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Offline Opher

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New cocker spaniel owner
« on: September 07, 2012, 03:03:13 PM »
Hello
I am hoping to rehome a 3-4 year old cocker spaniel from the RSPCA this weekend and would appreciate any advice anyone can give me on owning this breed, I have done some reading on the breed online but would like some advice from actual owners.
Thank u in advance.
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Offline Sue E

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #1 on: September 07, 2012, 03:46:30 PM »
My cocker is nearly 4 years old and he's still mad as a hatter, but I wouldn't change him for the world.  Obviously we spent time training him from a pup, so getting a dog that age could bring its own problems.  Ozzy is good with kids but boisterous, house trained but likes to pinch socks.  I'm not sure how you would find out your dogs temperament without a history of its previous owners, etc.  If you've got kids this might be an issue.
I'd always say yes to getting a cocker, as long as you have the time to give/receive cuddles, go for long walks, expect him to come home filthy from long walks. 
I'm sure someone will come along in a bit to tell you their experience of giving a forever home to an older  ;) dog. 
Whatever you decide, good luck
x
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Offline Opher

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #2 on: September 07, 2012, 03:55:37 PM »
Thanks for your reply,
I'm not sure that we will find out much about his past as he has come from Ireland and is currently at the RSPCA in brighton. We've got a 14 year old so I'm hoping that isn't going to be too much of an issue.  We're all really excited about meeting him properly on Sunday and taking him for a walk, fingers crossed it all goes ok.
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Offline Ruby Tuesday

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #3 on: September 07, 2012, 04:44:38 PM »
I'm sure a 14 year old with be fine with him :)

Our cocker is nearly 9 months old now. She is our third dog.

I would say she is a very loveable loony! She is still a pup though. She is funny, clever and affectionate. She wants to please but can also turn a deaf ear ;)

She is very greedy, which does help with training.

I'm not sure they are the easiest breed to own but would I recommend them- yes, absolutely! Hope you get on well.
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Offline MacTavish Boys

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2012, 05:18:52 PM »
Welcome to COL  :D i hope your meetup with your new boy goes well, they truly are a lovely breed, i have had cockers for the last 20 odd years :D If you look at the meetups, you will see we have a meet up in Sussex on the 27th October and you will get a chance to meet up with some of our Boys and Girls :shades:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Offline Catie74

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2012, 05:23:09 PM »
A warm welcome to you.  All I can say of this breed, is once they enter you heart, you never look back and you will wonder what life was like without them,  I have a cocker who I have had from 8 weeks and a cocker who I rescued at 5yrs.  I adore them both and can't imagine life without them.  They are happy, loving, funny, sometimes frustrating (in a cheeky way) but always always a delight.  You won't have a choice but to love the back  :005:.  They need and love their cuddles just as much as they love their walks.  I'd say the perfect all rounder.  Oh except for the fox poo rolling  :o
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Offline Lily Freya

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2012, 05:50:19 PM »
Welcome to COL.....

Looking forward to hearing more.  Xxxx
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Offline Pauline T

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #7 on: September 07, 2012, 09:30:48 PM »
Hello   Welcome to COL.  :D We have a nutty 7 year old orange & white boy. He is so lovable with lots of cocker kisses, he is very nosy  :005: and he has lots of energy, he loves his walks and especially swimming.

Good luck. hope to hear more about your new addition.
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A dog can say more with a quick wag of his tail than many people who talk for hours. - Louis Armstrong

Offline SophieBlueRoanLover

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #8 on: September 07, 2012, 09:37:49 PM »
Welcome! Do you know if the dog is working or show strain? They have slightly different appearance and exercise needs! Working dogs are bred to work and are much more active and need lots more exercise as well as mental stimulation. Show types are bred to sleep on the sofa next to you  ;)
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Offline Archie bean

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #9 on: September 07, 2012, 09:48:40 PM »
Quote from: SophieBlueRoanLover on September 07, 2012, 09:37:49 PM
Welcome! Do you know if the dog is working or show strain? They have slightly different appearance and exercise needs! Working dogs are bred to work and are much more active and need lots more exercise as well as mental stimulation. Show types are bred to sleep on the sofa next to you  ;)

I wish someone would tell Archie that! He obviously thinks he's a worker  ;)

Opher, welcome and good luck for your meeting on Sunday.
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Offline Catie74

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2012, 10:15:23 PM »
Quote from: Archie bean on September 07, 2012, 09:48:40 PM
Quote from: SophieBlueRoanLover on September 07, 2012, 09:37:49 PM
Welcome! Do you know if the dog is working or show strain? They have slightly different appearance and exercise needs! Working dogs are bred to work and are much more active and need lots more exercise as well as mental stimulation. Show types are bred to sleep on the sofa next to you ;)

I wish someone would tell Archie that! He obviously thinks he's a worker  ;)



Haha maybe its the name.  My Archie definitely didn't read the rule book for show strains
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Offline Jonnydog

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #11 on: September 07, 2012, 10:24:12 PM »
Quote from: Catie74 on September 07, 2012, 10:15:23 PM
Quote from: Archie bean on September 07, 2012, 09:48:40 PM
I wish someone would tell Archie that! He obviously thinks he's a worker  ;)




Haha maybe its the name.  My Archie definitely didn't read the rule book for show strains

Penny hasn't readthe rule book either!
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Jess - my little companion 2003-2011

Offline BobnDot

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #12 on: September 07, 2012, 10:57:40 PM »
Hi and welcome to the forum.
Well done for giving a cocker another chance at life. :clapping:

We rehomed a 7 month old cocker, Milly, from a rescue centre some eighteen months ago and, being perfectly honest, our little black furry person has brought a whole new meaning to life for us....Hectic.:005:...But now we wouldn't have it any other way. :luv: :luv:

The best thing we did, as newbies to cocker spaniels, was to join this forum and benefit from the experiences of other, more experienced, owners.
Just reading the posts will give you a very good idea of what you've let yourself in for but I doubt if anyone on here would have it any other way. I've learned that there's something very special about cockers that makes them a breed apart.

Just try and keep in mind that a rehomed cocker has already gone through some huge upsets in life and is probably feeling really confused and unsure of things. You and your family have to provide the rock that he can start rebuilding his life on. Be gentle and understanding and I'm sure that you'll find that he'll repays your love and affection many times over.
There will be a period of adjustment on both sides but try and remember that, just as you don't know details of his past, he doesn't know you either and will need gentle guidance to become all you hope of him.

Good luck this weekend, fingers crossed and hopefully you'll soon join the wonderful world of Cocker Spaniels. ;)
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Offline Opher

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #13 on: September 09, 2012, 07:44:22 PM »
Thank you everyone,
The meet up went very well and our new dog Eddy is currently laying on the sofa next to me!! I hope to be able to use all your knowledge and experience of this breed via this forum and i am also very interested in attending the get together with other owners in Sussex in october.
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Offline karen488

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Re: New cocker spaniel owner
« Reply #14 on: September 09, 2012, 07:49:27 PM »
Oh wow! Glad it's clearly gone so well. Can't wait to see the pictures  ;)
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