english cocker spaniels

[imported_nea]

Hi!
I love dogs, and in a little more than a week I might get an adult English Cocker Spaniel. :D I have been trying to find out as much as I can about this breed, and I wonder if any of you have any experience with them. What are they like? Are they usually good with other pets? I have a guinea pig and I want the dog to be able to get along with him, or at least ignore him. Do cockers act more like big dogs or little yappy ones? Do black dogs have more fur than other colored ones?
Thanks!
Nea

[bk_blue]

Hi, when I was younger we had a Cocker as a pet. Tessy was a black Cocker Spaniel, spayed, great pedigree, with a beautiful glossy coat (that she liked to mess up by going and sitting in the bushes :roll: ). In my limited experience with them I would say they are lovely dogs. If you have kids (and are a first time dog owner) teach them not to pull ears or tails otherwise the Cocker will get rather annoyed and probably snap at the children, they can be snappish even when well bred so make sure you choose wisely. Their coats can get matted and collect burrs, leaves etc. so they need to be brushed regularly. There's no truth in the coat rumour- they all have the same amount of fur no matter what colour they are. Some females can grow a bigger undercoat if they are spayed (therefore making the coat more prone to mats and being harder to groom), but the benefits of spaying far outweigh this IMO. :D They get along well with other dogs, we also had a female Basset Hound and they were the best of friends. They aren't yappy usually, but they're not silent either. They are VERY affectionate. :angel:

I wouldn't be able to guarantee the safety of the guinea pig but they might get along, depends on the dog and how he/she was raised. Cockers have a fairly high prey drive, being gundogs; Tessy was a bird-catcher extraordinaire. They do need to be exercised and socialised; they're not big dogs but they have lots of energy.

http://home.connexus.net.au/~cockers/ a good link to start with. I advise you to do as much research as you can and think long and hard about the huge commitment owning a dog is. :D Good luck!

[Bubblezzz]

Hi nea,

My bf and I have an American cocker and an English cocker - they are the SWEETEST DOGS ALIVE!!!!! :P Heehee.... :wink:

Like bk_blue says, they are very affectionate, very willing to please and love to play. :D My english cocker, Cosmic, is now 4+ months old. He learns pretty fast, seems to be growing sweeter every day and makes everyday SO MUCH happier for me!! :) From my experience, cockers seem to be a little sensitive though and should be trained with lots of love and patience! :) As far as my experience with both Floppy (american, 3 1/2 yrs) and Cosmic are concerned, I've never known them to be snappish.

Floppy might growl a bit if she didn't like something, maybe even pretend to bite, but it never goes beyond that. (I say pretend because she does it very gently and very slowly and very reluctantly) Cosmic doesn't learn much when we're too firm or treat commands like training. He gets upset when he thinks we are not pleased and can't seem to absorb much. But when we make training fun, like play sessions, OH BOY OH BOY!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

He does need a lot of attention, or he'll get this hang-dog look that makes us feel like real losers. :-? But nobody who likes dogs can resist his face - happy or mournful. :) His parents are gorgeous dogs, both looks and personality-wise. They play well with other dogs - however, I've found that their exuberance does irritate other breeds sometimes. They can play for hours and will keep bugging the other dogs to join in until they get snapped at! (that only lasts a while until the whole "let's play" "I'd rather not" "come on, let's play" "NO" "play?" "Grrrrr!!!! I said GET LOST!" cycle starts again...) :oops:

Cosmic does love getting muddy :roll: and needs to be brushed at least a few times a week (even now as a puppy). I don't think the colours make much difference with the amount of fur they have.

Cosmic also does seem to have a higher prey drive compared with other dogs. He cannot resist moving toys!! He also loves to chase birds. I don't know if it might be their difference in age, or maybe because american cockers were breed more for companionship than the english, but Floppy doesn't react the same way towards 'prey' like toys, birds, butterflies e.t.c.

Unfortunately I don't have other pets, so I can't tell you how he is with smaller creatures. He got along very well with a 2 1/2 yr old toddler we socialised him with - until she dropped a hard plastic ball right in front of his face. :o Now he's frightened of 'small' people, but we're working on that. :)

Both our cockers are not noisy or yappy at all. In fact, they never bark excessively. Only at the occassional passerby or when very engrossed/excited in play. :P

I would definitely love more cockers if I could afford the money/time/space! :roll: But that's just me. :)

I hope this is helpful! Please let me know if you need to know more and I'll try to help/find out what I can. :)

[imported_nea]

Thanks Bubblezzz and bk_blue! :)
I've been finding stuff about English Cockers on the Internet and in books, but hearing about someones experience with them is better, I think. I don't have any kids(actually I'm a kid myself, 15 years old, but I know not to pull on the dog's fur) so I don't have to worry about that. The guinea pig won't be where the dog can get to him when I'm not at home. He'll be in his cage with a baby gate at the door to the room, so the dog shouldn't be able to get to him. And when I'm home Tiz(the piggie) will run around the room, but with the baby gate still there.

I'm very glad to hear that they are the sweetest dogs alive! One of the things I think sounds the nicest with Cockers is that they are supposed to be very affectionate. I've also read that they are usually playful, and that is nice too. When I train this dog, if I do get him, I will do it in a fun way, because that is more fun, for me too.
I'm planning on brushing the dog once a day, with maybe a few longer grooming sessions a few times a week or so. Does that sound ok?

I want to spend quite a lot of time outside playing with the dog. Do cockers like to play frisbee? Fetch? Tag? I don't really have much experience with small dogs, mostly I know big ones. How are cockers compared to like labs or other bigger breeds? If I'm running or something, is there a chance I might step on the dog? Thats maybe a stupid question, but I really don't want to squash a dog. Are English cockers personality wise more like say a lab or a papillon?

And yes, I've thought alot about what its like having a dog, and yes, I think all the negative things about it are outweighed by the many, many wonderful things about having a dog as a family member.

[Bubblezzz]

Hello nea! :)

I would say that cocker personalities are more like a lab... or a golden retriever. Actually, goldens are my fav. dogs, but I fell in love with Floppy, my bf's rescued cocker and have since come to realise that cockers share many of the same traits that I love about goldens! :)

I too, love the fact that they are such sweet, affectionate dogs. :D In fact, Cosmic seems to be becoming increasingly attached to us as he grows - I love that!! :P Heehee... nothing like a happy, waggy dog to make the world feel right! He'll want to cuddle, especially in the mornings and when we have food... :lol:

Yes, you'll have to watch out for them underfoot, but I think they're quite hardy dogs. So, unlike a papillion whom might yelp/make a fuss (a friend's does), I think cockers are more likely to just give a yelp of complaint and forget about it. Especially since your cocker will be an adult one, so not much worries there, as long as nobody really bowls into it hard! Comparatively with big dogs, you will have to watch out some though. But then agin, it's a fair exchange because your cocker will still (more or less) fit into your lap even as an adult! :D

Keeping your guinea pig separated with a baby gate sounds good - it'd be so cute and lovely if over time & with supervision they actually start being friends! :D

Cosmic LOVES to play - especially with squeaky/noise-making plush toys! He'd sometimes invent his own relay race - tearing about the house with his different toys, 'dropping' and exchanging them at what looks like designated spots! :lol: Watching him is fascinating. :D But we have yet to teach him 'fetch' properly yet - he doesn't seem to understand it quite yet and will wait for the object to hit the ground first. :roll: But I know of other cockers who happily play fetch. My american cocker, Floppy, doesn't play with toys AT ALL, (not even when we play with her) unless it's stuffed with food! But she enjoys being with us, going on walks and exploring places. :)

I have one playful, mischevious sometimes rebellious boy (who still won't COME on command) and one bold, adventurous, totally reliable girl. They are both greedy, sweet, affectionate, loving and make me laugh all the time. :) I think dogs are a blessing too. :) If you get your cocker nea, I wish you both all the best! But do let us know how it goes!

[imported_nea]

I just got back from Birk's house, and he is one of the funniest, cutest, sweetest dogs I've ever seen!!! And on Friday we're getting him!!! He seems very obedient, and when told to sit or come, he does, but he also has a mind of his own. He knows how to dance, too. He has the most adorable eyes, and when he listens his eyebrows twitch. And even though hes an adult dog, he lies with his feet out behind him like a puppy! He came and sat with his owner, who also seems nice, and he'd just look perfectly content and happy. He seems like a perfect mix, both very playful and also liking just sitting and being with you. He just seems like a perfect dog! :D

Thank you Bubblezzz! :)

[Bubblezzz]

Ahhhhh!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

I am sneaking at work, so I can't type too much!!!! I AM SO HAPPY AND EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!! When is he coming home, what is his name and is there a reason he is being given up????? Show pictures ASAP!!!! What colour is he? How old exactly?? PLEASE share all, I am so excited!!! :D :D :D Once you have one, you'll want more!! (I do anyway!! :D)

I so HAVE to go now!!!! Will post from home tonight!!

CONGRATS NEA!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

[imported_nea]

Thank you! I'm more happy than I've ever been before! :D
His name is Birk, but his real name is Flashdance Thunder Ball. He was born on January 13 2001, at Flashdance Kennel. He is being sold because his owner just doesn't have enough time to take the best care of him anymore. He seems like such a wondrous dog!!! In just about 32 hours he'll be a member of my family!!!

In this picture he looks very black, but he is actually more dark greyish on his back. This is a picture of him as a puppy, and you can see the color and markings better on it. But he isn't that light. He's 8 weeks old in this picture.

[Bronxie]

Elle is a cocker spaniel. She's my first doggie ever. Her personality is beautiful (I may be biased) She's very loving, she likes hugs and kisses, she's great with kids, but also very hyper. They make great pets and a loyal friend :bday:

[bk_blue]

Congrats Nea!!

He is a lovely-looking dog, looks a little like Tessy (but she was all over black). :angel: And we are going to harass you for more photos you realise :lol:

[imported_nea]

Thanks Bronxie and Bk_blue!
I'll try to get some more pictures! Those ones are taken from the Kennel where he was born, but I think I can get hold of a digital camera in a little while!

[Bubblezzz]

Hi Nea!! :D :D :D

He looks ready for major pampering and play!!! :) His coat is a lot more profuse now - Birk (he is going to remain Birk right?) looks really sweet. :D :D

The eyebrows twitching is so cute - Cosmic does this cocking his ears while tilting his head from side to side thing (especially when he hears whistling) that is hilarious. :P They'll CUTE you to death if you let them! I can just imagine a whole group of cockers (and other doggies!) twitching at weird places and dancing... :multi: :multi: :multi: :multi: :multi:

Once we perfect "NOSE" (put paw on nose) :D we're so going to teach ours to dance too!

Congrats again - keep us updated when you finally lay your hands on YOUR DOG!!! :D

[imported_nea]

Cosmic sounds really cute!:) Maybe when I get to know Birk better I'll try to teach him the nose trick too! Bir (thats what we're calling him) seems like a very smart dog. He isn't very well trained, it turns out. But that could just be that he's nervous about being in his new home. One thing that I have noticed is that he does have a tendency to try to be dominant. His former owner let him get away with some things, like growling if he was in his bed and didn't want to be disturbed, and little things like that. We are NOT going to allow that. But it'll take a while to teach him, I guess. If we neuter him, will that help? He doesn't seem like he is about to bite or anything, he let his former owner brush his teeth and stuff. But he needs to know that he ranks lowest in the family. Even Tizzy has a higher rank in our family-pack. But then again, it doesn't really matter if a guinea pig yanks on pant legs. Earlier today when Bir was playing with a ball, I tried to take it away from him. He growled, but I took it away. He didn't like that. But is that ok? Should I just keep doing that when I want him to drop something? Just take it?
I am a little worried about how Birk is going to be able to get along with Tizzy. He seems a little hyper sometimes. But I guess Its unfair to judge how its going to be when we haven't even had him for 29 hours.
I'm just so very happy to have him!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Bubblezzz]

Hi Nea,

I bet you're having lots of fun with Bir!! :) Post pictures as soon as you can! :D I haven't been able to fix up my home pc completely, so I can't scan Cosmic & Floppy's pictures to post... :(

Dominance growling isn't good, I would try getting him to give up his toy/place in bed using treats (Don't forget to command at the same time - like "Off!"). Cosmic has a problem with giving up his toys too, but this is what I do to get him to "GIVE" :

Hold his toy gently in one hand commanding "GIVE" in a soft tone. (I usually try to get his attention with "soft" eye contact first) If he refuses to let go, I offer him a whiff of the treat I am holding in my other hand. Say "GIVE" again. He usually drops it by this time. :) Praise him to the skies, saying "Good give!! Good boy!" then I treat. Usually I return the toy or exchange it for another. (So he'll learn that giving me his toys means he gets a treat for 'lending' it to me for a while.)

One book I would recommend is "Bones would rain from the Sky" by Suzanne Clothier. She writes about her experiences with her animals - mostly dogs but also pigs, horses and even a turtle! The book reads more like a story, with different dogs featured to illustrate different points she raises. Get tissues though, I really felt for some of those dogs. :P I started reading her book during the first week we got Cosmic and because of it, I made significant changes to my approach while training him AND we're all the happier for it! :D I think of all the training/dog behaviour books I have, Bones would rain from the sky is really THE ONE!

Cosmic is my first dog too (not counting dogs "shared" with my bf) so I totally understand all excitement/worry that you're feeling. :) Yeah, giving him a window of maybe a week to get used to you and his new home is a good idea. He may just be worried about all the changes. Oh, I think Cockers are naturally a little 'hyper'. :)

YES!!! Neutering is a GOOD thing to do!! Cosmic will be going for his when he is 6 months old. It's supposed to make male dogs less agressive and more affectionate, less prone to wander and less suspectable to females in heat!! :P

Ok, I HAVE to get back to work, dogo is SO addictive!! :P I wish I could meet Bir and you and just get together to discuss how brilliant cockers are... :P :P :P :P

[imported_nea]

Too bad you can't post pictures of Cosmic and Floppy... It would be fun to see them! I'm going to try that with giving him treats in exchange for his toy. And I'm going to start saving money for Bones Would Rain From the Sky. It seems like a good book. Does Cosmic like to roll around? Bir does it all the time, both indoors and out! He looks so funny on his back with his mouth partway open and his tounge sticking out. If hes outside he gets full of leaves and grass. And he loves having his head and ears scratched! He'll just sit contentedly for ages if I scratch his ear, and he tilts his head towards it. And he also rubs his whole head on my shirt. Does Cosmic do that? And cockers are great!!! :D