Is a cocker right for me?

[Karen2009]

Hi,

I've loved spaniels for just about forever, and recently decided that I would like a cocker spaniel, I have a few questions. Had a bit of a bad experience with some of the problems my ex partner's dog had, so I'm keen to try and avoid them.

The first issue is barking while I'm out, ex's dog used to howl constantly, didn't realise until we moved and got a complaint from the council and so I then recorded it. I'm really quite paranoid about noise now, so are they an overly loud breed? They would only be left now for an hour or two a few times a week if I had to go shopping etc., I work 16 hours a week over 4 days, but my mum said she'd have the dog while I'm working, so they'd hardly be left alone. I seem to remember growing up our dogs just settling when everyone was out, this was the first time I'd ever dealt with a dog like this. Obviously 'normal' dog barking is fine, like at the door etc.

The ex's dog also used to have no self control around other dogs, he'd scare them because he wanted to play rough and ignored any signal they gave him that they weren't interested, he just would not come back until you went and got him either, so I ended up putting him on the lead all the time. Are cockers demanding in that way?

Do working cockers have a lot more energy than show ones?

Lastly, how much can I expect to pay for a well bred cocker?

Thanks and sorry for the long post!

[Theo961]

Hello and welcome.
I am a newly owned by a young cocker so not really experienced to say....but best thing I ever did! 
Someone will be along soon to help you, the advice from this site has been a god send to me over the last few weeks.
Take care
Tracy & Reese

[Londongirl]

Hi and welcome! I'm owned by Heny, my first dog. He's a show cocker and nearly ten months old.

I can only speak from my own limited experience. With the barking when you're out - sounds like separation anxiety. This is something Cockers do seem to be susceptible to, but that doesn't mean it's inevitable, and like any dog behaviour much easier to make sure it doesn't start than correct once it's become established. You can do lots when they are little to get them used to be alone. We've never had any issues with Henry barking when I'm out - we've checked! I can leave him for three hours in his crate and he's fine.

Many Cocker puppies are super friendly with other dogs. Again, with gentle management they can learn to greet other dogs nicely and come back to you when called, even in the middle of a very exciting game with a bunch of other pooches. For me it's all been part of his puppy training and the toughest part of getting a reliable recall, but they all get there in the end, with your guidance. Henry still greets every dog he meets, but he has learned not to over do it, and (after lots of training!) to come back when I call whatever he's up to. You have to put the work in with the training, but that's true of any dog you get.

In answer to your question: will a Cocker inevitably behave on the way you describe? Only, like ANY dog, if behaviours you don't want are not addressed.

[Murphys Law]

I would say the problems that you point out are not breed related but individual dog related. Any breed of dog can exhibit the behaviours you mention, including cockers.

The most important thing when looking for a new pup (healthy parents aside) is temperament. I would look for a pup whose parents have very good temperament.

As for working dogs, I have a worker and a show with some worker in him and my worker has far more energy. She just wants to run, run and then run a bit more.

As for price, I would think for a well bred cocker you would be looking at a minimum of £600 and maybe a fair bit more.

[Blueberry]

I bought my Show Cocker last weekend and he was £800, from a KC Assured Breeder.
Blue is almost 11 weeks old, and has already found his bark.  Not only does he bark, but he also warbles, sings, howls, yodels and whines whenever I go out of his line of sight.  However, I don't think this will go on forever, I'm hoping it's 'just a puppy thing'.
If you live alone, be aware that your pup will very quickly develop a strong bond with you, and may not be happy when you 'disappear', even for a minute or two to use the bathroom!  I'm having this issue with Blue at the moment, if he can't see me, he thinks I'm not there - even if I'm still talking to him!
I have two friends with Working Cockers, and I find them very different to Show Cockers.  They are larger, more muscular, and much more energetic.  In appearance, to me, they resemble Springer spaniels.
Definitely do your research first and buy from a breeder you trust, paying particular regard to temperament above all else.
Having said that, it's still the best thing I ever did.  I can't wait for the next couple of weeks to pass so that we can start going out for walks etc.

[Murphys Law]

I have two friends with Working Cockers, and I find them very different to Show Cockers.  They are larger, more muscular, and much more energetic.  In appearance, to me, they resemble Springer spaniels.

I find working cockers can vary tremendously in size. Millie is pretty small, as are several other that I see on a regular basis. But I have seen some large ones too.

[lescef]

I too have always loved cockers and have had four now so I'm a bit biased!
As others have said, buy from a reputable breeder who breeds for temperament and you are half way there. Our four have never really been barkers and if you teach them how to be alone early on, there shouldn't be a problem.
Keeping your dog from annoying other dogs is all about training and generally spaniels love food which makes them easy to train!
Grooming can be a bit of a headache but they are lovely dogs.
My two are show cockers and we too paid around £800 for each.

[MIN]

I have two friends with Working Cockers, and I find them very different to Show Cockers.  They are larger, more muscular, and much more energetic.  In appearance, to me, they resemble Springer spaniels.

I find working cockers can vary tremendously in size. Millie is pretty small, as are several other that I see on a regular basis. But I have seen some large ones too.

Gemma WCS is a midget also as is her friend Lucy Loo.

[Londongirl]

Every worker we have met has been considerably smaller than my show boy, although he's quite tall for a cocker anyway. They've also had the sweetest faces and the most manic glint in their eyes!

[dawn]

We have a worker/show cross who is large, as tall as a springer, rather leggy.....

He has lots of energy, needs lots of walks and mental stimulation.

He's OK being left for a hour or two during the day, but he isn't used to being left at night, so can bark when we occasionally go out at night. He's just not used to it. I guess it's somewhat down to training and routine..

In general, it is very rare for him to bark at all, I think that's the worker in him. He's great with people. With other dogs varies, he doesn't like big bouncy dogs approaching him, we also keep him away from bouncy puppies just in case.....he cost £450. However I wouldn't recommend a worker/show cross because it's a gamble how they will turn out. And without a pedigree and health checks we were rather naive buying him.....although he was from a local family and we did see Mum and Dad.

Hope that helps........a reputable breeder who breeds for temprament is your best bet. And yes Henry had that crazy manic glint in his eyes, his puppy photos were blurred, we soon realised it was because he couldn't sit still. At all!   

[Andrea Ellie]

We have a show cocker and the breeder we bought her from still keeps in touch, we saw her mum and her grandmother and later we saw her dad and her aunt. Ellie is quite relaxed when it comes to exercise and she loves games that made her think (like find it games)

[minimoo]

I have 3 cockers, I would say go for a show cocker . Bailey my chocolate boy just HAS to say hello to every dog he meets, ive learned to let him say hello (as long as other dog is friendly) and then recall him. I often hear people shouting the dogs name over and over and it just teaches the dog to ignore the owner, its almost like nagging the dog. As for howling when left, you must leave him for short periods from the start so the dog is used to being left or it will get harder for him/her to be left alone. cockers are very loving dogs and also very clever so need company and stimulation. I would say cockers are not the easiest of puppies to have but once trained make the most wonderful dogs ever

[Londongirl]

I would say cockers are not the easiest of puppies to have but once trained make the most wonderful dogs ever

I need to print that out and put it on the wall above Henry's crate!

I've found his puppyhood hard going, but at ten months he is beginning to settle down into the dog he will be. Sweet natured, mischievous and full of joy at life, so very loving and loyal. And a complete cuddle hound.

[Koslg]

Or..... once they've trained you you believe they are wonderful dogs  

Or as with mine he just stole my heart. Nothing he can do is forgive able. His heart is huge. Velcro dogs are best buddies. X

[Markr64]

I have found this a very interesting thread with lots of good advice. The ex's dog sounds like it needed a bit more training and attention. As others have said a cocker puppy is not easy but they are rewarding. Needle sharp teeth that really hurt, selective hearing, cheeky, naughty and sock thieves, yes cocker puppies are wonderful.

They are a wonderful breed as this forum proves and they have some very devoted owners, just read many of the treads on here and you will have your questions answered.