The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most selected dogs by families to have as a pet. This popularity of the breed responds to the fact that it is an ideal companion that children tend to like. It is also a very sociable animal so it is perfect to be part of a family. Likewise, caring for a Cocker Spaniel is a fairly simple task. You just have to have the same kind of consideration as with any other common dog, as long as this one is pedigree. Something that you should keep in mind when caring for a Cocker Spaniel is that it is a very active animal.
This will mean that he will need daily exercise to be able to unleash all his energy and it will be very difficult to bear if you decide to have him locked up in an apartment all day since he will start to get quite nervous, bark and bite furniture, among other types of behaviors that will show your anxiety. Ideally, if you live in an apartment or flat, you should have a patio where you can take it out to play. Another point that sometimes discourages people who want to take a dog as a pet from opting for a Cocker is that it is a dog that is quite difficult to train, so their behavior will always be somewhat erratic and they also have a tendency to bark a lot. However, if you have children at home, the Cocker will be a great pet since he is A very sociable and curious dog. Who enjoys playing with children? If you want to know how to take care of a Cocker Spaniel, pay attention to the following instructions.
What do you need to take care of a Cocker Spaniel?
- Brushes and hygienic products
- food for dogs
- Veterinarian
Instructions for caring for a Cocker Spaniel
- As soon as you acquire your Cocker Spaniel you should go to the vet so that he can do the necessary examinations and give him the vaccines he needs. You must look for a veterinarian that you like since you will have to take your dog periodically to do examinations every few months.
- The Cocker Spaniel is distinguished from other dogs by its beautiful coat. Obviously you will have to pay important attention to this point. You should not neglect the health of your hair. Use special products for washing them and remember to take them to a dog groomer every two or three months to have their hair cut. Leave her hair a little longer during the winter; this will help her stay warmer.
- Pay special attention to your diet. All dogs, in general, tend to eat more than they need. This is part of their instinct that urges them to eat as much as they can since they do not know if they will go hungry in the future. For this reason, even if they ask you for food, you should not give it to them. The ideal is that you follow the instructions of your veterinarian and feed it only with feed. Cocker Spaniels, in particular, have a tendency toward obesity. Remember that it is a very active animal and that it needs a lot of exercise. If you overfeed him and do not allow him to get all the exercise he needs by having him at home, he will surely have obesity and the health problems that are associated with it.
- From the first moment you acquire it, no matter if it is a puppy or an adult, you should try to socialize it with other people and other dogs. This point is essential. Remember that Cockers are very sociable animals and this point is of great importance to them. That they socialize with people and dogs will affect their behavior. If they are used to being with humans and other animals, they will not bark or become aggressive in the presence of strangers. In addition, their behavior at home will also be much better.
- Remember to take him out for a walk several times a day and have a routine of exercises and games. This point is vitally important. Cockers have a lot of energy and vitality and you must make sure that they use it correctly. An anxious Cocker dog can present a very annoying behavior for the inhabitants of a house and its neighbors.
- Another option that may interest you is to take him to train with professionals. As mentioned, this breed is somewhat difficult to educate, so taking it to a trainer will greatly speed up the process. But you must keep in mind that it will be useless for you to take it to a professional if you and your family do not continue the process of education and training at home.
- Teach him to relieve himself outside the home. During the first days that you have him at home, make sure you take him out for a walk very often and especially after you have fed him. When he relieves himself outside, you should reward him. You will be surprised how quickly he will learn this behavior.
- Clean your eyes every day with the help of a pad or wipe.
- He pays special attention to the hygiene of his ears. Like all long-eared dogs, they need a lot of hygiene in this area to avoid infections and other types of hearing diseases. Clean his ears every day.
- You should also check the condition of their nails and cut them when they are too long. This will help you not get hurt when you play with it and that the animal does not hurt itself when walking.
- You should also have a proper hygiene routine for the Cocker Spaniel. You should not wash it every day as this would damage its skin and fur. Wash it once or twice a week and use special products.
- Wash his mouth and teeth. You should do this at least once a day. It is a cumbersome operation but the health of your Cocker will greatly appreciate it. There are special products for oral hygiene that you can buy at any pet store.
Tips for caring for a Cocker Spaniel
- Remember that a good idea when acquiring a new pet is to adopt one. Adopting a Cocker Spaniel is never a very simple operation since families prefer to have a dog as a puppy to ensure its correct socialization and education. However, adopting a Cocker also has certain advantages. Keep in mind that it is a purebred animal, so by adopting it you will be saving a lot of money. In addition, these animals are extremely sociable and affectionate and rescuing them from a kennel means that they are especially loyal and faithful to their new owners.
- A good idea to educate and socialize any dog is to take it to dog parks. This allows them to play with other pets and eliminate any possible excess energy that would otherwise lead to somewhat erratic behavior.
