10 Ways to Raising a Happy and Healthy Cocker Spaniel Puppy
All dog breeds are unique in their own way. However, the Cocker Spaniel is one of the most lively and fun-loving dog breeds. A dog that is as cute as it is sociable, the Cocker Spaniel is hugely popular, with over 26,000 dogs registered in the UK in 2023. They love to stay outside and enjoy long park walks. Most important of all, they enjoy being surrounded by people which makes them a perfect companion for large families with kids. However, Cocker Spaniels go through the puppy stage before they become lively and active dogs. This is a time when the puppies demand a lot of care and attention at all times. Moreover, the initial years play an important role in just any dog's life. During this time, the dog learns to grow traits and habits that tend to stay till the very end of their lives. So, naturally, it is safe to say that one wrong move during this time can be the root cause of an aggressive dog. Moreover, this can even result in lifelong health issues in the dog that pose difficulty in their everyday life. This is why one must take good care of the puppies for them to become happy and healthy dogs as they grow up. That being said, there are no set rules when it comes to raising puppies. This depends on the breed of the dog so it tends to vary. This sometimes makes it difficult for the caretakers to raise a puppy. So, we are here to make things easier for you. We will tell you some of the tips that will help you choose the correct raising approach for the breed. Ultimately, ensuring that they get to become the lovely doe-eyed dogs that everyone loves. Dog breeds have unique traits that can vary by type. For instance, Cocker Spaniels come in two types: English and American. Each one comes with its own characteristics and behaviours. The English Cocker Spaniel is relatively very sensitive in nature. They are great at sensing the emotions of their caretakers which makes them a great part of any household. Moreover, they are also very cheerful and loyal, things are quite similar to the other type. On the other hand, the American Cocker Spaniel is a little quieter than the first kind. They love to snuggle in their dog beds and are great indoors. However, they are also playful and friendly which makes them jell up with strangers quite easily. But in general, both of these types of Cocker Spaniels are great at taking directions. They reciprocate well during training sessions, given that these training sessions are started during their puppy stage. Plus, if they are raised well, then these dogs can be quite non-aggressive. They act well when left in the company of children or even other dogs. They basically enjoy the company of other beings. Cocker Spaniels tend to take part in a lot of activities like brisk walking, playing fetch, and other games. However, it is important to note that Cocker Spaniel comes with high grooming and maintenance needs. Their flat and silky coats require you to take professionals for proper grooming. Otherwise, their beauty loses its shine and comes in the way of their looks. The entire process of raising a dog involves a few different steps. This entire journey ensures that the dog gets a good temperament and stays healthy throughout the years. Some of the factors that you will need to consider are: Creating an ideal space for American Cocker Spaniel puppies is essential for dog parents. If you run a pet store, then you should share this with potential dog parents. Thus, ensuring the puppies stay healthy and safe in their new homes. One of the most important aspects of creating the perfect home for a Cocker Spaniel is to pet-proof the entire space. You should properly cushion the hard edges of furniture so that the American or English Cocker Spaniel that you bring into your home doesn’t get hurt at any time. Plus, you will also be required to buy comfortable dog beds and blankets that will make a comfortable space for them. Choosing the right kind of food for the puppy is one of the most important tasks for any dog parent. Food plays a big role in the growth of a dog which ultimately helps in strengthening their bones and muscles. Moreover, without proper nutrition, Cocker Spaniel puppies may start facing health issues from a young age. However, giving the right food won’t do it all. Rather, one will also be required to create a good feeding schedule for them. All parents need to strictly stick to this schedule so that the puppy also grows up to follow the same. So, make sure you inform the potential dog owners to consult a vet for assistance on this. As discussed before, Cocker Spaniels are fun-loving, lively, and active dogs. They enjoy being surrounded by people and even other dogs. This is why all parents must give special attention to socializing the dog. They should take the dog outside to play after it reaches the age of 16 weeks. However, they should be fully vaccinated before they leave their home. Proper socialization plays an important role for every dog. Without this dogs lack to have that friendly nature that is quite common with American or English Cocker Spaniels. Plus, dogs tend to grow a certain anxiety from strangers if they are not taken outside from a young age. Training Basics Training is a must for all types of dogs. This is what helps them in becoming a better social being and act well with people. This also deals with teaching them how they should act when they are put in a certain situation. So, all dog parents should be involved in some kind of house training. These are simple training tactics that involve teaching them basic things. For instance, it deals with giving them commands like sit, fetch, or even shake hands. When dog parents do these things it automatically makes their Cocker Spaniel friendlier than it already is. Exercises play a major role in raising a healthy and happy Cocker Spaniel puppy. This is why all dog parents should make evening walks and games of fetch a part of the puppy’s daily routine. This helps to keep their body moving and lowers the chances of them frequently getting sick. And this is also important to keep them in shape; nearly 10% of English Cocker Spaniels are obese. However, physical exercises are not enough to keep them healthy. Cocker Spaniel puppies, especially the English type, are in general very sensitive. This is why, as a pet shop owner, you should make the dog's parents aware of the importance of necessary mental stimulation. They should make the puppies try simple puzzles that reveal treats at the very end. As discussed earlier, Cocker Spaniel is one of those dogs that comes with a shiny and full coat. This coat can be of colours like black, brown, white, tan, or even a good mix of these colours. Their coat is the biggest reason why the Cocker Spaniel looks so elegant at all times. So, naturally, all dog parents must groom the coat properly to keep it shiny at all times. Although these dogs love to play with water, it is best to avoid regular baths. One should bath the puppies every 3 weeks during the summer months, and for the winter months, this should be every 2 months. However, parents can give a quick bath to the dog every 1 month during the winter. Other than this, they will just require basic nail trimming and ear cleaning which is common across all breeds. Raising a happy and healthy Cocker Spaniel puppy involves constant monitoring. This helps in recognizing any issues or early signs of illnesses at the earliest stage. Thus, helping to increase the chances of treating them completely. Dog parents should take the puppy to the vet every 3 to 4 weeks when their age ranges between 6 to 16 weeks. And for grown Cocker Spaniels this ranges between once or twice a years. Moreover, the puppies should also be vaccinated in time to minimize the chances of getting any health issues as they grow up. Most vets offer a complete timeline that dog parents can follow for setting the vaccination schedule. You need to keep an eye out for certain diseases, such as an inflamed external ear canal, which affects about 10.9% of cocker spaniels, and anal sac impaction, affecting roughly 8% of the population. Cocker Spaniels can develop some behavioural issues over time. Things like separation anxiety and over-excitement are quite common among them, which are things that should be handled firmly at a young age. This is why parents should take them outside more often and let them socialize with everyone. This helps in eliminating any type of nervousness in them and makes them more confident. Another issue that is quite common among dogs is chewing and nipping. This leads to them destroying your shoes, clothes, or even other valuable things. This is why it is important to manage this issue at an early age so that they leave it completely with time. Parents should make the dogs chew on appropriate toys to redirect their focus. Plus, they should also keep the dog calm and avoid chances of them getting over-aroused or tired. Having a good bond with the dog helps in their mental stimulation, automatically resulting in keeping them happy and healthy. This is why all dog parents should take out time from their daily schedule just to spend quality time with the English or American Cocker Spaniel puppy. Moreover, they should also try to reinforce a positive technique to make the puppies take command. Most important of all, they should be avoiding punishments at all times. Punishments put mental stress on the dogs which is not great for their health. All dog parents need to adjust their care, routine, and training tactics as they slowly grow up. So, make sure you educate them about these things when they come to buy Cocker Spaniel from your pet store. This also includes making changes to their living spaces and food according to the growing age. Thus, ensuring their needs are met at all times. Moreover, they should also prepare themselves to face the different challenges and emergencies that can come along the way. It is a must to have an emergency kit handy and fill it with all the necessary things. Dog parents will be required to make a few changes as the Cocker Spaniel transitions into their old age. For instance, parents will have to get an orthopaedic bed for them that helps with aging joints and weak bones. Plus, owners should also add rugs around your house, so that they do not get hurt while walking or due to weak vision. Next, parents should also get a food and water bowl that comes with an elevated height. This puts way less strain on their neck and back, thus offering them some comfort. Moreover, using ramps is also great for helping the dog get in and out of cars and on sofas and beds. Lastly and most importantly, the dog owners will have to take the Cocker Spaniel quite often to recognize any health issues in them. Raising a happy and healthy Cocker Spaniel puppy is quite easy. It just requires one to employ the right tactics and care routine that sits best with their breed requirements. Through this blog, we tried to explain some of the ways that ensure the well-being of a Cocker Spaniel. This will be more than enough to keep the lovely doe-eyed beings safe and healthy so that they get to live good years ahead in their life. Traits of a Cocker Spaniel
Tips for Raising a Cocker Spaniel Puppy
Preparing the Ideal Home for the Puppy
Nutrition Guidelines
Socializing the Puppy
Providing Proper Exercise
Grooming the Puppy
Monitoring the Puppy’s Health
Managing Behavioural Issues
Building a Strong Bond With the Puppy
Planning for Your Puppy’s Growth
Living with a Cocker Spaniel into its Golden Years
Conclusion