Cocker spaniel: care and maintenance at home

The Russian Spaniel is a friendly, loyal and easy-going dog that loves hunting and other forms of physical activity.

It is vital for representatives of the breed to show their hunting talents. That is why it is important to walk dogs living in the city regularly and allow them to release their pent-up energy through games and exercise.

If these conditions are met, the Russian Spaniel will become an excellent friend and companion for any owner.

How to prepare to buy a puppy

Caring for a spaniel puppy is a troublesome task. This breed is active from birth. To prevent the new family member from causing trouble, you need to organize his own corner for him. It is better to place the dog bed in a warm, dry and clean corner, so that the puppy can see as much of the apartment as possible (observation of the kitchen is especially valuable), but not get underfoot. A small puppy needs a change of diapers.

Cocker spaniel dog

What else you need to think about in advance:

• remove from the puppy’s access area all objects that could injure him or damage them. It must be removed to a height of 80cm;
• space – pets love to run, they need a lot of space;
• bowls, leash, collar, toys, grooming tools;
• supply of disposable diapers. The puppy will not immediately learn to do his business outside.

As soon as possible after purchasing a puppy, you should take it to the veterinarian and get vaccinated.

Characteristics and breed standard

When purchasing a friend, companion, family member or a nanny for a child, they rarely think about standards, choosing a spaniel puppy “by heart” and by appearance. However, for exhibitions and breeding, the characteristics of the breed and the standard, which has not changed since 1992, are taken into account.

Any deviations from the norm will cause the dog to be disqualified. Non-standard mainly includes color inconsistency (more than 90% of the base color, irregular spots, more than 10% of tan or flecks of color) and height at the withers, which should not exceed 15 inches for males and 14 for females.

However, purchasing a pet for your soul does not oblige you to take into account all breed standards. After all, color discrepancy does not reduce the affection for dogs with almost ideal character and temperament, which allows the “non-standard” to become an excellent friend and companion.

English Cocker Spaniel: puppy care

American cocker and English cocker spaniel: differences

As soon as an English spaniel appears in the house, it needs to be taught hygiene procedures - cleaning its ears, bathing, cutting and combing its fur. But the most difficult part of caring for a spaniel puppy is training. The dog needs to be taught to obey commands and develop the habit of obeying its owner. Reward for good behavior works best - petting, praise, treats. To express dissatisfaction, it is enough to speak to the puppy in a disappointed tone; animals sense intonation very well.

Important! You cannot shout, swear, or hit the dog - the effect of training will be reduced. Interactions with other dogs, children, and strangers need to be controlled.

Cocker spaniel puppy

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Caring for teeth, nails and ears

Dwarf spaniel (mini cocker): description of the breed

The ears of the American and English spaniel are the hallmark of the breed. Unfortunately, they often become inflamed. The ears should be inspected after each walk, and cleaned once a week with a cotton swab dipped in an antiseptic solution or a special lotion for dogs.

Nail trimming

On the street, the dog wears its claws off on asphalt and hard stones, so in the summer there is no need to trim its claws. For winter you need to buy a nail clipper. A dog manicure should be done once a month.

Taking care of your teeth

The natural way to clean teeth in dogs is mechanical cleaning by chewing solid food. For this function to be performed in pets, you need to give them chew toys. Once every 2-3 days the animal’s teeth are brushed. To do this, you need to get a dog brush and toothpaste that are convenient and safe for your pet.

Vaccination

Russian spaniels, like other representatives of hunting breeds, often come into contact with wild animals. Therefore, an important point in the care and maintenance of a dog is timely vaccination. In the first year of life, this procedure takes place in several stages. Deworming is carried out 7–10 days before each vaccination.

The first vaccinations for Russian Spaniel puppies are given at 6–10 weeks, followed by booster vaccinations at 10–14 weeks. Typically, a complex vaccine is used for this, which will protect the animal from canine distemper, leptospirosis and other infections.

Rabies vaccination is also mandatory - it is given no earlier than 10-14 weeks. 2 weeks after the last vaccination, the puppy can go for its first walk.

Starting from 12 months, the animal must be revaccinated annually with a complex vaccine against rabies and other infections. Before this procedure, the adult dog is also dewormed.

Important. The owner should be aware that it is prohibited to vaccinate a dog that is sick, or pregnant, or in heat.

In addition, for some time after vaccination, the Russian Spaniel must be provided with special care: do not wet the injection site for 2-3 days, and completely bathe the animal no earlier than after 10 days. Also during this time you need to carefully monitor your pet: do not allow him to get wet or hypothermia.

Grooming

Chihuahua: care and maintenance at home

The most difficult thing in caring for and maintaining a cocker spaniel is grooming its coat. This breed has a thick and soft coat, which perfectly protects it from frost and snow, but at home it causes inconvenience to its owners. Just like humans, cockers need to be brushed every day, and twice a day when shedding. For this you need to use a special comb for long-haired dogs. You should not brush your spaniel with a human comb or a cat brush.

Spaniels like water treatments

Pet bathing and care products

Spaniels love water and tolerate bathing easily. Rules for safe bathing procedures:

• wash your dog no more than twice a month - then the skin will not dry out;
• use shampoo for long-haired dogs;
• After bathing, dry the dog with a towel and dry it with a hairdryer;
• Until the wool is completely dry, avoid drafts.

Note! If the dog gets dirty, it can be bathed unscheduled. Some spaniels remember their hunting roots and enjoy swimming in open water.

Dog grooming and cutting

The fur on the chest, paws and tips of the ears needs to be trimmed. This is where this breed can develop mats even with proper brushing. You can learn all the manipulations yourself; this will require scissors and a lot of patience. If a dog has been accustomed to grooming since childhood, it will not interfere with hygiene procedures.

If owners want to send their pet to an exhibition, then they need to contact a professional groomer. The specialist knows how to care for a spaniel and will put its coat in perfect order so that all the advantages of the breed are visible.

What tools and equipment will be needed

A complete set of tools for grooming at home:

• table with adjustable height. For dogs, it replaces the grooming chair;
• clipper for cutting long-haired dogs with soft fur (parameters are adjustable);
• attachments for the machine (depending on the desired effect);
• hairdressing scissors – straight and thinning;
• wool brush;
• two combs - with frequent and sparse teeth.

Attention! If the dog does not like the procedure, you have to keep it on a leash. Then the haircut must be carried out by two people.

On the hunt

Tail docking

When the breed was first developed, tail docking was mandatory. It protected the dog from injury during the hunt. But now, when spaniels have become mainly decorative, such an operation is not necessary. Pets with undocked tails can participate in exhibitions.

If the owner nevertheless decides to undergo the procedure, then the most suitable age is up to 3 months. In older puppies, the likelihood of complications increases sharply. After surgery, the puppy needs to treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide and Levomikol every day until it heals. The procedure is performed only on healthy puppies.

Training and education

Caring for a Russian Spaniel, in addition to hygiene procedures, must necessarily include training and education. Representatives of the breed are very loyal and are considered dogs of one owner, who must train the pet.

A pleasant bonus in keeping a representative of this breed is that Russian spaniels are highly trainable, have a good memory, and are also distinguished by their diligence, so even an inexperienced dog breeder can easily cope with their training.

Particular attention should be paid to working out the dog’s reaction to being called, so that in the future he does not run away during a walk or hunt. Learning basic commands can begin 2-3 days after the baby moves to a new home and gets used to it.

Russian Spaniels are often bred to help with hunting. When keeping a hunter, you will need to separately work out the necessary working qualities with your pet.

Training a puppy should begin when he remembers all the basic commands and learns to carry them out correctly. This usually occurs around 5 months. Russian spaniels, unlike dogs of other breeds, become full-fledged hunting dogs at 8–10 months.

Toilet training

One of the most important issues in the care and maintenance of a Russian Spaniel puppy is training him to use the toilet outside.

In the first year of life, the baby can walk outside only after he has received all the necessary vaccinations. Until this moment, he needs to be taught to go to the toilet in a disposable diaper or in a litter tray.

Usually puppies go to the toilet immediately after sleeping and eating, so as soon as the pet wakes up or eats, you need to take him to the diaper and keep him there for a while. When he “does his job,” you should definitely praise him. It is not necessary to change the diaper after each “go to the toilet” - this way the puppy will get used to the toilet faster, since he will follow the smell.

On a note. Dog handlers advise: when the puppy can go outside, immediately after waking up, the sleepy dog ​​is carried outside in your arms and placed on the cold ground. It is recommended to do this several times after meals and sleep. After such a “little stress” the puppy will begin to ask to go outside to the toilet.

It is extremely important for the owner to remember that hitting and poking the baby’s nose into puddles is prohibited. You just need to scold him and once again show him the place where he should go to the toilet.

Cocker diet

Cocker spaniels are suitable for premium dry food. This way the owners will be sure that the food is of high quality. You can feed your dog natural products, then the basis of the diet should be boiled boneless meat. For variety, you can add offal (boiled), fermented milk products, and soft-boiled eggs. Once a week, bread, cereals, boiled vegetables, and sometimes dried fruits and crackers may appear on the menu.

An adult dog is fed once or twice a day, puppies - from 6 to 3 depending on age. The amount of food should correspond to the physical activity of the pet. The active nature of cockers requires a lot of energy, especially in young dogs. Owners should be prepared for their pet's gluttony.

Possible health problems

With good nutrition and care, cockers rarely get sick and do not complain about their health. Common diseases are colds and gastrointestinal disorders.

However, representatives of this breed also have hereditary diseases, which include:

• Collapse. If this disease is present, the animal does not tolerate heavy physical exertion, even to the point of paralysis of the hind legs. The disease begins to manifest itself at 5-6 months. You may notice a slight swaying motion in the dog.
• Degenerative myelopathy. Also marked by paralysis, but only of all limbs. The disease begins at the age of 8 years and cannot be treated. An early sign is complete immobility of the tail.
• Insufficiency of phosphoronculosis. Symptoms include anemia, general weakness, cramps and spasms. There is no treatment.
• Progressive retinal atrophy is blindness, which also cannot be treated.
• Accumulation of salts leading to stones.

A healthy American Cocker Spaniel is active and easy to train.

Walks and games

If the owners liked the cocker spaniel, caring for it should definitely include walks. Such a dog needs to go outside not only for toilet chores - the pet needs physical activity. It is best to walk on training grounds where the dog can run without a leash. You need to walk your dog twice a day, for each walk for at least half an hour, but preferably an hour. If your pet doesn't run around enough during a walk, it will show its activity at home.

Ready for a walk

Origin story

The first mention of the breed dates back to 1692. According to archaeological data, it is believed that spaniels come from Asia Minor, where there were about 20 varieties at that time. It was from Asia that cockers moved to Europe, where the formation of the American Cocker Spaniel breed began.

Once in America, the breeders decided to improve and modify the appearance of the dogs, creating “their own” breed.

Thus, in 1883, the emergence of an independent breed of American Cocker Spaniel was recorded in Manchester. In 1935, there was a final separation of the clubs, and as a result of the breeds: English and American spaniel.

Until now, dogs are incredibly in demand and loved not only in the USA, but throughout the world. Spaniels are purchased both for hunting, breeding and exhibitions, and as a family friend.

What diseases can occur in pets?

Each description of the breed emphasizes that cocker spaniels are distinguished by excellent health and great physical activity. But this breed has several weak points - ears, eyes, tail and hip joint. In addition, due to high activity, the dog can be injured. If the animal does not receive enough physical activity, there is a risk of obesity. Proper care and education helps reduce the risk of disease. It is advisable to undergo regular checkups with a veterinarian.

The Cocker Spaniel is a companion for hunting, outdoor activities and city life. The dog does not like to be bored, but it is very obedient and, with proper training, gets along well with children and does not show aggression towards other animals.

Spaniel activity

This is a very active breed, which, however, is not surprising, because spaniels are hunters. Of course, most pets are kept in city apartments, and many have never even seen game. But the temperament of dogs of this breed is very lively and hot. Therefore, you will have to walk your pet a lot and often. During a walk, the animal must not only satisfy its natural needs, but also its need for movement. Walk for at least 1.5 hours, let your dog run around as much as possible. Buy a special exercise machine that your pet can play and exercise with. Puller would be a great solution.

How to bathe a dog

A couple of decades ago it was believed that it was impossible to bathe a dog more than 2 times a year, and that it was harmful. Indeed, the use of soap and shampoo intended for humans did not bring much benefit. Our skin and hair have different pH levels, and human cosmetics are too harsh for animals. It dries out the dog's skin and coat and can cause allergic dermatitis and various types of problems. It is strictly not recommended to wash your dog with such products!

Today, the pet products industry offers a huge range of hygiene products, including various shampoos (cosmetic, medicinal, preventative and even “tearless”), conditioners and coat balms. Thanks to these products, you can bathe your dog with shampoo as often as necessary.

When to start bathing your puppy

Little crumbs love to explore the world around them, so they are always trying to climb somewhere, usually this is the farthest dirty corner. Even if they are only at home and not walking outside, they can still get very dirty. What to do in this situation when you can bathe the puppy. After all, experts advise bathing dogs no earlier than 3 months.

At what age can you bathe your pet?

When you can still bathe a puppy for the first time depends on many circumstances. First of all, how many months did the dog move into your apartment? Then it is important where he came from. What conditions surrounded the newborn puppy at the beginning of its existence.

1. Newborn puppies from the street. If you pick up a dog from the street, then before letting it run around the apartment, it must be washed, regardless of age. It is better to weaken your immune system and be clean than to bring home a bunch of infectious diseases. You will most likely need anti-flea medication.
2. What to do with newborn puppies that do not have a mother. If it so happens that you are feeding the baby yourself, and there is no mother to lick it, then you need to wipe the baby with a damp cloth. This will be quite enough.
3. A puppy purchased from a breeder. Usually he is taken away at 3 months, when all vaccinations have been completed. Therefore, you can wash it if necessary. But it’s better to let it adapt to the new place for a couple of weeks, and only wash dirty paws after a walk.

So, when can you wash your beloved dog? Of course, you can't do without common sense here. If your pet is covered in dirt, naturally it needs to be bathed, even if its vaccinations have not yet been completed. And so try to live until a certain point without water procedures.

For the first time

And yet, from how many months can you bathe a dog? The most ideal option is for at least two weeks to pass after vaccinations. In principle, a small dog should not have an unpleasant odor. The animal begins to smell like a dog during puberty, at the time of estrus. But if you overdo it with hygiene, constantly washing your four-legged friend, then, on the contrary, it will start to smell like a dog even more. With frequent washing, the sebaceous glands cannot function properly. They secrete oil more intensely to lubricate the fur, so the smell of a freshly washed dog increases.

Newly born puppies should not be bathed. Their mother will handle this task. Nature arranged everything. As long as the cubs are cared for by the mother dog, their cleanliness is normal. She licks her offspring and bathing will only do harm and wash away the natural protection. Therefore, newborn puppies should not be touched or dragged to the bathroom.

But it happens that my mother is gone. What to do then? When should and can you wash your puppy? The main thing is to adhere to the rule that blind cubs cannot be bathed. You need to wait until the eyes open. And still, you can bathe the puppy for the first time only if the baby is completely smeared in dirt or feces. Otherwise, it is best to use wet wipes and carefully remove dirt with their help.

But if water procedures cannot be avoided, then after bathing it is necessary to wrap the baby well in a dry soft towel. This is necessary in order to avoid hypothermia. Gently wrap the baby in a towel and place it on your chest to keep it warm. And unless strictly necessary, veterinarians recommend carrying out water procedures after three months of age and all the necessary vaccinations.