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PeteQ60:
We have inherited "Poppy" a beautiful working Cocker female at a little over 5 months old just after Christmas. Although as a family we have been discussing dog ownership for a while and doing some planning this happened to us out of the blue. You know what they say, "If you want to give God a good laugh, tell him your plans". She's been through two owners already before us who both couldn't cope, so she was a little undisciplined and chaotic, but she is settling down a bit now, as much as puppies settle!

So, our first dog as a family and we are total newbies. I came by this forum in my mad panic getting as much info as I could over the holiday as I'm on the steep and sharp learning journey. Over the last couple of weeks, I've totally fallen in love and besotted with her. I do appreciate though that good intentions alone won't cut it. I've gotten some basic training underway with a local trainer and have an assessment session with a gun dog trainer this week. The local trainer says she is "a gem" and the training and assessment is more about us/me as it is her. After reading some of the puppy ownership stories here, I really think we have landed on our feet, she has a great temperament, loves everyone, socialises well, eminently teachable. Of course, she needs the physical and mental exercise typical of her breed, but she seems to have already got the hang of training me to make sure I supply those needs. She has what I call her "mad moments" I see it as her just telling me "Dad, I'm your priority right now" as long as I stay connected to her and focused, do some regular hide and seek in the garden those "moments" seem to be getting fewer.

So, I intend to post some journey milestones here and also will no doubt have times when some advice from those with experience will be very welcome.

Pete

Jaysmumagain:
Hi Pete

Welcome to Cockersonline.  Seems like you have learnt the first lesson.  Cockers can wrap you round there little paws in no time :luv:

Enjoy and we are a mine field of info(most of the time) :005:

MIN:
Hi Pete and a welcome to you and Poppy. Spaniels are a breed to themselves. Busy, full of love, keen as mustard and so much fun. When we got our first  working girl at 10 months old ,we also were uninitiated into their world.  We wanted her to work in the field with us and trained her ourselves, by gleaning information from everyone and from all sources. We are a great fan of country shows, amazing how much help you can get from them. Gun dog training is a good way go go. It will get you the basics and control. You can also do the exercises in the home. Keep the training to short periods, they get overtired and lose concentration. Do not get cross or shouty, they are sensitive dogs.
We lost our Gemma in July, but next week Miss Molly will join the family at 10weeks old. Its over 30years since we went to puppyhood, so you are not alone in this new lifestyle.

bizzylizzy:
Hi Pete, welcome to COL and the wonderful world of cockers!!
You‘ll get plenty of help and advice on here and the support is wonderful. I just want to second MIN‘s advice about sensitivity, its so true and I‘ve found that maintaining a sense of humour is by far the best strategy.  :lol2:
Looking forward to hearing more about Poppy!

PeteQ60:
Thank you for the responses. Yes, sensitivity, I can see that. I had another stroke of luck when helping someone out of the recent floods it turned out they were a local dog trainer and they offered to give us some training in return for me helping them, the trainer was very observant, particularly of me, they noted my lack of experience as coming across as lacking confidence and pointed out how Poppy was picking up on that and making her a bit unsure. The trainer told me to stand tall and proud of the "little gem" I have been very fortunate to have inherited! Re the "shouty" bit that too the trainer was telling me to be less "militaristic" with commands and use "baby talk" when praising, difficult for us blokes perhaps but I saw vitually instant changes to Poppy's reactions and connection.

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