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New Cocker Spaniel puppy

(124 Posts)
Readandcook Wed 02-Apr-25 13:12:37

My husband are I are viewing the most gorgeous chocolate Cocker Spaniel puppy tomorrow!!!
So exciting but also I’m so anxious about it! It feels as if I’m bringing home a new child ( which I am!)
We have both had dogs before but I just feel anxious- is this normal?
Any tips on having a brand new puppy? I feel overwhelmed with what to buy and all the info online!!
He is absolutely gorgeous and I am so extremely excited for our future together with our puppy ( I want to call him Woody!)

GrauntyHelen Thu 03-Apr-25 16:45:09

My first ever boarder was a cocker I absolutely love them Very loyal and loving but being working dogs they need plenty of exercise and stimulation Enjoy!!

silverlining48 Thu 03-Apr-25 17:05:12

That long list confirms what I have always thought about the amount of patience and work involved with having a puppy. How about your slippers, are they in one piece? smile

I was recently in SCS looking at tables and noticed a small but perfect sofa, exactly matching the normal sized suite next to it. In a beautiful blue. The mini sofa alone cost hundreds of pounds. I couldn’t work out who this was aimed at so asked the salesman and he told me it was a dog sofa. I was completely taken aback. 😲

sazz1 Thu 03-Apr-25 17:09:56

If you have a problem with puppy chewing their bed buy vetbed. They can't destroy it and it's machine washable

25Avalon Thu 03-Apr-25 17:28:14

sazz1

If you have a problem with puppy chewing their bed buy vetbed. They can't destroy it and it's machine washable

What do you mean they can’t destroy it? My lab chewed holes in it😂

4allweknow Thu 03-Apr-25 18:21:31

I've had two cocker spaniels and my son now has one. They are energetic but loving dogs. They get me everytime I see one. Woody looks gorgeous. Be prepared for almost nonstop activity when he is young, he will love games/training. Good Luck.

25Avalon Thu 03-Apr-25 18:46:10

Instead of a cage I have a pen. You get 8 sides and one gate so you can make it a decent size. Spare sides can be used to block off areas you don’t want puppy going into. If I go out the dog goes happily in the pen with a Kong full of treats. I just shut the door and go. There is room in the pen for food and water bowls plus a comfy dog mattress (once she stopped chewing) to lie on. If you have room a pen is much nicer and you can put it outside if your garden is not secure.

Frenchgalinspain Thu 03-Apr-25 18:55:15

Allira

Yes, it's quite surprising what dogs are allergic to, grapes and dried grapes (dried fruit) being one of the main things.
Tomatoes as well.

We used to feed our dog chicken or turkey, I never knew that they were allergic to chicken products. In fact, if he polished off the remains of the Christmas turkey, he would sulk for a few days afterwards when fed his normal dog food.

I had stated: GRAPES & RAISINS & CHERRIES are highly toxic to all canines and could kill a canine or a feline.

FACT: My dad was a Veternarian.

95% of canines are allergic to: ( RE-READ)
Chicken meal
Chicken by products
Chicken

NOT turkey or duck.

The key is to do a 5 hair strand DNA Exam and can be done via a Veternarian or Amazon - the cost is 75 €uros. It is incredibly accurate and covers:

ALL Food groups

ALL FOLIAGE / trees / grasses & flora

FABRICS: All including wool, cotton, synthetics

Wildlife / highly dangerous are toads / frogs / insects etcetra

Minerals & Vitamins & MEDICINES

It is extraordinary accurate

NannieChicken Thu 03-Apr-25 19:12:25

Congratulations, he looks beautiful. Personally, I would avoid using puppy pads. It's exhausting getting up and down to let them outside to do their business but relying on puppy pads is basically telling him it's OK to do it in the house.

When he does have a little accident, our vet recommended mixing up a spray bottle with bio washing liquid and water in it to clean the area. We found this worked much better than any shop bought sprays. It not only cleans the area but also removes the smell that can cause them to go back to the same spot.
Enjoy your lovely new 4 legged family member.x

DaisyL Thu 03-Apr-25 19:27:21

A large crate is much the same as a pen - gives them plenty of space to move about and room for toys, a bed a bowl of water. Very easy to collapse and put away when not needed, but good to have if they not well and need to be kept quiet.

sazz1 Thu 03-Apr-25 21:04:39

Avalon
I'm amazed as none of our puppies or previous dogs were able to chew holes in it. Perhaps because we've only ever had small/medium dogs idk

foxie48 Thu 03-Apr-25 21:08:14

I used a crate and a pen for the last puppy we had. We had a very elderly MIL living with us so it was necessary to keep both pup and MIL safe. It worked brilliantly as pup could be free but contained, was part of the family but not always under our feet and quickly saw the crate as his resting/sleeping place and went into it of his own accord when he was tired. He wasn't in the pen for most of the day but he did go in when it was convenient to have him safely contained. He was born in early May, the weather was good when we got him and I'm a poor sleeper so he went out last thing at night and when I woke very early in the morning, I'd take him out and then go back to bed. He soiled in the pen for the first two nights only and never cried. The breeder had had an old T shirt of mine which she had given him to sleep on and I used to wrap it round a warm (hot) water bottle which went in his crate at night. He was just the easiest puppy ever and our dog sitter says he's the easiest dog she's ever looked after. I think putting the time in during those early weeks, really pays dividends.

georgiejg Thu 03-Apr-25 22:17:16

Like people, you will get a random dog (whatever breed) that is not quite wired correctly, sad but you can't change that. Working his brain is as important as his body, snuffle mats are good, and check out the rules for length of exercise. Teach him rest time and alone time. Enjoy your new puppy. And if you can, get a warm outside tap installed, they are water, mud, beach lovers whatever the weather.

Allira Thu 03-Apr-25 22:17:59

Frenchgalinspain

Allira

Yes, it's quite surprising what dogs are allergic to, grapes and dried grapes (dried fruit) being one of the main things.
Tomatoes as well.

We used to feed our dog chicken or turkey, I never knew that they were allergic to chicken products. In fact, if he polished off the remains of the Christmas turkey, he would sulk for a few days afterwards when fed his normal dog food.

I had stated: GRAPES & RAISINS & CHERRIES are highly toxic to all canines and could kill a canine or a feline.

FACT: My dad was a Veternarian.

95% of canines are allergic to: ( RE-READ)
Chicken meal
Chicken by products
Chicken

NOT turkey or duck.

The key is to do a 5 hair strand DNA Exam and can be done via a Veternarian or Amazon - the cost is 75 €uros. It is incredibly accurate and covers:

ALL Food groups

ALL FOLIAGE / trees / grasses & flora

FABRICS: All including wool, cotton, synthetics

Wildlife / highly dangerous are toads / frogs / insects etcetra

Minerals & Vitamins & MEDICINES

It is extraordinary accurate

Ok!

No need to shout 🙂
I don't have a dog now.

Our little dog loved spaghetti bolognese too - apparently another no-no.

25Avalon Thu 03-Apr-25 22:30:13

Dogs are not allergic to grapes or chocolates. These items amongst others are actually poisonous to dogs and should be absolutely avoided. If eaten in any quantity get your dog to the vet pdq where they will pump their stomachs out.

Kate51 Thu 03-Apr-25 23:16:57

We have a 3 year old working cocker from a good breeder. She is the most loving dog I have ever met. Loves everyone. Apart from the crocodile teeth when a puppy she has been a joy to train. Always desperate to please. We took her to scent training classes and she loved them. She loves puzzles too. She has loads of energy but scent work tires her out as much as running around. I am sure you will have a wonderful time with him.

Doffy Fri 04-Apr-25 07:28:14

A cocker Spaniel how lovely. Dont blame you for feeling a mix of anxiety an excited. I've just a puppy,a cavapoo,havnt had a puppy for 30 yrs,then my next dog was a rescue an she sadly died last Sept at the age of 13.
I knew that it was like having a newborn but phew,I'm sure it will be better once I can walk him but he's got another 2 weeks until his 2nd vaccine.
I can't bath on my own,I cant leave him in a room on his own. I've brought what I now realise are a lot unnecessary toys. Doughnut beds are great,an empty bottle with some treats.
Good luck,stick with it

Allsorts Fri 04-Apr-25 07:42:24

Omg, what an adorable dog. I just love cocker spaniels. You like walking which is what they do as much as they love you. Enjoy, I am quite envious. There is nothing like a new puppy, little whirlwinds.

Snowbelle Fri 04-Apr-25 07:46:28

Take your advice from the breeder because they know the genetic traits and behaviours of the parents. My (working) cocker girl is 7 and is lively affectionate and wonderful. Always has been, she’s independent, extremely affectionate, clever, manipulative and ALWAYS happy. Be gentle and firm and enjoy ! I’ve had dogs and trained and competed very successfully in obedience for many years with collies who I adore and still keep but there’s no comparison to a cocker. Cocker Spaniels are huge personalities and adorable in every way. You will be very pleased with your choice. Enjoy!

ruthiek Fri 04-Apr-25 09:54:23

Read and cook I am sure you have thought this through, I am not sure how old you are but my sister and husband took on a puppy (they are in their 70’s ) and it has been really hard , the puppy is beautiful and a good little dog but the puppy training has been hard and toilet training even harder ! Also after possibly quite a few years of freedom having to think about how long you are out before needing to go back can be a challenge . Saying that she had given lots of love to them .have you not thought of a rescue dog?

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Fri 04-Apr-25 10:03:16

The in breeding to produce block colour cockers (all tan or black) can result in aggressive temperaments. Roan cockers (grey & white) are complete softies. We owned 2 adorable sisters back in the day, such sweethearts with soft mouths.

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Fri 04-Apr-25 10:05:44

Your dog looks adorable Kate51 a lovely nature too!

Lilliesmum79 Fri 04-Apr-25 10:27:54

We have a lovely 10yr old Sprocker such a gorgeous girl and so gentle with children and other animals. Her name is Lily ❤️

farview Fri 04-Apr-25 16:58:46

I’ve fed my cocker spaniel chicken cooked with carrots.. almost every day for the 2 years+ that I’ve had her…she had her annual check up last week and passed 100%.. the vet was most impressed with her shiny coat and overall health.. so am shocked to read that dogs shouldn’t eat chicken 🤦🏻‍♀️

Primrose53 Fri 04-Apr-25 17:11:01

farview

I’ve fed my cocker spaniel chicken cooked with carrots.. almost every day for the 2 years+ that I’ve had her…she had her annual check up last week and passed 100%.. the vet was most impressed with her shiny coat and overall health.. so am shocked to read that dogs shouldn’t eat chicken 🤦🏻‍♀️

We always fed cooked chicken to our dogs especially when they were poorly. They soon recovered!

Allira Fri 04-Apr-25 17:22:14

Primrose53

farview

I’ve fed my cocker spaniel chicken cooked with carrots.. almost every day for the 2 years+ that I’ve had her…she had her annual check up last week and passed 100%.. the vet was most impressed with her shiny coat and overall health.. so am shocked to read that dogs shouldn’t eat chicken 🤦🏻‍♀️

We always fed cooked chicken to our dogs especially when they were poorly. They soon recovered!

Strange that some of the best known (and better) brands of dog foo contain chicken.