English Cocker Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The AKC Standard says, "His enthusiasm in the field and the incessant action of his tail while at work indicate how much he enjoys the hunting for which he was bred."

With more sporting instincts than the American Cocker Spaniel, the lively English Cocker Spaniel likes more exercise.

When well socialized, the English Cocker Spaniel has a merry tail-wagging nature and is sweet and gentle with everyone. Some are on the reserved side, and there is timidity and excessive submissiveness in some lines.

This equable dog is responsive to persuasive obedience training that includes praise and food rewards.

Unless taught to be independent, some individuals are so persistently affectionate that they become clingy and demanding of attention.

Some Cocker Spaniels, especially adolescents and young adults, are excessively submissive. These dogs might suddenly urinate (or dribble urine) when they get over-excited or feel intimidated. This might simply be someone's hand reaching to pet them, or your body looming over them during play. This is not a housebreaking issue! It's called excitable or submissive urination  and it might go away with time as long as you don't punish the dog.

If you want a dog who...

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Cockers have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.

More traits and characteristics of the English Cocker Spaniel

If I was considering an English Cocker Spaniel, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough exercise. The English Cocker Spaniel is a hunting dog who needs more exercise than you might think. Just because he's small doesn't mean he will be happy living in an apartment with no yard and a couple of walks around the block. This breed needs some outside space (fenced) to romp and play.
2. Potential separation anxiety. English Cocker Spaniels need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They tend to express their unhappiness through destructive chewing and barking. If you work all day, this is not the breed for you.
3. Lots of grooming. To keep their silky coat free of mats, English Cocker Spaniels require regular brushing and combing, plus trimming and clipping every couple of months. You either need to learn how to use an electric clipper, or pay a professional groomer to do it.
4. Shedding. English Cocker Spaniels shed quite a lot – I would call it on the "high side of average".
5. Potential barking. English Cocker Spaniels are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them.

   To teach your Cocker to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. Read my free online training programs.