Advice, stories, tips etc. wanted!

[04callahans]

Well, firstly, I'm so excited to have found this forum! It's exactly what I needed! Just a quick introduction... I'm Soph, I'm 23, live in Essex and run a photography company.

Myself and my OH (of 7 years) are planning on getting our first puppy early next year. We've recently moved into our first house and one of my stipulations when finding a property was that we were allowed pets, had a garden, etc. I've had dogs all my life at my parents' house and simply couldn't imagine a house without a dog!

So the time has come to start looking for pups. We've decided on a Cocker, as we didn't want something too big, but I'm not a huge fan of toy dogs. I want something with plenty of character too!! I have a horse, so the pup will be well socialised at the yard every evening as soon as he is allowed out and about. We also have a park 10 steps from the front door in one direction, which is perfect for exercise, games, training and lots of new exciting sights and sounds. And a high street 10 steps in the other direction, so equally as useful when exposing pup to new things!

So, I'd love to find a dark blue roan boy pup. Firstly... where is best to look? Any tips when looking at breeders?

Secondly, please tell me everything I might need to know about Cockers as a breed... things I need to watch out for, be aware of... like/dislikes... things they are good at, or pants at?!
Before now I've lived with Labs, GSDs and a miniature Schnauzer, at my parents'... so Cockers will be a whole new ball game. But I absolutely can not wait to learn all about them, and my pup as an individual, and play lots of games, go to training classes, and generally have a new best friend!

[Nicola]

This thread has advice on finding a reputable breeder - http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=2019.0  The breed club is often considered to be the best place to get recommendations for good breeders, there's a link to the Cocker Spaniel Club website on that thread. In terms of what to look for health testing is essential and you also want to look at the motivation of the breeder, why are they breeding their dog, the aim of any good breeder should be to improve the breed, not just to let their nice pet dog have some cute pups.

All Cockers are different, they all have individual characters, likes, dislikes etc. Having a read through the threads on this board should give you somewhat of an idea of how members find living with Cocker pups and the issues that frequently crop up etc. The General Cocker Discussion and Training and Behaviour boards are also worth a look.

This is a very good new book about Cockers - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cocker-Spaniel-Owners-Guide-About/dp/1906305293/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292782217&sr=1-5

[Geordietyke]

Hello and welcome!  As has been mentioned, it is good advice to read through some of the sections on here, there are a lot of similar threads about the most common problems new (and old) cocker puppy owners experience.

What an exciting time for you, I would say you are right to read and ask as many questions as possible beforehand because it will probably be a shock to the system when you eventually get your pup home

Odie was my first pup back in Feb this year, COL has been absolutely vital for my sanity, I've learned so much and have gone from swearing I'd never have another pup again to thinking never say never   There is so much to learn and the experiences and advice of others is always a good tool, along with tons of reading.  Good luck in your search and let us know what happens!  Lesley 

[Emilyoliver]

As well as the advice already given. I'd go to a few shows and have a look at what's in the ring (if you're interested in a show type).  That way you can chat to some of the breeders and get an idea of what dogs you like the look of, and you could get to meet some too.

[JeffandAnnie]

Hello and congratulations on your decision to start a cocker family  As well as all the advice given so far, on a practical note I know you said you'd like a puppy early in the year, but it might be worth waiting a couple of months until spring. We got Jeff in January last year and I spent an awful long time shivering outside in the snow/rain/freezing cold toilet training 

[04callahans]

Thank you all for your replies. I honestly can't tell you how excited I am. My OH is most put out that I am more excited about the puppy than I was about moving into our first house, lol.
For the first time ever, Christmas and New Year can't go quick enough!  

Yes I think I am looking to get a show type.

Have been thoroughly enjoying trawling through posts on here this evening. I can see that this forum is going to be extremely bad for my work   How am I to get anything done from now on? Lol!

[Liz F]

Hi and welcome to COL

You will get all the help and advice you need on the forum, everyone is always there to help you with any questions you have.

Im Liz from just outside Durham and Im owned by 2 show type cockers, Diesel 3 year old blue roan  and Olli 2 year old blue roan and tan   

Its a fantastic time preparing for and choosing your puppy, have fun and lets see some pics when you view your puppy

 

[fizzyntiffy]

Hello & welcome    Ah, cockersonline, fab site, very addictive, very helpful & informative    I spend far too much time on here

I have Tiffany a 7yr old B&T show cocker  , and Sasha a 15 month old B&T working cocker  , both pre-loved

Good luck in your search  

[Bluebell]

Hello and welcome to COL 
You will definitely have lots of fun and trouble sharing your life with a cocker   
I am owned by 2 cockers aged 4 and 7 months, and by comparison a very sensible 7 year old Hungarian Vizsla
Enjoy searching for your new family member 

[ejp]

Hello and Welcome  you will spend far too much time on here, it is incredibly addictive  Really useful advice and it's nice to drop in for a blether as well!  Good luck in your puppy search. We have 3 cockers, two black boys, who are ten now and a blue roan girl who is four.

[Jessie_Pup]

Hi and welcome to COL . I am in Billericay in Essex.   I have two cocker spaniels Dylan a chocolate roan and Jessie a solid Chocolate.  We have meet-ups too last one about a fortnight ago.   

I have found the forum very helpful and have made good friends from some of the meet-ups.

[emma_and_tilly]

Hi, I'm from Dunmow in Essex, got an almost 1 yr old black WCS who is fantastic and we're going to get a GSD in the new year. Good luck with your search! 

[siam]

I have my second blue roan cocker boy - the first was a working type, and my new boy Alfie, now 14mths is a show boy. We got him through the Kennel Club site - the breeder was keen to offer us one of his litter as we'd just lost our previous fellow and he turned out to be a show boy. He is a good bit smaller than our first working type boy but both tremendous characters. I was brought up with black labs at home, but when the time was right for us to add a dog to our family I thought that the cockers were just the right size - big enough to be real dogs, not too big for your youngsters to handle, and can be lifted quite easily. We've all been delighted with our cockers.

[sarah25]

Welcome to COL 

Your local Regional Breed Club maybe be-able to recommend a reputable breeder for you.
http://www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk/breedclubs.htm

Good Luck 

[04callahans]

I was brought up with black labs at home, but when the time was right for us to add a dog to our family I thought that the cockers were just the right size - big enough to be real dogs, not too big for your youngsters to handle, and can be lifted quite easily. We've all been delighted with our cockers.

This is very interesting as this is exactly my train of thought.

All of the cockers i've met seem sooo full of character, which I absolutely love! And it seems that the guys and girls on here are no exception. There are some wonderfully helpful and entertaining posts on here.

I'd love to go and see some pups to get an idea of what breeders are best, what I'm looking for/at, etc. but I am wary of wasting breeders' time as I know we aren't ready to get one for a few months yet (perhaps longer having thought what Jeff & Annie pointed out about spring/winter)
What are everyone's thoughts on this?