Cocker spaniels really gel well with active homes and loving parents. They are absolute sweethearts who are always ready to please and are known to follow their humans around like a shadow. As loving as they are cocker spaniels do need specialized care because of their unique temperament. There are two different types of cocker spaniels, working and show. As their names would imply, working cockers were bred for work and are thus more energetic. Show cocker spaniels, on the other hand, are primarily bred for companionship. However, cocker spaniels, in general, is not a toy breed and they need proper exercise to remain healthy and happy. The following are 9 things you need to keep in mind when bringing home an adult or a puppy cocker spaniel dog.
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Cocker Spaniels Are People Lovers and They Love Constant Company
The first thing you need to do when you bring a cocker spaniel home is to give it plenty of attention. Cocker spaniels love to play games and interact with humans. Even if you have to leave for work, make sure you spend a significant amount of quality time with your cocker on a daily basis.
They Are Balls of Energy And They Thrive When Trained Properly
Cockers Spaniels usually have plenty of energy to spare and they respond really well to training. Don’t be reluctant to teach them complex tricks as they are known to be quick learners. Cocker spaniels are happiest when they are engaged, so it’s best to teach them to do certain tasks like fetching the morning paper.
More Exercise, Less Behavioral Issues
Cocker spaniels need plenty of daily exercise and are perfect companions for long walks and hikes. They are known to go on foraging missions and display destructive behavior if they are not given proper exercise.
Expect Them to Get Along with Strangers, Children, and Other Pets
Want a dog that barks at strangers? Cocker spaniels are definitely not a dog breed that does that. They are usually very accepting of strangers and can quickly bond with guests and other pets.
Cocker Spaniels Need Significant Grooming Effort
Both show and working cocker spaniels need plenty of grooming to keep their coats nice and shiny. Many cocker spaniel parents rely on professional dog groomers to take care of this daily chore.
They Are Susceptible to Developing Eye Problems
According to pet health advice by experts, cocker spaniels are prone to developing eye problems. They often develop conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). The best way to prevent or slow down these conditions is by taking your pet to the vet’s office for regular eye checkups.
They Often Pick Up Items Off the Floor and Guard Them
Cocker spaniels often pick up things like TV remotes, newspapers, sticks, or basically anything they find interesting. The best way to deal with that is by giving it plenty of chew toys to play with.
Cocker Spaniels Do Not Like to Be Left Alone
A lonely cocker spaniel can quickly develop behavioral issues and can suffer from separation anxiety. This is why they are often not recommended for working families who need to leave their pets alone at home for extended periods.
You Need to Cleanse Their Ears Regularly
Thanks to the peculiar ear shape, cockers are prone to developing ear infections. This can easily be prevented by cleaning their ears with a quality pet ear cleansing product every now and then.
