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The American Cocker Spaniel, and many other varieties of spaniels, are wonderfully adaptable dogs, and with proper care and training, can be the best of show dogs, sporting companions, or pets. Caring for them requires several activities that are not necessary for other breeds, but with the proper instructions actually aren't all that difficult.

Being a medium-sized dog, the Cocker is relatively easy to handle even when it is fully grown to adult size. The trick is in getting your puppy into the habits from the beginning that will save frustrations as they grow a little older. A 6 month-old Cocker's temperament can be similar to a child in the "terrible twos" if not accustomed to what is expected by that time.

It is especially important to go gently in teaching your Cocker Spaniel the basics. Sit, wait, stay, down, come - these are commands that are necessary to be able to interact with your Cocker and for him or her to be able to interact with other pets and humans when they are out and about, away from the comfort and possibly the seclusion of the home environment. Even at home, it is most undesirable for your pet to try to take over the household and frustrating for everyone else, animal or human, to deal with this kind of behavior. So first of all, the basics can be taught without the help of professionals, just with patience, practice, and praise. Treats can be used, but only when the request or command is achieved by the pet. Some people prefer to lavish praise on the Cocker instead of treats, as treats can be expected then for each little request. So as Cockers are a breed that loves to please and is seldom headstrong enough to purposely disobey, patience, practice, and praise often works just as well as a reward as treats. Above all, gentle training is necessary for the Cocker Spaniel breed, as demanding and punitive training methods will produce aggression. Cockers are known to be a sensitive breed.

The fur of a Cocker Spaniel is of medium length. According to AKC (American Kennel Club) standards, it should not be curly, but can be wavy or silken straight. One of our Cockers is an adoptee with a sketchy biography and lacks any formal registration. He is typically Cocker except for the legs, which are a mass of thick curls. Whatever the length or texture of your Cocker's fur, it is necessary to keep it brushed as often as possible - perhaps daily, depending on level of activity - and bathed about four times a year. Some people like to take the Cocker

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