Working cocker spaniels
Discussion
Right, so... My Wife is going part time. I work 4 long days, the kids are all older than 4! It is dog time. We as a family have never had a dog, although my Wife and I have had childhood family dogs. I would like the puppy experience. I hear horror stories of puppy farms and mental breeders. Does anyone have any advice, do any owners have any advice, where, what, when I should be looking for, are there any recommended breeders. I have read up on the breed, I have the kennel club bookmarked, know that I need the health checks and family history. I'm after an active family dog, but not berserk. I will happily (hopefully) take it running for 10k a day if required, walks, family treks and sitting by the fire. I have wanted a dog for a long time, I have three children, so am prepared for the late nights and potty training! :-)
Edited by sma on Monday 7th November 19:30
We have a working cocker and two working springers. The cocker is a lot more full on than the springers. He never stops.
He is completely devoted to my wife and is a fantastic pet dog but needs constant stimulation.
As a family pet I'd say a working cocker could be great but it would also be fairly easy to screw one up. Make sure there are ground rules, I don't necessarily mean for the dog but the whole family. Everyone must treat the dog the same and if you have young kids explain they aren't a toy so can't be poked prodded or mistreated by kids who think they are playing. I'd look out your nearest dog training club and get booked on their puppy course right away and as a working cocker he would benefit from carrying on after with more obedience training. Kennel club good citizen is a good place to start. If you put the groundwork in at the beginning you will be rewarded with a well behaved loving loyal companion.
Even though he is now 3 and a bit our cocker still loves his clicker training. He gets more tired from 10 mins of mental stimulation than an hour walk. He could run/walk all day though. Watch some you tube videos to see what clicker training is about. He is also super sensitive so if we shout (even at each other not him) he shuts down so always use modern reward based training not telling off after the event. The springers just don't care about that sort of thing but that may be individual dogs not breed traits to be fair.
There are loads of working cocker litters about but look for a breeder who health tests if possible. You will possibly pay a bit more but good for peace of mind. Google cocker health issues. Where in the country are you? I could recommend a breeder in Somerset.
Good luck, they are lovely dogs. Here's our little boy Jack...
IMG_5777 by Chrisga, on Flickr
IMG_1327_fhdr by Chrisga, on Flickr
He is completely devoted to my wife and is a fantastic pet dog but needs constant stimulation.
As a family pet I'd say a working cocker could be great but it would also be fairly easy to screw one up. Make sure there are ground rules, I don't necessarily mean for the dog but the whole family. Everyone must treat the dog the same and if you have young kids explain they aren't a toy so can't be poked prodded or mistreated by kids who think they are playing. I'd look out your nearest dog training club and get booked on their puppy course right away and as a working cocker he would benefit from carrying on after with more obedience training. Kennel club good citizen is a good place to start. If you put the groundwork in at the beginning you will be rewarded with a well behaved loving loyal companion.
Even though he is now 3 and a bit our cocker still loves his clicker training. He gets more tired from 10 mins of mental stimulation than an hour walk. He could run/walk all day though. Watch some you tube videos to see what clicker training is about. He is also super sensitive so if we shout (even at each other not him) he shuts down so always use modern reward based training not telling off after the event. The springers just don't care about that sort of thing but that may be individual dogs not breed traits to be fair.
There are loads of working cocker litters about but look for a breeder who health tests if possible. You will possibly pay a bit more but good for peace of mind. Google cocker health issues. Where in the country are you? I could recommend a breeder in Somerset.
Good luck, they are lovely dogs. Here's our little boy Jack...
IMG_5777 by Chrisga, on FlickrIMG_1327_fhdr by Chrisga, on FlickrEdited by chrisga on Monday 7th November 20:33
Edited by chrisga on Monday 7th November 20:34
I have one which doubles as a family pet and a shooting companion.
Even though I'm a fan and advocate of the breed, a working lab is probably a more sensible proposition as a good family pet.
They are smart eager to please and thrive on training. Your family will need to leave the training to you so you can be consistent. I think gundog owners should learn about gundog work and give their dogs working type training even if they don't intend to go near a shoot. Cockers need brain work more than physical exercise. I run with mine but you need to have good control if you are going to run with it off lead - cockers are not renowned for being great on lead let alone heel. Mine will but it is still a trial at times.
I'd be inclined to read a few books - Perfect Puppy is pretty good for the general puppy stuff. Joe Irvine's Gundogs or Training Spaniels although a bit old fashioned are very clear and easy to follow for the gun dog training.
ETA I can see Chris has covered most of it. Mine is more of a 'hard' dog. Whether they are soft or hard being rough with them is pretty pointless the soft one will sulk and not forget what you've done; the hard one won't give a s
t.
Any excuse to post another pic of mine
Even though I'm a fan and advocate of the breed, a working lab is probably a more sensible proposition as a good family pet.
They are smart eager to please and thrive on training. Your family will need to leave the training to you so you can be consistent. I think gundog owners should learn about gundog work and give their dogs working type training even if they don't intend to go near a shoot. Cockers need brain work more than physical exercise. I run with mine but you need to have good control if you are going to run with it off lead - cockers are not renowned for being great on lead let alone heel. Mine will but it is still a trial at times.
I'd be inclined to read a few books - Perfect Puppy is pretty good for the general puppy stuff. Joe Irvine's Gundogs or Training Spaniels although a bit old fashioned are very clear and easy to follow for the gun dog training.
ETA I can see Chris has covered most of it. Mine is more of a 'hard' dog. Whether they are soft or hard being rough with them is pretty pointless the soft one will sulk and not forget what you've done; the hard one won't give a s
t.Any excuse to post another pic of mine
Edited by oddman on Monday 7th November 20:45
Thank you for the replies. It is exactly the information I am after.
I am set on a good level of training for the dog, not just for the dog but also as an activity for me! A few of my colleagues have various gun dogs and while they do shoot with them, many of the owners at the training sessions, take their dogs along to provide them with stimulation, not to go to shoots. While I have considered a Labrador, I do feel that it is perhaps a little large for our home, as we live in a rather compact 4 bed semi with 3 children (daughters!), albeit with a very large garden.
I live in Hampshire, so not too far from Somerset, although I am prepared to travel nationally for the right dog. I have the Gwen Bailey book and a few books by Frank Kane on the breed. I also, a few (eight!) years ago, prior to the birth of my first Daughter, spoke to Christine Bridgewater about her dogs. (she no-longer breeds) I feel like I am relatively well read on the breed, although really want to hear owners experiences. My wife does not start her new role until the new year, so I would be looking at getting dog after then , there is no rush.
The pictures look absolutely awesome! Thank you
I am set on a good level of training for the dog, not just for the dog but also as an activity for me! A few of my colleagues have various gun dogs and while they do shoot with them, many of the owners at the training sessions, take their dogs along to provide them with stimulation, not to go to shoots. While I have considered a Labrador, I do feel that it is perhaps a little large for our home, as we live in a rather compact 4 bed semi with 3 children (daughters!), albeit with a very large garden.
I live in Hampshire, so not too far from Somerset, although I am prepared to travel nationally for the right dog. I have the Gwen Bailey book and a few books by Frank Kane on the breed. I also, a few (eight!) years ago, prior to the birth of my first Daughter, spoke to Christine Bridgewater about her dogs. (she no-longer breeds) I feel like I am relatively well read on the breed, although really want to hear owners experiences. My wife does not start her new role until the new year, so I would be looking at getting dog after then , there is no rush.
The pictures look absolutely awesome! Thank you
Edited by sma on Monday 7th November 21:08
No problem. My wife works one of our springers on local shoots, but Jack would be a failed gundog, he's too excitable and makes a hell of a racket when he gets going.... which is great as he competes at agility.
Ours came from the jackalantern/spiderwick kennels but not sure if they are breeding any cockers currently.
Ours came from the jackalantern/spiderwick kennels but not sure if they are breeding any cockers currently.
Mine came from a farm for £125 14yrs ago
Best money I ever spent. Had a decent working life till 10 and was definitely a "hard" dog. A proper beating dog that missed nothing.
Still fit and hard bodied even now and has been in good health with very few vet bills.
Even now he`s being treated for an eye ulcer cause he bushed a hedge full of buckthorn for the two lurchers to work
Superb little dogs and amazing natures.
Best money I ever spent. Had a decent working life till 10 and was definitely a "hard" dog. A proper beating dog that missed nothing.
Still fit and hard bodied even now and has been in good health with very few vet bills.
Even now he`s being treated for an eye ulcer cause he bushed a hedge full of buckthorn for the two lurchers to work
Superb little dogs and amazing natures.
Can't add much to what's been said other than to say our working cocker is the best natured, most loving dog I have ever encountered. My wife says she's untrainable, I say she has spirit. She's not good on the lead, pulls a lot and doesn't always come back when recalled but we adore her!
Best thing we ever did getting her.
Best thing we ever did getting her.
We've had working cockers and a springer.
The springer is much easier - but not as bright as the best of the cockers.
They are brilliant dogs, but quite demanding in terms of stimulation and attention (if you don't provide it then they will create it for themselves - good luck with that :P )
Have a look at CAESSR - some great looking dogs on there, often I think because people have underestimated the commitment needed.
The springer is much easier - but not as bright as the best of the cockers.
They are brilliant dogs, but quite demanding in terms of stimulation and attention (if you don't provide it then they will create it for themselves - good luck with that :P )
Have a look at CAESSR - some great looking dogs on there, often I think because people have underestimated the commitment needed.
Somewhat inadvertently I have ended up with four of them. I have had springers in the past and can only echo that the Cockers are much more full on.
The eldest is now four and a bit, he was a failed gun dog, he's the calmest but that is not saying much.
The brown one is two and a half, he was someone's pup that they couldn't cope with; great on his own on and off the lead and in public; but is top dog and likes to boss the others when I'm not looking.
The two girls are now eighteen months, they are sisters and my eldest boy is probably their father (a long story). They are still a long way off being calm, preferring to play-fight with each other rather than listen. Any training has to be done separately for this reason.
They are busy dogs and need to be kept mentally stimulated, otherwise they will find their own amusement
I am glad I'm retired as looking after them is a full time job.
You can get their attention with food
The eldest is now four and a bit, he was a failed gun dog, he's the calmest but that is not saying much.
The brown one is two and a half, he was someone's pup that they couldn't cope with; great on his own on and off the lead and in public; but is top dog and likes to boss the others when I'm not looking.
The two girls are now eighteen months, they are sisters and my eldest boy is probably their father (a long story). They are still a long way off being calm, preferring to play-fight with each other rather than listen. Any training has to be done separately for this reason.
They are busy dogs and need to be kept mentally stimulated, otherwise they will find their own amusement
I am glad I'm retired as looking after them is a full time job.
You can get their attention with food
Here's Poppy typical friendly and slightly mental working cocker, loves attention and being with people.My parents had English and Welsh Springers and a show cocker, have to admit that Welsh Springers are great but we didn't want a puppy and hard to find a charity who will rehome a Welsh Springer to a home were both partners work even though she is never left more than 4 hours and gets more exercise than most.
Poppy is four now and was 9 months old when we had her,and had very little training so we have been on catch up but slowly getting there.Tried agility but she wasn't interested but does love running with me."Working Cocker Spaniels are the best dogs" group on Facebook are helpful. We were advised to be careful with food avoiding E numbers etc and use Millies Wolfheart.
Awesome dogs. Perfect dogs for young families. Tremendous natures but they do demand a lot of attention whilst they are still young. We have a 9 year old who is bullet proof. Took her with us to Singapore for 4 years so completely adaptable. Got a new puppy in March (contingency planning for my shooting needs) and training her now. Have sorted the pulling which they are well known for and can get her to stay close off the lead which is a real bonus. Picking up training starts soon. Once they are house trained they can go for hours alone as they sleep like logs. You never tire of their absolute happiness in seeing you come through the door.
We've got a lab, she's 10 now. Gundog and family pet. The first 12 months was hell with all the chewing - and that was with the wife at home! As soon as her back was turned, the pup was right into the furniture, shoes, anything that was left lying around (the kids soon learned to tidy up after themselves, so that was a bonus I suppose! :-) ) And that was despite her being well-worked on the training front first thing in the morning before I went to work (the dog, not the wife...)
Not sure what Spaniels are like for chewing?
The shooting I do is rough, mainly after woodies and rabbits. She never leaves my side till I tell her to go - she stays with me till there's a break in the shooting. I could've dropped 10 birds, and she remembers where every single one has gone down and brings each and every one back, even over dense stubble.
I work from home a lot these days, and she sleeps for most of it. I used to wonder what she was up to when we were at work, but it was definitely sleeping!!
Some of my shooting friends have spaniels, and they say that they never tire, even after miles worth of walking in morning and night, nor after a full day's shooting. Labs, however, do like their kip. Maybe worth considering a Lab if you don't have a good hour in a morning, and 2 hours at night - in all weathers - for a walk? Ours has always been happy with 30mins in the morning, and an hour at night - but we have loads of fields behind where we are where she can have a decent run, so not always on lead.
Edited to add - re-reading your original post, in my experience, running with a dog isn't a great idea; they spend most of their time jumping up trying to catch their lead when they're young, and makes proper lead training quite difficult. It can be difficult to get them to walk to heel as it is, without taking them for a walk one day, then jogging the day after. You need to set the pace from day one. And read up about using the "stop whistle" - google it, it is an invaluable technique if going shooting. But mainly - have fun with your incoming companion :-)
Not sure what Spaniels are like for chewing?
The shooting I do is rough, mainly after woodies and rabbits. She never leaves my side till I tell her to go - she stays with me till there's a break in the shooting. I could've dropped 10 birds, and she remembers where every single one has gone down and brings each and every one back, even over dense stubble.
I work from home a lot these days, and she sleeps for most of it. I used to wonder what she was up to when we were at work, but it was definitely sleeping!!
Some of my shooting friends have spaniels, and they say that they never tire, even after miles worth of walking in morning and night, nor after a full day's shooting. Labs, however, do like their kip. Maybe worth considering a Lab if you don't have a good hour in a morning, and 2 hours at night - in all weathers - for a walk? Ours has always been happy with 30mins in the morning, and an hour at night - but we have loads of fields behind where we are where she can have a decent run, so not always on lead.
Edited to add - re-reading your original post, in my experience, running with a dog isn't a great idea; they spend most of their time jumping up trying to catch their lead when they're young, and makes proper lead training quite difficult. It can be difficult to get them to walk to heel as it is, without taking them for a walk one day, then jogging the day after. You need to set the pace from day one. And read up about using the "stop whistle" - google it, it is an invaluable technique if going shooting. But mainly - have fun with your incoming companion :-)
Edited by damon80 on Friday 11th November 23:55
Bit of a thread bump this..but
This might be a stupid question..is the 'working' cocker different to a non working cocker, does that make sense?
Our family had a cocker when I was a young boy, as did my wife when she was younger. I am sure they were not 'workers' in fact I cannot imagine 'Lady' (R.I.P) working at all!
Have I made that up?
This might be a stupid question..is the 'working' cocker different to a non working cocker, does that make sense?
Our family had a cocker when I was a young boy, as did my wife when she was younger. I am sure they were not 'workers' in fact I cannot imagine 'Lady' (R.I.P) working at all!
Have I made that up?
There are two different "strains" of cocker. Working type and show type. Both can be pedigree. Easiest way to differentiate looks wise is that working type have shorter ears like this (still big though):
They are super busy all of the time and will dive in to cover, chasing anything that moves. Won't sit still, need to be doing all of the time. Need mental and physical stimulation like you wouldn't believe.
Show types have longer ears and are generally more laid back:
Both can be pedigree. You could enter a working type in a show like crufts you wouldn't get very far as they differ from the breed "standard" looks wise. Likewise you could enter a show type in a working field trial but likely wouldn't do very well. Both nice dogs, but depends what you are looking for. Our WCS is nuts. Always needs to be doing something.
Working type are bred to work, as previous posters have said, on shoots, working cover hunting for birds to put them up, i.e. chase but not catch. Even dogs not trained specifically to work on shoots will often "work" their patch in a specific pattern on walks for example. Show type can be a bit more laid back. Working type that work i'd say will usually have shorter hair as less to get caught on in undergrowth, though of course show type can be clipped too.
They are super busy all of the time and will dive in to cover, chasing anything that moves. Won't sit still, need to be doing all of the time. Need mental and physical stimulation like you wouldn't believe.
Show types have longer ears and are generally more laid back:
Both can be pedigree. You could enter a working type in a show like crufts you wouldn't get very far as they differ from the breed "standard" looks wise. Likewise you could enter a show type in a working field trial but likely wouldn't do very well. Both nice dogs, but depends what you are looking for. Our WCS is nuts. Always needs to be doing something.
Working type are bred to work, as previous posters have said, on shoots, working cover hunting for birds to put them up, i.e. chase but not catch. Even dogs not trained specifically to work on shoots will often "work" their patch in a specific pattern on walks for example. Show type can be a bit more laid back. Working type that work i'd say will usually have shorter hair as less to get caught on in undergrowth, though of course show type can be clipped too.
Edited by chrisga on Monday 5th February 11:21
Thank you that makes sense. We had show cockers then back in the day, loved that dog.
We are thinking about getting a dog for our family, I would like a mini-schnauzer, or now, a show cocker.
Wife and kids are more after a cockapoo type thing, which I am not too keen on.
40 year old photo of Lady, grew up with dog and loved her to bits.
We are thinking about getting a dog for our family, I would like a mini-schnauzer, or now, a show cocker.
Wife and kids are more after a cockapoo type thing, which I am not too keen on.
40 year old photo of Lady, grew up with dog and loved her to bits.
sir humphrey appleby said:
Thank you that makes sense. We had show cockers then back in the day, loved that dog.
We are thinking about getting a dog for our family, I would like a mini-schnauzer, or now, a show cocker.
Wife and kids are more after a cockapoo type thing, which I am not too keen on.
I have a 10 year old working cocker and since the ago of six has slowed down indoors.We are thinking about getting a dog for our family, I would like a mini-schnauzer, or now, a show cocker.
Wife and kids are more after a cockapoo type thing, which I am not too keen on.
Until then he was a tad manic. They are great dogs but do have lots of energy.
Mine doesn't work but his dad was a field trials champion, so the instinct to work is strong.
You need to decide which type is best for you.
I also don't think you should discount a cockerpoo, although as with all crosses, you never know which will be the dominant genes
Good luck
Edited by garythesign on Monday 5th February 23:15
We have Rosie, a rescue show type cocker (ex-puppy farm). She is lovely, and not at all hyper. Plenty of stamina but will also settle down of an evening.
We are lucky in that we live near a rescue which gets lots of cockers in from puppy farms, and could choose from about 10 when we went. They have 17 at the moment
They do like you to have another dog already in most cases, though, as ex-puppy farm dogs are usually very nervous and get confidence from other dogs. Rosie certainly wouldn't have recovered the way she has without our other dogs. The photo above was her first visit to the beach.
We are lucky in that we live near a rescue which gets lots of cockers in from puppy farms, and could choose from about 10 when we went. They have 17 at the moment
They do like you to have another dog already in most cases, though, as ex-puppy farm dogs are usually very nervous and get confidence from other dogs. Rosie certainly wouldn't have recovered the way she has without our other dogs. The photo above was her first visit to the beach.Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff