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Corey & Wicket - Smith |
English
Cocker Spaniels are typically very good with children. They are
happy and affectionate dogs, neither too big nor too small, and they
have a moderate activity level. An English Cocker puppy is a
good choice for many families.
As a parent, it will
be especially important for you to buy a puppy with an excellent
temperament. Individual differences in temperament are
noticeable even in several-week-old puppies.
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Many responsible
breeders do "temperament testing" of their puppies; this set
of tests can help to identify even subtle differences among
littermates. But even
without formal testing, the breeder should be ready and able to tell you
all about your prospective puppy's personality. You will also want to
ask about the disposition of the sire
and dam, and you should be able to meet at least one of them. This will
give you a better idea of what the pup may be like as an
adult. |
Logan & Friend - Cook
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Roxi & Julie -Bartholomew
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Also, ask if the puppy has been around
children. If you are thinking about buying an older pup, you will
want a puppy that has been well-socialized already.If you have very young
children, you will need to consider the constant supervision that will
be required once the puppy is home. Think ahead about how you will
use crate-training and/or gates to help you.
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It will also be
helpful to keep the puppy on a leash with you as much as possible.
In this way he is safely under your control at all times, yet kept
in the midst of family activities. You will need to protect
the child from the puppy's rambunctiousness, and protect the puppy from
being mishandled! On top of that, the puppy will need to be
house-trained (a round-the-clock task at first), taught basic commands
and what he can and cannot chew, and of course be played with and
exercised. But if you are ready for the challenge and have
patience to spare, it can be done!
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Concentrate
on positive training methods--praise and food treats work well with
English Cockers. For example, if the puppy goes to jump up on the
child, quickly tell him "sit" while placing him in position.
Then tell him "good boy" & pet him. He will learn
that he gets the attention he wants when he is sitting quietly.
Help your puppy to avoid making mistakes and he will get in the habit of
behaving appropriately.
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Corey & Wicket - Smith
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Logan & Friend - Cook
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Equally
important, show your child how to be gentle with the puppy. If
you can not be right there, don't risk the safety of either one of
them by leaving them alone together--not even for a second. Keep
the time spent with child and puppy upbeat, and they will grow to love
and respect one another.
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A "puppy kindergarten"
training class will be invaluable in helping you learn how to train
your dog, and it will also help socialize your dog with other dogs and
people. If you have older
children, remember that as sincerely as your children may promise to
take care of a dog, he will ultimately be *your*
responsibility. A puppy will need more attention than most
children, considering school and other changing interests and
activities, can give. And as an adult, an English Cocker
will continue to need daily exercise and attention, regular
professional grooming, and frequent brushing and nail
cutting.
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Logan & Friend - Cook
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Corey & Wicket - Smith
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Also keep in mind your ECS will likely need you
for 12-14 years, long after your children may be at college or off on
their own. That said, some children will take an extra
special interest in their dog. There are several
activities they can get involved in. Obedience, agility, and Jr.
handling are just some of the fun competitive events that older
children and teenagers participate in with English Cockers. English
Cockers are eager to please, eager to play, and always ready to curl
up with you on the sofa. If you and your family are ready
to commit to an English Cocker, your new puppy and your children will
likely become fast friends.
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