Anyone Own a Cocker Spaniel now, or before?

Question

We just adopted one from a man next door who is never home for him. He is an excellent dog, doesnt even require a leash when we are outside with him.
And he has never been around kids, but is so far good to my daughter.
I have heard some stories though, and wondered what kind of experiences you all have had with them?
Thank U

Answer 1

The first thing, is that they don't tolerate physical discipline. Loud yelling at them or hitting them will make them biters.
Gentle correction is enough, and positive reinforcement is the only way to handle training/obedience problems.
many people treat them as they did their last dog, with loud correction, or spanking. For some reason, Cockers will turn aggressive if treated in this way.
That is why they have a poor reputation as pets for children.
I raised Cockers, and would always find them wonderful companions, and great with gentle kids.

Now, a baby hurting on accident is tolerated, as they do have a sense of caring for small children, but an older child abusing will turn them mean, as they are not very forgiving.

Answer 2

I think they are beautiful dogs but require lots of hair cuts and maintinance. They can be not so great with kids and have had a sort of high bite incidence.
They are less tolerante of being messed with.
If raised around kids and they kids are respectful of the dog you should have no problems.
I have found them to be pretty easy going about things and not realy hard to train for basic stuff.
A good walk and some paly time and they are good to go.

Answer 3

Cocker Spaniels are about the dumbest dogs that ever lived. They also have disgusting oily smelly skin, and frequently develop skin conditions like sebhorric dermatitis and cysts. They are unpredictable biters, and even when trained will piddle on themselves when they get excited. You couldn't pay me enough to have one of these dogs!

As a dog groomer, I came across a lot of cockers, and never met one that had any intelligence. They bite, they pee, and they smell horrible!

Answer 4

We have had cocker spaniels in our family for years. They are gentle, great with children, and smart. It all depends on how they are raised. As far as the way they smell, that also depends on the way they are cared for. We have never experienced anything negative with our cockers. Good Luck and congratulations.

Answer 5

Well, I have a gold with white Cooker Spaniel.
They're great with kids and any person . .....Just brush their hair once or twice a day so they won't shed a lot.....Be kind and place any dog toys around so it can play. Always place water where the dog is playing or around. You can find more on the web by searching it. Have Fun with your new Cooker Spaniel!!!

Answer 6

I have a cocker now and I had one growing up. Both were wonderful. The one I have now is a great dog.. he is sweet and playful and lovable and great with kids of all ages :)

Answer 7

I do! And they are great family pets. Very smart, easily trained, great with kids & other pets...I could go on & on. I have a few different breeds but the cocker is my favorite. What color is yours? I want a chocolate but my family doesn't like that color. I say if it's good enough for Oprah, it's good enough for me. (lol)

Answer 8

Usually a Cocker Spaniel is protective of its owner, My Mom had one, and Bingo (dog name) would growl when strangers would enter her room, didn't bite, just very possessive of its owner.

Answer 9

I DO!! I love my dog like he is my child :) they are fine with kids!! IF your dog was going to be aggresive it probably would have shown signs of it already :) ENJOY the new dog