Hi all. I recently bought a cocker spaniel pup, who is 9 weeks old today and is named Lily [emoji4] I have had her for a week and she is the sweetest/naughtiest, most affectionate/bitey thing, and I love her to bits already. She is currently fast asleep on my lap and making me lovely and warm.
My family has/had dogs and I have helped in raising a pup at home as a teenager (a labrador) but this is the first dog that is mine. I own her with my long-term boyfriend.
Lily's dad was a stud dog, and is a working cocker who works (though I didn't meet him, I only saw pictures). Lily's mum is also a working type cocker but is just a family pet. She was the sweetest dog I ever met, and I hope Lily turns out like her [emoji7]
I joined the forum hoping to pick up tips/advice on raising a cocker spaniel, as although I have done my research on the breed, it is not familiar to me. I fell in love with cockers a while ago (particularly the working type) for their wagging tails, adorable faces, and infectious enthusiasm. Every cocker spaniel I've ever met just looks so happy to be alive, they always put a smile on my face.
I'm aware that cockers are active little things, particularly the working type. I only have a small garden but live about a minutes walk from 270 acres of parkland, where there are fields, wooded areas, a very large pond, lots of mud, and rabbits to chase. A really great place to walk a dog who likes chasing balls or exploring [emoji1]
I'm also trying to think of activities for Lily to do at home and welcome any suggestions. I have started putting some of her meals in a puzzle ball toy, so that she has to work to get it out. I also hope to do training with her at home, and hopefully teach her some neat tricks [emoji2] she's starting puppy classes next Saturday, which I've decided to do for a bit of extra socialisation for her.
Long post, sorry. But if anyone has any tips for raising my first cocker spaniel puppy, or for keeping her mentally and physically stimulated, I'd really appreciate it [emoji4] thanks!