Are Cocker Spaniels Good Family Dogs? [Answered]

Cocker Spaniel are known for being gentle, docile, and intelligent, as well as being easy to teach.

Spaniel are wonderful family pets because of their mild nature and trainability.

Cocker enjoy spending time with their loved ones. In fact, they feel compelled to participate in all aspects of the family’s activities.

They despise being left alone at home.

Unfortunately, if left alone for an extended period of time, some Cockers may develop separation anxiety.

The Cocker Spaniel has a wonderful temperament that makes it one of the best family dogs you could have!

Yes, Cocker Spaniels make good family dogs, but this statement comes with some strong advise, which is discussed further below.

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Is a Cocker Spaniel suitable as a family pet?

Cocker Spaniels are recognized for being extremely friendly and may make excellent pets for the appropriate owners no matter where they live.

Unfortunately, they, like so many other purebred dogs.

They are susceptible to specific breed-related diseases and conditions.

Spaniels are excellent family dogs when properly trained

Although Cocker Spaniels are gentle dogs, cocker spaniel temperament can be sensitive and avoid harsh treatment or handling.

Spaniel breed can become violent if they are not treated gently and respectfully, and based on the number of e-mails I receive from owners concerned about their Cocker’s hostility, I know this to be true.

Many owners are baffled as to why their Cocker have suddenly become aggressive.

They neglect the reality that youngsters can be rough, especially when playing or thrilled, and this is frequently too much for a young puppy to manage.

That’s when things start to go wrong.

A growl, on the other hand, is a warning that a bite is on the way and should always be treated seriously!

A hesitant puppy may likely become increasingly hostile if the youngsters continue to play rough or are overly raucous, ranging from growling, snarling, barking, and snapping to the final, more severe act of aggressiveness, biting.

If the puppy like springer spaniel learns that aggressive behavior gets him what he wants, he’ll use it.

To get in his way in a variety of situations, the aggression will continue to escalate if not addressed.

Dogs who are aggressive will never make good family dogs!

Unfortunately, many of these ‘violent’ Cockers are put to sleep as well.

It’s a shame, because most cases of dog aggression might have been avoided in the first place if the dog had been treated kindly, with compassion and respect, and given good solid training and (soft) punishment.

Many unskilled owners have no idea why their Cockers become aggressive and are unable to deal with the situation.

Unfortunately, these unhappy, misunderstood animals are no longer seen as acceptable family dogs, and they frequently end up in Cocker Spaniel rescue centers because their owners are unable to care for them.

Unfortunately, many of these so-called “violent” Cockers are put to sleep as well.

Assisting Puppies in Becoming Good Family Dogs

I am confident that you can assist your puppy in becoming the best family dog ever.

This should begin well before you receive your dog.

Allow me to explain.

Select A Reputable Breeder

The first step is to find a trustworthy cocker spaniel breeder, especially one who focuses on temperament.

After you’ve made contact with the breeder, here are a few questions you might want to ask.

Locate a reputable Cocker Spaniel breeder!

Yes, I know I’ve said it twice…because it’s critical!

A competent breeder will think carefully about which dogs to breed from, but more significantly, they will have begun the crucial socialization process long before your puppy is ready to go to his new home.

You must continue this socializing as soon as your puppy arrives at your home.

If this is your first puppy, make sure you get one with a decent temperament and the finest personality for you and your family.

You can learn how to do it here, or your breeder can assist you in making your decision.

Never Buy From Puppy Farms!

Cocker Spaniel puppies raised on a puppy farm or sold in pet stores should be avoided.

Inbred puppies are more likely to be neurotic, jittery, snappy, and high-maintenance – not exactly the type of dog you’d want around your children!

A anxious dog like this will be tough to manage and train, especially if the owner is inexperienced.

Early socialization can help children develop positive attitudes

Simply said, socializing can aid in the development of a good temperament and good family pets!

The process of socializing your puppy involves acclimating him to his new environment, including humans, animals, and everyday noises, so that he is comfortable with a variety of encounters and new settings.

The socialization window is thought to close at 12 weeks, and while it is feasible to socialize after that time, it will be challenging and the effects will be less satisfactory.

Poorly socialized puppies are easily confused and startled by even the most innocuous events or noises, and they are often fearful of their environment.

They are more prone to exhibit fear-aggression and other behavioral problems later in life if they are easily over-excited and worried.

Under-socialized dogs don’t make good family dogs in general!

It’s critical to socialize your puppy to develop a confident and well-behaved adult dog. It will allow the Cocker Spaniel’s wonderful personality to show through!

Good training can aid in the development of good family dogs

To get the most out of your Cocker Spaniel, I strongly advise using positive reinforcement in your puppy’s training whenever feasible.

Positive reinforcement is when your dog is rewarded with a treat, praise, or both for doing something well.

You are not only praising your dog, but you are also reinforcing his excellent behavior.

You’re informing your dog that he’s doing exactly what you want.

It’s ideal not to rush your puppy’s training; if you take your time and patience, he’ll learn quickly.

Cocker Spaniels are eager to please their owners and will go out of their way to do whatever you ask.

Unfortunately, they may take a little longer to understand what you’re asking of them.

Be patient and compassionate if your puppy gets it wrong; he’ll figure it out when he’s ready.

Discipline can aid in the development of good family dogs

Pets who aren’t well-behaved don’t make good family dogs.

Allowing your puppy to get away with poor behavior, no matter how attractive he is, is not a good idea!

If you don’t express your dissatisfaction with your puppy’s behavior, he will continue to act in that manner.

It will become ingrained in your mind, and we all know how difficult it is to change a habit!

You must teach your dog the type of behavior you desire, which includes rewarding good behavior and ‘disciplining’ him when he is misbehaving.

Physical punishment should never be used as a method of discipline; instead, simply say “No” and move on.

Don’t think about it too much. Ignore your puppy if he continues to misbehave, or leave the room for a few minutes (if it is safe to do so).

Guess which one he’ll do more of once he figures that out?

If you’re overly hard with your puppy while teaching or disciplining him (and he’s a sensitive puppy), he may become protective and aggressive; he may growl, snarl, bark, snap, or bite.

Fear aggression can harm your relationship with your puppy, so take it easy.

Be kind and nice with him, but don’t allow him get away with misbehaving.

Are American Cocker Spaniel or English Cocker and Children a Good Match?

Some owners believe that bringing an adult Cocker Spaniel into a family with small children would be inappropriate and could lead to disaster.

I’d agree with you unless the adult Cocker had previously lived in a family with youngsters.

Bringing a Cocker puppy into a household with small children, on the other hand, will let them to learn and grow up together.

Cocker puppies must be well-trained, loved, and disciplined if they are to grow up to be good family dogs.

Another factor is that the children must be subjected to a set of clear ground rules, such as

• The kids must realize that their puppy is not a toy!
• They must always treat their puppy with care, which includes no rough handling or rough play.
• The children must not enter the dog’s bed or box; this should be the puppy’s personal space.
• They are not allowed to bother their dog while he is sleeping. It is not only rude, but it can also be harmful.
• Children should not bother the puppy while he is eating his food; this is not only terrible manners, but it can also lead to dog food aggression.
• They are not allowed to yell or scream at their puppy;
• They must never, ever, ever, ever hit the dog!

Children should be involved in their puppy’s obedience training to assist them learn and understand the command words.

Each command word should be used consistently by each family member.

The kids should also understand that their puppy may not always want to be handled or played with.

They must respect this and occasionally allow their pet some peace and quiet.

It’s also critical that young children be monitored around a puppy until you’re sure you can trust both of them to be safe with each other.

So, Are Cocker Spaniels Good for Families?

Please don’t believe I’m implying that the Cocker Spaniel is an aggressive breed that should never be kept in a household.

I’m not like that at all!

Anyone considering bringing any dog breed into a home with small children should be aware of the following warnings.

It’s only a matter of common sense.

Treat your English Cocker Spaniel with care and sympathy, and reprimand him when needed to teach him what you consider acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

Do this, and he’ll shower you with attention, camaraderie, loyalty, and happiness for years to come.

Have fun with your Cocker Spaniel!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)