Information About The Dog Breed - English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized, harmonious dog. His coat is soft and silky and has extra long hairs on the front legs. He can have different colours and colour combinations, including solid black, red, orange and brown, combinations of black and white, liver and white, red and white, blue mould, orange mould, black mould, bicolour and tricolour. An adult male is 39-41cm tall and females are 38-39cm. They weigh about 13-14.5kg.

Fun things you need to know about a Cocker Spaniel:

• Dog suitable for owners with a little experience;
• Requires extensive training;
• Likes to go for extensive walks;
• Likes to go for an hour's walk a day;
• Small dog;
• Drools a little;
• Needs to be groomed every other day;
• Barking and talkative dog;
• Watchdog. Barks and warns;
• Goes well with other pets.

These busy, friendly dogs love human company and want nothing more than to please their owners. They are ideal dogs if you have children and they also get along well with other pets. The Cocker Spaniel is a happy dog, constantly wagging its tail and eager to bring you 'presents'. It learns quickly and is easy to train.

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Health, Grooming, Exercise, Training & Nutrition Cocker Spaniel

Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.

#1 Health of A Cocker Spaniel

One of the most common problems of the English Cocker Spaniel is recurrent ear infections, due to its large hanging ears. Like most breeds, this dog can also suffer from various hereditary eye defects and hip dysplasia (a defect that can lead to mobility problems). It is important to look at eye tests and hip scores before breeding.

#2 Grooming a Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels require regular, thorough grooming. Sessions missed are not easily made up and may result in tangles or mats in the Cocker's coat. A metal, professional-quality dog comb with fine and medium spacing for the teeth is a necessity. You can follow combing with a gentle slicker brush, but the comb is key. Loose hair should be carefully removed with the comb, making sure you are clear and can see through to the skin everywhere. If you encounter snarls, do not pull through; rather, pick snarls apart, starting at the tips of the coat and then comb through. Be cautious when combing ears; the skin at the edges is thin and can be pierced by too-vigorous combing.

The Cocker requires thorough bathing with quality dog shampoo. Thorough rinsing and re-rinsing are crucial, as soap residue can cause skin irritation. Dry carefully with a blow-dryer on not too hot a setting. Learn the procedure for cleaning and drying the ear canals. During bathing, check the Cocker's skin for any inflamed spots and get treatment. It is key to learn grooming procedures yourself and/or enlist the services of a professional groomer who likes and is experienced in grooming the breed.

#3 Exercise a Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is a sporting breed and should maintain good muscle tone, although the breed is not one that needs a lot of exercise for the purpose of discharging an abundance of energy. Cockers often enjoy getting their exercise by means of retrieving a ball or other toy, or accompanying their people on a walk. They very much enjoy spending time with their people, so walking is a good exercise option. If the Cocker has a canine companion, they can play to exercise each other. The Cocker Spaniel wants to please people and enjoys play, so these are tools you can use to encourage exercise.

Read more: 29 Must-Follow Tips | How to Transport a Dog in a Car?

#4 Training of a Cocker Spaniel

Regarding training the Cocker Spaniel, the good news is that in general this is a people-pleasing breed. They want to be 'good'in order to please their people, and they are generally sensitive and responsive to correction and a disapproving tone in their owner's voice. Harsh means of correction are not usually warranted, nor are they productive in the Cocker.

The breed enjoys the challenge of performance activities, and it is a good idea to try out the available activities and events to see what interests your individual Cocker and follow through with training. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended. Cockers are rather easily motivated with food rewards and with play and praise.

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#5 Nutrition

Selecting the best diet can be a matter of trial and for the individual dog. The key is to pay attention to food labels for quality ingredients. The owner can seek advice from their dog's veterinarian regarding any particular sensitivities or needs the Cocker has. Choose a high-quality food and give it a fair tryout. A chicken and rice'¿based food has long been a good starting point for Cocker food trials, but consider individual sensitivities, likes, and needs. Maintain proper weight, but be careful not to overfeed. Groomers and veterinarians often see overweight Cockers.

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How To Transport A Cocker Spaniel in The Car?

Whether your Cocker Spaniel is 6 months, 1 year or 5 years old, you will need to transport it by car one way or another. The destinations could be visiting the dog vet, family, a vacation trip or a walk in the woods. Whatever the reason may be, being well-prepared when travelling with a Cocker Spaniel in the car is very important.

How To Ensure Comfort in The Car For A Cocker Spaniel?

Travelling in a vehicle can be distressing for your pet along with the motion causing them to be sick. To help your Cocker Spaniel getting used to being in the car, it’s best to introduce them to this as early as possible as part of their socialisation training. Exposing them at a young age to this environment will desensitise their uncertainty and get them used to the motion. It’s best for your dog to be able to see out of a window when travelling, or if your pet is prone to motion sickness, allow them to face forward.

Travel socialisation can be built up, starting with short distances and extending to longer distance car journeys. Treats can help make these new experiences positive and reinforce your pet that they have behaved well.

Travelling With A Cocker Spaniel in The Car

How to travel with a dog in the car? In order to ensure a successfull car ride you need to be well-prepared. We have gathered the best must-follow tips to create the best preparation for your dog.

The most common dog problems that many dogs experience in the car:

• Motion sickness: to avoid car sickness, it's important to not feed your dog a few hours before leaving the house;
• Stress: be familiar with dog stress in the car. Read our blog to learn more about stress in dogs;
• Anxiety: anxiety by dogs in car rides are very common. Read more about this problem to prevent it.

What are the best tips to travel with a dog?

• Law rules & Requirements - of how to travel with a dog in Europe;
• 29 Must-Follow Tips - How to transport a dog in the car?;

Tips:

• If you’re staying in a hotel, call the management in advance and know their policies when it comes to pets;
• Bring your dog’s medical certificates, vaccination documents, and other similar records just in case they are required;
• When traveling by land, take a break every 2-3 hours. Bring your dog out of the crate and let him get some fresh air to stretch a little bit. Bathroom breaks would also be important for your pet;
• If all else fails, you can consider using medication or sedative as prescribed by your vet;
• Make sure your dog is used to getting into your car regularly from a young age;
• To make sure he doesn't get too stressed, take the time to gradually get him used to the car. You can make several short trips, reward him with a treat so he associates transportation with positive things;
• Never leave your dog alone in the car, even with the window open, in the shade or even in winter (risk of excessive heat, injuries ...);
• If you travel by car with your dog, stop every 2 hours for his needs and give him something to drink;
• Make sure the driver is safe;
• Make sure your dog is safe and comfortable by using a dog car seat.

Read more: Stress By Dogs in Car Rides - How To Relieve Dog Stress

Travelling in The Car - Safety For Your Cocker Spaniel

One of the most important rules of travelling with your dog: Do not leave your Cocker Spaniel free in the car. Indeed, he may be injured, fall or receive a shock when braking hard.

1. Dog car seat: The best investment is a dog car seat with safety elements to ensure a safe car ride;
2. Safety elements: always make sure your dog is restraint with a sturdy dog harness and a dog car seat belt;

Travelling in The Car - Safety For The Driver

In a collision at 50 km/h, even a small dog can become a life-threatening projectile for passengers in the car. What is the law on dogs in cars? When in a vehicle make sure dogs or  are suitably restrained to avoid distraction or injuring. In an event of a collision, it could be used as evidence against you if your dog is not properly secured.

Do dogs have to be restrained in cars? When driving with dogs it's important to be familiar with the law rule 57 highway code. A proper dog car seat, dog harness, dog seat belt are the best ways of restraining. Make sure to check out the correct law rules for your own country.

If your pet is found to have caused or contributed to an accident, your car insurance could be invalid, as well as any pet insurance. You could also face a fine of up to £5,000 if you’re taken to court, as well as points on your license.

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