Whether you are a first time dog owner or have had your dog for years, there are certain things you should know when raising a cocker spaniel puppy. These tips can help you get your dog started off on the right foot.
Get your puppy socialized
Whether your Cocker Spaniel puppy is a new arrival or an old dog, socialization is important. It will help your dog become less stressed and improve his/her behavior.
You should start exposing your puppy to people and objects around your home at a very young age. This will be a positive learning experience for both you and your puppy.
Taking your puppy to a park will also give him/her a chance to meet new people. You can introduce different types of sounds, textures, and heights.
Puppies should be introduced to people one at a time, so they can get used to them. This is the best way to ensure that you avoid creating an uncomfortable situation.
You should start with people you know, and gradually work up to strangers. This will take a few weeks, so be patient.
As with any other pet, your Cocker Spaniel puppy needs to be handled carefully. You should learn how to read your dog’s body language so you can react appropriately.
If your dog shows signs of aggression, you should act immediately. This may be a sign of a past trauma. You should never leave a child unsupervised with a dog, even if they are well-meaning.
You should also keep an eye on your pet in unfamiliar situations. If your puppy is afraid of a stranger, you should calm him/her down. This is the most important thing.
The key is to use consistent, structured training. This will make your pup feel secure and confident.
It is not uncommon for dogs to get frightened or aggressive when they are first socialized. This is not because they are shy, but because they haven’t been properly conditioned.
Get your puppy to pick up toys
Getting your cocker spaniel puppy to pick up toys is an important skill to learn. They are bred to be retrievers, and they love playing fetch. Fortunately, they are incredibly smart and quick learners.
First of all, they are great at following their noses to find something that smells good. However, they can be a bit of a pain when you are looking for things in their mouths, especially if they are prone to biting. To avoid this, pop a finger inside their harness before you give them a treat.
Another thing to remember is that Cocker Spaniels are not only smart, they are also loyal. If you get your hands on a puppy, be sure to spend as much time with it as possible. Putting aside a few minutes each day to play with it will make it feel at home and give it a reason to look forward to your company.
You can also teach your Cocker Spaniel to retrieve a tennis ball. This exercise will keep your dog fit, and it is a nice way to hone the coordination and vestibular system. It takes less energy than walking your dog, and it will help your puppy stay healthy.
Hopefully, you will see your Cocker Spaniel pick up a toy before you know it. The trick is to give it lots of praise for doing so. You can use treats, and also make sure it has plenty of space to practice.
While you are teaching your puppy to fetch a ball, you might want to try throwing the ball a little farther away. This will keep your puppy from becoming too stressed.
It may be easier to start with a smaller toy, or a toy your puppy is already familiar with. To keep your puppy from reverting to his natural instincts, don’t let him jump up on things until after a year.
Get your puppy to walk nicely on the lead
Getting your Cocker Spaniel to walk nicely on the lead is an important part of owning one. The best way to do this is to take your puppy outside for some exercise. While you’re out there, keep in mind that some puppies are more comfortable with this activity than others.
You should also try to keep your puppy from climbing anything too high. This will encourage him to be more interested in what’s going on around him. It will also keep him in shape and his muscles toned.
Another trick is to use your fingers inside your harness when you are giving your puppy a treat. This will prevent him from running away when you give him his prize.
A Cocker Spaniel has an incredible sense of smell. This is great because it means you can find something if you know where to look. However, it can also be distracting. This is why you should play hide and seek with a toy.
Another trick is to teach your puppy to sit. There are several different ways to do this. Using a ‘hup’ command will help your puppy learn to be comfortable sitting. This is important because you want your dog to be safe and happy in his surroundings.
You can also get your Cocker Spaniel to walk nicely on a lead by letting him off the leash. While this can be a scary thing for some dogs, it’s an important step to taking your pup outside and letting him enjoy some fresh air. This will make him much more comfortable.
While you’re outside, be sure to give your Cocker Spaniel some attention. This might seem like a silly task, but your pup is still learning. This is especially true if you are dealing with a young pup. It’s not uncommon for a puppy to fight the leash at first, so be patient.
Get your puppy to master generalisation
Getting your Cocker Spaniel to master generalisation is a skill that needs to be mastered from the earliest days. Although Cocker Spaniels are quick learners, you must be prepared to spend some time with your puppy if you want them to learn new things.
The first step is to start socialising your puppy. A good way to do this is by taking your dog for a walk. This will not only provide exercise, but it will also teach your puppy the appropriate way to interact with other people. You can also take your puppy to puppy training classes.
When you’re at home, there are plenty of activities you can engage your puppy in. The best thing to do is to find a quiet spot away from traffic. This will allow your pup to practice her skills while learning how to be a responsible member of the family.
It’s also a good idea to get your puppy used to walking on a lead. This will help them become more comfortable when they are outside.
When you’re out, make sure to give your puppy plenty of treats. This will not only keep them occupied, it will also make them feel more in control.
In addition, you can also teach your pup to perform the trick of putting their front paws on an elevated surface. This is a pretty impressive feat, and will prove beneficial if your pup gets injured.
To do this, try putting your hand inside your puppy’s harness. This will not only help you to keep your hands free, it will also prevent your pup from running off with the treat.
You should also try playing a game called “rock, paper, scissors” with your pup. It’s a good idea to use the “leave it” command if you’re doing this, as this will help prevent your Spaniel from picking up any items that might harm them.
Grooming your cocker spaniel
Getting your cocker spaniel puppy groomed is a rewarding experience. It will bond you with your pet, and it is a great way to keep his coat looking healthy.
The best place to start is by using a clean, damp washcloth. Use the corner of the cloth to wipe any seepage under the dog’s eyes.
When the area is dry, you can brush the hair from head to tail. This is important to distribute natural oils, and to keep the coat healthy. You can also trim the hair along the edges of the coat to make it look more polished.
The ear area is another area that needs to be properly taken care of. To remove dirt and tangles, you can use a dog comb. It is also possible to use a metal pin comb.
If you are not comfortable with clipping your dog’s ears, you can take your pup to a professional groomer. They can remove tangles, and take care of any infections.
In addition to grooming your Cocker Spaniel, it is a good idea to brush his teeth. This helps to keep his mouth clean and helps to prevent tangles.
The skin around the ears is very delicate. To avoid damaging the sensitive folds of the ears, you can use ear wipes. However, you should be careful not to push the wipe into the ear canal.
It is also important to bathe your puppy on a regular basis. You should not bathe your Cocker Spaniel with soap. The residue from the soap can irritate the skin. You should rinse his coat thoroughly to remove any soapy particles.
It is important to use quality tear-free shampoo to wash your Cocker Spaniel’s coat. After rinsing, you can apply conditioner to the coat if you desire.
