Hi, saw this yesterday on fb and it's so true:
Perthshire Gundog Rescue SCIO
29 August at 12:11 ·
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Cute, yes they are, Spaniels especially cockers are in my experience the one breed that are causing the most issues at the moment. People are slated for not rearing them correctly, well there is some truth in that, however, cockers can be little sods, full on, heard headed and fiery. They can be extremely frustrating for some to train as they know better than us.
You have to completely understand these little lion hearts to get the best from them, give in to them, then they will take over, rule the roost and do as they please. I have 6 cockers and they have not been without their issues, and that is because its them, not what ive made them, April will take the face off another dog if she is hacked off and so will sweep, she has a massive prey drive and that has been a challenge in her training but we have cracked it but if I don't keep on top of her, she will make her own mind up what to do . Sooty, is greedy and will steal anything the second my back is turned, other than that she is perfect in every way. Daniel, full on and very very sensitive, has been difficult to train as he just melts LOL...
So, whats the answer in taking on a cocker and raising it. Child psychology comes to the very front when dealing with cockers, be hard handed on them and it can completely loose their drive and trust, be over soft and they can be a nightmare. Some people never have one issue raising cockers and have roll model dogs, however many many people are pulling their hair out and end up giving them up sadly..
The old saying which makes me laugh as its not so much these days BUT, want an easy life get a Labrador, want something more challenging get a springer and want to completely go off yer rocker get a cocker ahahahha.'
you asked about down time and play time - in my experience it isn't having them stimulated every hour - it's about having quality brain/training/play time maybe a couple of times a day. my 10mo worker puppy is a whirlwind, but he gets about 20mins-30 mins training/play in the morning and the same in the evening. a couple of times a week he'll have a free run (to do as he pleases so long as he responds to recall) with my other 2 cockers. Unless we're specifically out training/playing, my dogs are taught to be quiet in the house. It's rest time for them and me. no games in the house/garden, and they learn to settle at home. when out they learn that it's interaction time with me. It may be that your pup isn't having enough rest time and time to himself. Apparently puppies can sleep for up to 18 hours a day... I work full time, so my dogs adjust to having time alone through the day. I can understand that it's harder if you're at home all day.
one last thing: have you considered gundog training? you say he came from a gamekeeper so he's been bred specifically as a working dog and you may find it's what he truly enjoys and thrives doing. A 20 minute hunting session more than satisfies my puppy as it keeps his brain and nose working, cements our bond and keeps him responsive. Good luck with your puppy.