cocker spaniel question(s)

[onebunnywuv]

Okay, we've been thinking about getting a dog, and have been wanting a dog for over 2 years. We don't want a big dog right now because we have a 7 month old, but we've been told that cocker spaniels can be really great with kids, and they're not big enough that if they bump a little kid, the kid would get badly hurt. We do live in a basement suite, but we have access to the entire back yard (once it's redone lol). We were planning on training a smaller dog inside for the nights, and my hubby would put the dog outside in the morning around 6, and I'd bring it back in around 8 when I get up.

My questions are:
- can a cocker spaniel be trained to do their business in one spot in the house (at the top of the stairs by our door where we have a wide open space)?
- is a cocker spaniel an excitable dog, are they very rambunctious?
- are they good with kids?

I've had dogs before. We had a carin terrior when I was 10 that hated everyone and eventually got put to sleep for attacking my step-dad when he fed it and it took skin out of my step-dad. We had a lab pup that had parvo and died. Last we had a rottie/shepherd/husky/terrior mix. He had a problem in his brain and he was put to sleep about a year after getting him. I know all about vet visits and how expensive they are. We're not planning on getting a dog til probably the summer months when we spend a lot more time outside. I work at home, so I'll be able to interact with the dog almost 24-7. Thanks for any advice/information. We've been doing some research online for the past few weeks. :)

[akzz]

can a cocker spaniel be trained to do their business in one spot in the house (at the top of the stairs by our door where we have a wide open space)?

Yes, it can be trained to do it's business in one corner. I think people who choose that path newspaper train their dogs. They lay down a piece of newspaper and keep taking the dog on it and they also spray this formula (which you can purchase at petsmart) which will make your dog want to "go" in that area.

[MangoLaska]

Cocker spaniels are #1 for the most common breed to bite people (the most common dog breed that requires emergency room care).

They're generally sweet, happy and not-very-bright dogs, which makes them good with kids, but you need to find a good breeder and make sure that the puppy is from a family of dogs with reliable temperments, and has been well-raised and socialized. Also keep in mind that right when your baby is starting to learn to walk and is starting to run around the house, the dog will be at the most excitable stage in his life.

I think that it's possible, but you will need to research thoroughly, pick a breeder carefully, and be very diligent in training the dog.

This is just my opinion (and I will admit that I am biased, since I have known a couple of unpleasant cocker spaniels) but I feel that adopting an older gentle dog from a shelter might be a more reliable way of getting a kid-safe dog.

[onebunnywuv]

Thanks. Yeah, we're not too keen on the idea of breeders here. We were going to go the SPCA or Humane Society route. To guarantee a spayed/neutered dog, and one that's up to date on thier shots. I grew up with a friend who had a cocker, was a super great dog too. We're not 100% decided on a cocker. We're researching a lot of smaller breeds, but cockers stuck out from previous experience for us both. ;) Thanks.

[K9BOB]

"Thanks. Yeah, we're not too keen on the idea of breeders here"

Why would you not want a dog from a reputable breeder that has bred good dogs with health and temperment backgrounds to include proper socialization skills? I would be leary of getting a Cocker that has any history of bad habits or abuse ( since you have young children)as this is one of the few breeds that I have a negative opinion of (in general) as far as temperment....
Just have seen toooooo many unpleasant ones...ESPeCIALLY with owners who are not good dog leaders...
Be sure to find one from a reputable rescue as there are some that are not so keen...
good luck...

[Iridal]

Cocker spaniels have a similar problem to pitbulls - a bad rap from terrible breeding. If you get a cocker spaniel from a responsible breeder you will get a sweetie just like if you go through the effor to get a pitbull from a responsible breeder.

You can thank "Lady and the Tramp" for the overproduction of terrible cocker spaniels. Every munchkin wanted one and BYB saw the opportunity for a quick buck. An injustice to a great breed!

I have had two great experiences with cockers. My first dog was a cocker spaniel - my parents got him when I was in the 1st grade. My youngest sister was barely of preschool age. This dog was great with us - three kids running around, no bites, no aggression. ((Understand that we never played with this dog without supervision untill we were older. It is foolish to leave ANY dog with a child unsupervised.)) He did bite a few kids when he was older, but it was always because the stupid child did something like pull on his ears until he screamed or put their finger in his eye. Nothing required emergency room attention.

If you're going to get a cocker, I'd go to a breeder. They aren't very expensive dogs because they are rather common. For many breeds I support shelters, but for a cocker - because of their poor breeding history - unless you can see some sort of paperwork on the dog, I wouldn't use one. Problems can arise much later that they never even saw. Maybe find a cocker spaniel specific breed rescue? I'd trust them a little more than a regular shelter.

[lneill84]

Going to a shelter is a wonderful idea, sometimes. Most shelters have a good idea of a dog's personality, whether they are small animal and child safe and other aspects. I have known a couple cockers, and they were terrible biters. I would really research a breeder, and make sure the parents and other dogs are very socialized before making any descion

[onebunnywuv]

When we started researching them, the nearest cocker breeder we found was in Edmonton. It's hours away, and we have no vehicle and they won't travel. We've searched for a local breeder in Calgary and have come up with none. Without a vehicle, getting one from out of the city is impossible. At the shelter, we can have a chance to go into one of their rooms and play with the dog, see what they're like, etc. Most of them here (the Humane Society at least) has papers saying what shots the dogs have had, whether they're spayed/neutered, and what their personality is like.

Like I said though, we're not 100% decided yet. ;) It'll be a few months yet.

[Iridal]

Well it's great that you're taking things slowly and looking into it way ahead of time instead of overnight. :)

If you have a trustworthy shelter, go for it. I only mean to caution you. :) Would you want a puppy or an adult dog? Some advantages/disadvantages...

For a puppy, a great advantage is that the pup will grow up with your child. There is less of a chance of a mishap, just from my personal experience, when the dog learns from an early age (i.e. from the moment it sets paw in your house) that the child is not something it can push around. Puppies are easier to set into a pack order than adult dogs, but that's not to say that an adult dog wouldn't work out! If it's an issue, it would just take some firmer training.

The disadvantage to a pup is that, although the shelter can do its best to test the attitude of the dog, a lot of those bad personality issues that many people associate with cockers won't show until their "adolescence". :( Hypertension, nipping, nervousnous, the peeing issues... those aren't always apparent in a cute pup. A more adult dog (around a year isn't even old - trust me, my cocker is 10 months old, and he still has tons of puppy in him!)would have proven himself already, and you have the added benefit of him being housebroken already - a definate plus with a little child around, I'm sure. :)

Just some food for thought. Good luck on your quest! :)

[onebunnywuv]

We're thinking of getting one about a year old. Not quite a pup, not quite an adult. We're definitely interested in a non-biting dog, so we're definitely looking to spend time with one first, a main reason why breeders aren't really in our minds. They don't seem to like getting asked if you can interact with the dog a few times before taking one home. When we have our own house completely (a few years from now) my hub wants a larger dog, when we're done having kids. ;) For now, we want a nice small family dog. Something about knee high or a little larger. We don't want a shih tzu or a yorkie or anything. Just a nice sized smaller dog. We're not getting one from a petstore though, don't worry about that. :D If we somehow luck out and do find a breeder in Calgary, we might contact them and go the puppy route, but we still think shelter/humane society is better as far as spay/neuter/shots. Out of the three dogs I had growing up, 2 were from the humane society, the other was from a breeder (he was the one with parvo). We'll see what happens when the time comes. We may just find something else that suites us. ;) But it's always best to be informed.

[RavenRose]

I know others have said things similar, but I wanted to put my two cents in. We had a cocker when I was younger. He was sweet as can be with us, but didn't like strangers. The only reason for that is that my parents never socialized him. We weren't as young as your baby though, I'm the youngest and I was in 5th grade when we got him. But, as Iridal said, if the puppy grew up along with the baby, you'd have a great opportunity to teach it properly about how to be with the baby.

As far as the comment about breeders not wanting you to interact before taking the dog home, the good ones will. The good breeders want to know positively that the puppies are going to the best homes. BUT, getting one about a year old should be fine, they're not quite set in their ways but they're old enough that you hopefully won't have to do much if anything for potty training. No matter what breed or age you get, I would still take them through a training class though, regardless of how well they do with commands, because the training is as much for the people and the socialization as it is for the dog learning commands.

I know it'll be awhile yet, but keep us informed on what you decide. Whichever way you go, good luck. :)

[Pippin]

Cocker spaniels have a similar problem to pitbulls - a bad rap from terrible breeding. If you get a cocker spaniel from a responsible breeder you will get a sweetie just like if you go through the effor to get a pitbull from a responsible breeder.

Yeah, lol, cocker spaniels are being banned left and right :D .

You can get sweet dogs through rescues...the majority of pits are wonderful dogs whether from responsible breeders or rescues. I'm not sure about Cocker Spaniels though...

[brandy pup]

As far as the comment about breeders not wanting you to interact before taking the dog home, the good ones will. The good breeders want to know positively that the puppies are going to the best homes
Avoid a breeder that will not let you interact with their dogs!!! A repituble breeder will insist that you AND THE ENTIRE family come interact with them.

They are overbred and as a result are having some temperment issues. You either need to find a repituble rescue that works with foster homes that have children or work very hard at finding a good breeder.

Breeding and Breeder info
http://www.wonderpuppy.net/breeding.htm

How to choose a breeder and puppy
http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/breeding.html

[onebunnywuv]

I just did another Google search for cocker spaniel breeders in Alberta. There's on 2 1/2 hours northest of Edmonton, which is about 2 hours north of us. So that's 5 hours away and us without a vehicle. So we'll be dealing with a shelter or something within the city. ;) We'll find something right for us when the time comes :D

[Iridal]

Yeah, lol, cocker spaniels are being banned left and right .
They may not be, but for every person I've heard that said pitbulls are born killers I've heard one say that cockers always bite children. It's all hearsay.

[KTS CAVIES]

What about a larger, older, mixed breed dog? A black lab mix or so? Big black dogs are usually the last to be adopted. Many are big babies. You can try to find an older one in a shelter or rescue that has been in foster care, is used to being around children and is calm. Do you have any shelters or rescues that use the Cell Dog program?

Personally, when I have kids, I will only have larger dogs around. My experience with larger dogs around babies and toddlers has been nothing but good. I grew up with German Shepherds and Labs. My cousin grew up with Newfoundland mixes. My neighbors currently have 2 Huskies and a 16 year old GSD who was used as a junkyard dog before they acquired him; they have 2 toddlers in the house. Any size dog can knock a baby over if not properly trained to stay down and be gentle.

Just contact some rescues and shelters, tell them what you are looking for and ask if they use fosters. You'll probably find a great companion. I don't like breeders either, and I'll never buy from one. Not when millions of dogs that could make great companions are killed every year.

[onebunnywuv]

We're living in a basement suite for a year or two. We get the yards (back and front) but we'd never put a large dog in a basement with us, that's why we're going with something small, as I said in my original post. :) When we move to our own house in a few years and we're done having kids, then we'll get a larger dog.

[Princess Dakota]

My advice to you is to try to locate a Cocker Spaniel rescue near you. A breed specific rescue will be able to evaluate your needs and place you with a dog based on your concerns more efficiently than a general shelter or humane society.

[asta7775]

I think its great that you are doing your research and not rushing into anything, especially when children are involved.

As for cocker's I have mixed opinions on them when it comes to them being nippy. I have met great ones and not great ones. Just one note on them health wise, they tend to get a lot ear infections, see them all the time at the clinic with them just so you are aware if you get one to regularily check the ear's for redness or a foul smell.

I like the shelter idea for many reason's but mainly if its a good shelter they should know which dogs are good with children and the fact that you can interact with them on several visits to see what they are like with you, before making your decision. Also all dog's have the potential to nip a child if the child is not taught how to act around the dog, tugging ear's etc...as I am sure you know. I also know what you mean about biting as some dog's just can't stand children period.

I have know people who have litter trained their dogs with an extra large or homemade litter box(instead of newspaper) usually the elderly who live in appartments and can't always run the dog outside everytime they have to go. I think they used some sort of sand in the box, but you could probably use kitty litter as long as he/she doesn't seem interested in eating it as it can cause blockages.

You may want to as a vet or a good trainer in the area if they can recommend a breed to look for or what characteristics to look for in any type mix etc... dog that would be suitable for a home with children.

Good luck and best wishes.

[bunnylover202]

I just want to say that if you do get a cocker spaniel make sure it does not have a background of dogs with epelepcy or however you spell it. my uncle has a cocker spaniel and he can't even go on vacations because of him, whenever he is away he gets so nervous that he has sesiors. He is also very expencive to care for because of this to. Good luck with whoever you pick out!!!

[maryjane238]

sorry - i have to say something about the pit bull/cocker spaniel comparison made earlier. yes, both breeds do get bad raps occasionally but for VERY different reasons. pit bulls are loyal sweet dogs that will do just about anything to please their people. when the owners teach them to become dog/people aggressive or to fight, the dogs obey to please their owners. yes, pits have some natural dog aggression but they do NOT have any natural tendencies towards human aggression. you have to TRAIN them to act that way.

cockers, on the other hand, are naturally wary of strangers and will become aggressive with simple lack of socialization.

imo, a pit would be a much easier dog for a first-time dog owner (provided that person understands the responsibility of owning a bully breed) than a cocker spaniel.

[K9BOB]

I would agree ytour assesment maryjane238, I would trust a Pit over a Cocker (in general) for the very reasons you stated.
k9bob

[Iridal]

You know, I wrote a reply to these comments then realized how much I don't care if you stereotype. Enjoy.

[maryjane238]

what are you talking about? it's hardly a stereotype - read up the breeds.

[Iridal]

Sigh, a "simple lack of socialization" will create dogs that are timid of strangers in about 60% of the breeds out there, so I hardly see that as a breed fault. Do your job as a dog owner and you won't have that issue. Dogs of any breed will sometimes be timid even if you socialize them.

All I'm trying to say here is that this image people portray of a cocker spaniel that hates kids and bites everyone is as stupid as the idea that all pits are born killers. Both of these ideas come from irresponsible breeding of a great breed. Human beings have ruined them - they are not meant to be that way. Find a responsible person who breeds to better the line, like you should... and you very likely won't end up with a timid cocker spaniel, just like you won't end up with a bloodthirsty pitbull.

Go to a shelter and yes, you run the risks of ending up with a timid/snappy cocker spaniel. You also run the risk of a poorly bred pit who may develop aggression problems. Any dog you don't know the history of has the potential for problems, even with the shelter screening. Catch my drift?

[K9BOB]

Ok ,What if we dismiss genectics and use the reasoning that the reason you see more bad Cockers is because of the environment they are dealt. Could we get away with saying that it is just that there are more Cockers that display issues because they are mostly owned by people who do not provide good leadership for the dogs?
You know kinda like people, there are profiling data that support generalities such as who is most likely to be a terrorist or criminal of some sort... you know certain hair color equates to dumber people and white males can"t jump... Or the macho man most always gets the good (or is that the prettiest) woman...that sort of thing... LOL
k9bob....:shy: Bruises knows what I mean....

[maryjane238]

k9bob - that is what i was saying. or trying to say, at least!

iridal - please don't jump down my throat about stereotyping breeds. nothing i said was untrue. it is MUCH easier to make even a well bred cocker aggressive towards humans than it is to make a pitbull that way. sorry. it is not a breed fault - it is just part of the breed. and the owners of a cocker (and most small dogs) need to understand just HOW important early socialization is - both with dogs and people.
the people that live 2 doors down from me had a cocker that was hit by a car and killed about 8 months ago. they bought a new cocker puppy soon after that. i have not seen any of the 4 people that live in the house walk the dog ONCE since they bought it. the dog barks and lunges at the fence whenever anyone walks by. it is sweet and playful with the owners and they even have a small baby in the house but it hates everyone else. obviously, the owners are not abusing the dog to make it aggressive, they just neglected to socialize it.

i'm not saying cockers are bad dogs...i've met some great ones. i just think you need an above average owner to have one of the great ones.

[903409518093852]

I have a Cocker Spaniel. We rescued him from people who were really mean to him. We've now had him for 10 years. Actually, he LOVES children. He hates adults, other dogs, and cats. He is good at the dog park but he doesn't like to chase the dogs. He is good with our cat, and any dog we introduce to him, but it takes about 10 minutes for him to warm up to it. Once he knows an animal, he will NEVER hurt it. He kind of just ignores it. He doesn't do anything to my rabbit neither.

He used to have a lot of energy, now it hurts him to run fast. Cocker Spaniels are supposed to bark a lot, Nicky does a bit but not a lot. They are also supposed to have a LOT of energy. They need hair cuts every 1-2 months, and they cost $60-$80 each time. Are you sure you can afford that if you can't afford a car?

Even though Boxers have higher energy and are bigger, they are GREAT with kids and love all people and all dogs (usually). What about a pug or boston terrier? Some people think they are ugly dogs but no grooming costs, they are small, and I think they are both supposed to be good with children. Good luck!

[All4one]

SORRY ALL TO BRING UP AN OLD POST BUT IM HOPING MELODY READS THIS!\


melody i find it weird u are getting a cocker spaniel when i am to!

i know some one in airdri acually and i have the number

her name is judy and i can post the number is ur still interested