Is a cocker right for me?

[daw]

I think any breed will misbehave when scared or unhappy. What are your circumstances likely to be? Because cockers are not called Velcro dogs for nothing- they don't just want company they actually NEED it- they are bred to work co-operatively with a human handler so of course if alone become very anxious. If this bothers you or you don't like it, don't get a cocker and expect it to change its nature. I work from home and often have had a spaniel with me 24 hours a day. Wonderful if that's what you like. But one of the main reasons cockers come into rescue for rehoming is S.A.- and the noise and destruction that goes with it.

Any dog that isn't socialised and helped to develop good dog manners will get into trouble with other dogs- it's up to the owner to let it get enough experience to learn how to do this. Once again as someone has mentioned training is the key.

Both show and workers need loads of mental and physical exercise to stay happy and sane. Workers maybe more so. Once again if this puts you off I'd go for another breed. Because one thing is for sure you won't be able to turn a cocker into anything other than a cocker once it arrives!

[Geordietyke]

Hi there.  I had many problems with both my 1st and 2nd cockers (from severe house training issues and separation anxiety) and spent many a night in tears (esp with the first one as it's a shock!).  They can be very challenging puppies, you hope and pray the "cockerdile" phase ends quickly, you have to be 5 steps ahead of what they are thinking and they do love to pinch items and/or shred them.   They will stick to you like glue as they adore company but I found it really important to give them time away from you (I didn't previously and mine absolutely hated being left alone).   I work from home so it's easy for me to be around for mine, however, if you won't be, other arrangements will need to be made (pups need regular wee breaks in the early months).  Early and consistent training is key too.  Compared to many other breeds, they may seem like hard work, however as I'm now on my 3rd pup, even with the problems I've been through, to me, they are definitely worth it   

[RupertandBertiesmum]

The best thing I have heard about cocker spaniels is that "they are very nice people".
We are on our third cocker spaniel. Jordan lived to be 13, and we then had Rupert who is now 9.  Bertie is our latest addition and he is 7 months.
All of our cockers were show cocker spaniels and have the most wonderful natures.  Jordan was very much a mummies boy, Rupert is more of a mummy and daddys boy whilst bertie is growing up to be mummies boy.
That said they are friendly with other dogs, come back when called and most of all friendly and kind with people including our 2 grandchildren aged 4 and 7.
They do not bark excessively, having said that our neighbour has just got a dog that barks all the time and they will join in whilst in the garden. we are trying to stop this.
I would never have a different breed of dog because you cannot improve on perfection.
Good Luck.

[hblower]

Orin is now 9  and show cocker and although he sleeps a lot more than he used to if you are sitting down if you are out and about he will be by your side.  We don't have issues of barking when we go out.  Orin comes with me to work or if I am going to be home lunch time then he stays at home in the house and garden. 

I would say puppy training is very important for socialising and training but we dropped out after ur bronze kennel club test.  Silver meant he had to sit for 30 seconds I think it was and you had no chance. 

he is lovely, loves the sofa and bed and generally being spoilt but will also go for long walk and get wet and filthy.

I would say keep an eye out for grass seeds or the head of grass going in their ear.  always keep ears clean and clipped on inside. 

[AlanT]

I'd say that this is quite a demanding breed. Needs a lot of stimulation and training.

Great if you have about 2 hours a day to spend with.