Hi there everyone
It is really good to find this forum and so far everything we've read has been really helpful. Yesterday we put a deposit on our first cocker spaniel and will pick her up next week. Previously we have had springers. Our last good friend Meggy passed away some 4 years ago now, and it's taken us all this time to decide to have another dog. We are a little older than we were 20 years ago when Meggy was a puppy and so we thought a springer might be a bit too energetic for us, and decided that a cocker (being smaller) would have all the wonderful spaniel characteristics without that extra 'spring'. I wonder if we are right?

And in those 20 years it appears that puppy training and handling has changed too!
We immediately bought a crate as we do remember that a very energetic puppy can cause some havoc and would be really pleased if anyone has the best advice for its use.
My husband works part-time nights, and I am now fully retired, so we can devote some time to loving and caring for Bella (our new puppy) who will be 8 weeks old next weekend when we plan to collect her.
many thanks
trevandcaz