? I would want to give her a loving home where she feels happy and comfortable! It would also be difficult if we had a dog that was unhappy with visitors and newbies -
 or was protective of us in a ''I am going to growl to get you out of my house!' kind of way!


? --> I hear they are 'mad as a box of frogs!' If so, they would probably fit right in with us!  :lol2:  Do they ever have a calm side though? Are they hyper in the house all day? Or do they have their calm, chilled moments?

? --> Dog stat websites say they would be great for a first time dog owner! I've read though that you need to have a certain way with spaniels - firm but warm... that they can be sensitive to being spoken to, petted etc a certain way. As a newbie to dogs (I grew up with fish... they were very obedient!) I don't want to royally mess this up! I am quite looking forward to training etc and learning - but should I go for an 'easier breed?!'

? --> WHen my DH is away for a few days or a week - I would be the sole dog-walker and around the kids. Would it cope with slightly less (still a good walk but not a full on hours hike) for a few days or would a show cocker be like "WHAT DO YOU CALL THIS?! This is a travesty!"


Thank you so much if you've lasted this long.

Apologies for the lengthly post!

We genuinely want to be as informed as we can be so that we could enjoy and love an ECS. If we are the wrong family for this breed - we would love to know. If another breed sticks out - please do say.




Offline lilgingemama

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #1 on: August 09, 2017, 07:48:30 PM »
*growl not grow!

Eek...!

Offline bizzylizzy

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2017, 08:54:42 PM »
Hi and first of all, welcome!!
Lots of questions and you'll probably get a variety of answers although, as you might have guesses, we're all pretty ECS dotty here!  ;), so we're maybe going to be a tiny bit biased!! :lol2:
Its always very hard to generalize, dogs, like us, are individuals and perform and react to upbringing, although there are ofcourse traits which are peculiar to certain breeds.
I'd wanted a ECS all my life so decided upon retirement, its now or never and we haven't regretted a moment! They are lively and "cheeky" and need a "consistant" hand  ;) but they're eager to learn and eager to please and just want to be included in everything you do! Re exercise, they're pretty undemanding and provided youncan offer them some sort of mental stimulation, they don't need hours of physical exercise, - Humphrey gets about an hour in the morning and about half an hour in the afternoon on average.
The do have a bit of a reputation for being "nippy" although we've not experienced that at all, after the initial puppy phase we've never had any problems, but, like everyting else, a lot depends on training any upbringing, - they're sensitive little souls and react much better to positive training, any form of heavy handiness can result in fear and I think that's where a lot of the problems start.
Our kids have left the nest now but when they were little, we had a GSD, I took the same view as you, the dog wasn't a toy and they were taught how to take care and respect the dog, if you lay down rules for everyone and ensure that the dog has an opportunity to withdraw and have peace and quiet, I don't see a problem.
On the whole, they're amazingly friendly and sociable dogs, just dying to be where the action is - they do have a tendency to want to greet all visitors with enthusiasm but that, like everything else, is a case of training.
If you do decide to go ahead, there'll always be loads of great help and advice and support from the best people around, on here!! Hope that's helped a bit, keep us updated!!

Offline Gazrob

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2017, 10:12:11 PM »
Id say go for it. Marley is a working cocker spaniel so he needs a bit more exercise than a show cocker would need. He needs at least 2 hours exercise a day I take him out in the morning and again in the afternoon for around an hour or more each time. I live on my own. He does get excited when visitors come over but it's not very often. I crated him from day one because he wasn't house trained and I wanted him to have his own space to relax. It took two or three days for him to settle down he cried a couple of nights but you just have to deal with it. He now loves his crate. I no longer shut him in it its in the kitchen I now leave the door open because he doesn't chew things in the house. He's fine with children however I would advise that if he's asleep or in his crate then the children should leave the dog alone as they can get grumpy. My dog has never bit me just nipped me when we are playing but he knows when to stop. Marley is 19 months old now. I got him when he was 7 months old so I've had him for a year now. I don't regret it. It's been hard at times but I couldn't live without him now

r
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Offline Gazrob

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2017, 10:14:42 PM »
This is the most recent photo of Marley. He's a golden working cocker spaniel.


Offline lilgingemama

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2017, 10:55:10 PM »
Thank you both for your replies, I really appreciate it - especially after a stupidly long post!

Humphrey and Marley look gorgeous! It's amazing how different they look from each other.  They sound like lovely, cheeky dogs.

Gazrob - It's great he gets excited rather than miffed when visitors come round. Aww. Also - he must be giving you a serious work out!

bizzylizzy - Do you give Humphrey a good hour and then a half hour walk because it suits you and Humphrey and he loves it... or because you think he needs it. I think we would hope to give an hours worth each day (probably split though) with some days a bonus ball of a longer walk (across the downs/in the woods) or a swim in the sea (we live 5 mins from the sea!) But we probably couldn't regularly give ours as much as you. Do you think this could be a problem?

I think I am nervous about the unknown. I love spaniels and when looking at temperaments and ease for me being a total first-timer on the canine front, I thought a Cavalier KC would have done nicely.

DH has a touch of the manpride going on and prefers a slightly bigger dog however!

He's always loved ECS and since doing research - I see what means. They are gorgeous. Their personalities sound fab and good fun for kids to grow up with (especially as they get bigger!)

Offline Gazrob

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2017, 11:12:18 PM »
I think if you are getting a show cocker then two 45 minute walks a day should be sufficient as long as you play with the dog in the house and garden and maybe take him out for longer and more walks when you have the time. I've lost a lot of weight taking him out everyday. Unfortunately I have to take him out everyday he loves the rain and the snow. I'm sure your children will play with the dog a lot that should help. They are extremely clever you can train them to do all sorts of things that will also tire them out. Im off work at the moment so we are out a bit more than normal. Marley is my first dog. It's been tough at times but if you just stick it out and be consistent things should be fine. If I ever get another dog it will be a spaniel probably a show cocker next time as Marley is a maniac but he's very affectionate. I've fallen in love with spaniels I wouldnt have any other breed.

Offline MIN

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2017, 11:14:15 PM »
Thank you both for your replies, I really appreciate it - especially after a stupidly long post!

Humphrey and Marley look gorgeous! It's amazing how different they look from each other.  They sound like lovely, cheeky dogs.

Gazrob - It's great he gets excited rather than miffed when visitors come round. Aww. Also - he must be giving you a serious work out!

bizzylizzy - Do you give Humphrey a good hour and then a half hour walk because it suits you and Humphrey and he loves it... or because you think he needs it. I think we would hope to give an hours worth each day (probably split though) with some days a bonus ball of a longer walk (across the downs/in the woods) or a swim in the sea (we live 5 mins from the sea!) But we probably couldn't regularly give ours as much as you. Do you think this could be a problem?

I think I am nervous about the unknown. I love spaniels and when looking at temperaments and ease for me being a total first-timer on the canine front, I thought a Cavalier KC would have done nicely.

DH has a touch of the manpride going on and prefers a slightly bigger dog however!

He's always loved ECS and since doing research - I see what means. They are gorgeous. Their personalities sound fab and good fun for kids to grow up with (especially as they get bigger!)


your DH's manpride might fall by the way side if your pup turns out to be a pocket rocket. Our Gem only weighs 9kg and stands 11 inches at the shoulder. But boy oh boy she is still a full on cocker spaniel.  just remember " life is like a box of chocolates"  ;)
Run free and fly high my beautiful Gemma
2011 - 2023 

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Offline bizzylizzy

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #8 on: August 10, 2017, 07:10:01 AM »
Thank you both for your replies, I really appreciate it - especially after a stupidly long post!

Humphrey and Marley look gorgeous! It's amazing how different they look from each other.  They sound like lovely, cheeky dogs.

Gazrob - It's great he gets excited rather than miffed when visitors come round. Aww. Also - he must be giving you a serious work out!

bizzylizzy - Do you give Humphrey a good hour and then a half hour walk because it suits you and Humphrey and he loves it... or because you think he needs it. I think we would hope to give an hours worth each day (probably split though) with some days a bonus ball of a longer walk (across the downs/in the woods) or a swim in the sea (we live 5 mins from the sea!) But we probably couldn't regularly give ours as much as you. Do you think this could be a problem?

I think I am nervous about the unknown. I love spaniels and when looking at temperaments and ease for me being a total first-timer on the canine front, I thought a Cavalier KC would have done nicely.

DH has a touch of the manpride going on and prefers a slightly bigger dog however!

He's always loved ECS and since doing research - I see what means. They are gorgeous. Their personalities sound fab and good fun for kids to grow up with (especially as they get bigger!)

The length of walk just suits us I think, we have a couple of set routes where we've always walked our dogs and they just happen to take that long - if I'm in a hurry, then we can throw balls or play and he can tear around for 15 minutes or he can potter along for an hour, its all the same at the end ofmthe day. On a foul cold winters day, or even a very hot humid summers day (yes we get those sometimes! :005:) he's been known to get 15 min. total but then I'll have him searching for hidden toys in the house and after 15 minutes  of that he's shattered. I honestly wouldn't worry about that too much, they like to be out and about but don't NEED to be exercised over great distances, if you have a garden and time to spend with him, that'll be fine. Its like MIN says, its like a box of chocolates, but on the whole,,they're good allrounders, good size, friendly, intelligent and bidding plus they're loads of fun, Humphrey has us laughing every day!

Offline Theo961

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #9 on: August 10, 2017, 07:28:45 AM »
It's great to read your post and to see someone taking so much time, research and having lots or questions to ensure you get the right puppy for your family.  :D
I think if you read old posts you will see cocker puppies can be a handful but then most breeds of puppies are! I had other breeds before I got Reese and will admit he was a little more or a handful than other's I had, however I had very laid back Bassett's and Clumbers before. Most puppies are nippy they explore the world with their mouth but they grow out of it, Reese hasn't done this since he was about 6months old and even then it was normally only if he was over tired. I just read a lovely post on here about a cocker called Jett, his owner pretty much sums up all you want to know!  :005:
I don't have children so can't help you there but can tell you what a great dog he is with other people's children, I often feel sad for him as he is always latching on to kids in the park or on the beach he loves to play with them ( they are more energetic and fun than me! ). I dont know if you have seen it but there is a program about puppies on BBC at the moment, one of the families have a working cocker puppy, it wasn't working very well to start with and there were a few nips but that was really down to the children. Last they showed the trainer has set some rules for the children and ensured the puppy had his own space to get away and it looked to be working well now.
Reese does have different excersise patterns, I can take him out for hours when I am not at work mainly along the wolds or on the beach. I take him out for about half hour in the morning and again in the evening (longer when it's light at night) when I am at work, he does go to my mum's when I am at work and plays with her dog. I will also spend time with training and mental stimulation such a scent finding games this can wear him out more than a walk!  ;)
I will admit the first few weeks I thought what the hell have I done, but that soon passes I have a happy, fun and sociable boy who loves life and it seems everyone and everything (apart from the birds and hedgehog in his garden!)
It sounds to me that you could have a lovely life with a cocker, you are researching, understand that it will need time out and the need to teach the children to respect the puppy, socialization and training but carry on with the research and I would suggest you go and meet some breeders and their dogs to get a better understanding and choosing a puppy from the right place is also very important.
Good luck and keep us posted. :D


Offline lilgingemama

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #10 on: August 10, 2017, 08:27:30 AM »
Min - haha! Pocket rocket! Brilliant. If we ended up with a Cocker on the small side - actually that would suit us fine (if not better probably!) It's KCS he has issue with. I think they're cute - but he is adamant they 'have no profile'! I mean, how could you say such a thing!?

bizzylizzy - that's really helpful. I know we would have days where a longer walk or playtime off lead would work great... but other days where we just wouldn't have hours to *avoid work* by enjoying lengthly galavants with our dog! (Tempting as it may be!)

We do have a garden but it's small! We are in a Victorian Terraced House by the Sea. Though our garden does have some grass and has a garden feel rather than a 'yard' feel. The kids would certainly be encouraging games in the garden out there!

Theo961 - Thank you. I was worried I was going to bore the pants off of people! It is for the reasons you have said - because it's a huge decision for both us and dog and we want to be ready and get it right. Slightly daunted by your cocker puppy experience being more than you had known before - well nothing like jumping in at the deep end(!) Atleast we would be well ready for any more dogs in the future!  So lovely to hear how Reese is with children. This makes me go all fuzzy on the inside! What a joy a dog like Reese would be!

I DID SEE THE SHOW! AGHHHHHH! I saw the episode where the trainer came in and helped them to understand the dog needs time to chill and not to play. My 3 year old DS is an energetic, cheeky chap - but he doesn't have quite the same temperament as the little girl in that show.   ph34r   There would not be repeated stealing of puppy from puppy's crate - or he would be the one in time out! If anything, it made me realise how patient a cocker could be!


Thank you all. We will start looking at breeders and keep you updated.



Offline rubyduby

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #11 on: August 10, 2017, 08:56:46 AM »
I am on my 5th and 6th Cockers at the moment(sisters) and have had them for 40 years now, I have never found the need to crate train, I hate the things and feel so many dogs are abused with them. Nor have I found the need to empty my pockets enrolling in obedience or puppy classes which seem fashionable at the moment. Just brought them up to live alongside us in our lifestyle , basic 'training' you can do yourself, if nes with a little advice ,they are great dogs, lovely characters, love walks, love attention...and I always say when people ask if they are good with children.....are your children good with dogs, because ironically it is usually the children that require the training NOT the dogs.....lol .

Offline bizzylizzy

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #12 on: August 10, 2017, 09:26:10 AM »
I am on my 5th and 6th Cockers at the moment(sisters) and have had them for 40 years now, I have never found the need to crate train, I hate the things and feel so many dogs are abused with them. Nor have I found the need to empty my pockets enrolling in obedience or puppy classes which seem fashionable at the moment. Just brought them up to live alongside us in our lifestyle , basic 'training' you can do yourself, if nes with a little advice ,they are great dogs, lovely characters, love walks, love attention...and I always say when people ask if they are good with children.....are your children good with dogs, because ironically it is usually the children that require the training NOT the dogs.....lol .

Certainly agree with that last bit!!
As for crates, there's crate training and crate training - I read an old Barbara Woodhouse book last week (her name came up in conversation on here), she advocated putting male dogs into a crate so low that they couldn't cock their legs in order to stop marking!!! , >:D I don't think anyone would do that these days, neither do people tend to leave puppies in crates all day here, as seems to be widely practised in the U.S. I'd never used one before until I had Humphrey but I found it extremely useful (we have a large transport box rather than a metal crate), it offers security, it kept him (and my furnishings!) safe  if I needed to leave him for a short time in the day when he was little and it comes with us now when we take him anywhere, its his little home on wheels and helps him settle in the car or in hotels etc. We took the door off altogether as soon as was out of the young puppy stage. He was never in there for long periods except at night but I think, especially in busy households where they sometimes just need a safe haven, they're wonderful. Its like everything, its how you use them that counts.

Offline Mudmagnets

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #13 on: August 10, 2017, 09:37:38 AM »
As for crates, there's crate training and crate training - I read an old Barbara Woodhouse book last week (her name came up in conversation on here), she advocated putting male dogs into a crate so low that they couldn't cock their legs in order to stop marking!!! ,  :fear2:

 crikey that sounds a bit OTT  >:(  if they  were that worried about doggy habits perhaps the owners should have kept golfish where all the mess they made was kept within the confines of a goldfish bowl/fishtank.
Remembering Smudge 23/11/2006 - 3/8/2013, and Branston 30/8/14 - 28/10/22 both now at the Bridge.

Offline Theo961

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Re: To cocker or not cocker, that is the question!
« Reply #14 on: August 10, 2017, 09:48:11 AM »
I am on my 5th and 6th Cockers at the moment(sisters) and have had them for 40 years now, I have never found the need to crate train, I hate the things and feel so many dogs are abused with them. Nor have I found the need to empty my pockets enrolling in obedience or puppy classes which seem fashionable at the moment. Just brought them up to live alongside us in our lifestyle , basic 'training' you can do yourself, if nes with a little advice ,they are great dogs, lovely characters, love walks, love attention...and I always say when people ask if they are good with children.....are your children good with dogs, because ironically it is usually the children that require the training NOT the dogs.....lol .

Certainly agree with that last bit!!
As for crates, there's crate training and crate training - I read an old Barbara Woodhouse book last week (her name came up in conversation on here), she advocated putting male dogs into a crate so low that they couldn't cock their legs in order to stop marking!!! , >:D I don't think anyone would do that these days, neither do people tend to leave puppies in crates all day here, as seems to be widely practised in the U.S. I'd never used one before until I had Humphrey but I found it extremely useful (we have a large transport box rather than a metal crate), it offers security, it kept him (and my furnishings!) safe  if I needed to leave him for a short time in the day when he was little and it comes with us now when we take him anywhere, its his little home on wheels and helps him settle in the car or in hotels etc. We took the door off altogether as soon as was out of the young puppy stage. He was never in there for long periods except at night but I think, especially in busy households where they sometimes just need a safe haven, they're wonderful. Its like everything, its how you use them that counts.

I would agree on it being how you use them. I have only had my last 2 dogs ( Reese and my Clumber Loxley) use a crate. When Loxley was a puppy i didn't really have anywhere to separate him from my older dog ( and he would irritate her)  Someone suggested a crate so I had a crate and pen to keep him safe if I wasn't there and then the crate with door always open as he got older (and respectfull of Jasmine) With Loxley I tried to take it away a few times and he just wouldn't settle without it. That's why I got one for Reese when he was a pup, gave me peace of mind when i went to sleep as he would chew/eat anything given the chance, the door is always open now and he has beds all over the house as well as the sofa! but he does take himself off to his crate if he wants to snooze.