Thinking of Getting a New Puppy?

So you're thinking of getting a new puppy? Congratulations!

As exciting as this may be, Cocker puppies (like all puppies) need a lot of care and attention; puppies come with many responsibilities and considerable expense.

Let's look at what's involved in buying a new puppy.

Getting a New Puppy for the First Time?

Cocker Spaniel puppies are so cute and cuddly, so getting carried away in the moment is too easy. However, have you stopped to consider what's involved before taking the plunge?

Cocker Spaniels (like all dogs) are a big responsibility!

So, before making that final commitment, here are some things to consider: the costs and time involved in caring for a puppy, finding a good breeder, essential puppy supplies, and preparing your home to be puppy-proof!

The above are just some of the issues that must be considered (the list is almost endless), and only then will you be ready to bring home your new puppy.

What a cute black 'n' tan puppy!

Can You Afford The Extra Costs Involved?

Puppies Aren't Cheap!

Pedigree puppies are costly; they're not cheap!

After the initial cost of paying for your puppy and shelling out for his immediate needs (collar, lead, bowls, identity tags, crate, blankets, toys), there will be extra, ongoing costs, such as:

Then there are the trips to the grooming parlour (unless you're prepared to learn to do it yourself); the cost of a professional groomer can be expensive!

Grooming can be time-consuming, so if you intend to groom your adult Cocker Spaniel yourself, you have been warned!

If you're considering getting a new puppy for the first time, are you sure you can afford the time and money needed for the basic care needs of a dog?

All these costs combined can quickly mount up to thousands!

Yikes!

Buying a dog shouldn't be undertaken lightly.

Do You Have The Time And Energy?

Dogs and puppies can take up a lot of your time and energy. Do you genuinely have what it takes to care for a Cocker Spaniel puppy?

Puppies need lots of attention, for example:

Exercise:

Initially, puppies don't need a lot of exercise; however, adult Cockers must be exercised for at least one hour each day, come rain or shine.

You'll be fine if you're comfortable walking (and sometimes running) for at least an hour daily. If not, well, you'll need to think about that.

Training & Socialisation:

You will also need to set aside time to train your puppy. Your pup will need to be potty-trained and given obedience training.

He must also be taught to use his crate if you intend to crate the pup (which I highly recommend).

Socializing your puppy is another area you must carefully consider if you are to ensure your puppy grows up confident in his environment and develops to the best of his potential.

Grooming:

You'll need some time to do the basics between trips to the groomers, such as brushing his coat (and eventual feathers) every other day to keep his coat looking shiny and his skin in tip-top condition.

His ears must also be checked, cleaned and brushed, at the very least, weekly, if not daily.

The fundamental grooming tasks alone can make considerable demands on your time!

Tip of the Iceberg!

Trust me, this is just the tip of the iceberg; owning a Cocker Spaniel (or any dog) is a real commitment!

So, if I've not put you off, and you're still happy that you can afford the actual financial cost and have the spare time needed to care for a puppy, that's great.

Decision made!

Now all you need to do is decide whether to buy a puppy from a breeder or save a Cocker from a rescue centre.

Getting a New Puppy: Breeders Vs Cocker Adoption

Cocker Spaniel Adoption

Getting a puppy from a Cocker Spaniel rescue or a dog adoption centre is a great idea; there are too many dogs in rescue centres!

There are many reasons why you should adopt a Cocker rather than buy a puppy from a breeder. The one at the top of my list would be saving a dog from a life of uncertainty or worse.

And you never know; you may be lucky enough to adopt a puppy, but please don't get your hopes up; it's more likely that you'll find older dogs in rescue or adoption centres.

Adopting a Cocker Spaniel will be right up your street if you prefer an older Cocker!

Breeders: Professional or Hobby?

If you decide to go down the route of getting a new puppy from a breeder, at least you'll have the reassurance that your pup has been given the best possible start to his life.

A word of warning, although most Cocker Spaniel breeders are professional and responsible, some are not. The good news is that there is a way to tell the difference between good and bad breeders.

When you've found a breeder you're comfortable with, you will be required to prove that you'll make a good 'puppy parent' for one of their precious puppies - and quite right too!

So you'll need to do your homework. Here's a little help to ensure you have all the right questions to ask your breeder!

Please Beware of Puppy Mills!

I would never consider or recommend getting a new puppy from a puppy mill (sometimes known as a puppy farm).

Come on Mum, take the picture!

Let me explain if you don't already know what these places are.

Puppy farms and mills are factories where pups are bred, and often many other different breeds, without any real consideration for the puppies' welfare.

These places are simply puppy production lines.

It's worth reading this article about puppy mills to give you an idea of what you're up against.

Please note that most pet shops and stores also tend to buy puppies from puppy farms, so beware!

Please take the time to be sure you're not dealing with a puppy farmer - here's how you can tell.

It's Time To Choose Your Puppy!

Once you've found your Cocker breeder and arranged a visit, your next step will be to choose your puppy. Although this is exciting, there's still more work left to do before you settle on one particular puppy!

Getting a new puppy may seem straightforward; you pick the cutest or quiet pup in the corner, or you let the puppy choose you...don't you?

No, that's not a good idea.

Brittany puppies snuggling together for comfort.

However, by following the link, you can learn how to choose a healthy puppy that isn't showing any tell-tale signs of behavioural problems.

And if this is your first puppy, I would try to avoid  an alpha male or female because you may find (too late!) that you cannot handle your dominant little puppy.

His dominant personality will become increasingly evident as he ages, and it soon becomes a battle of wills!

Many unfortunate alpha puppy owners have had to give back their dogs because they simply can't manage them.

If you're not sure that you can handle a 'strong-willed' dog, speak to your breeder, who can help you pick a puppy from the litter.

The breeder will be delighted to help you choose the right puppy for you and your family. 

Don't Forget To Puppy-Proof Your Home!

Getting A New Puppy: What Essentials Will He Need?

When you're confident that your home is safe and ready to accept the latest addition to your family, your next priority will be to consider what puppy supplies and other essentials your new little bundle will need to help him settle comfortably into his new home.

Copyright: Seastudio at Istockphoto.com

For example, where he's going to sleep? Will he sleep on a blanket on the floor, in a soft, comfy dog bed, a carrier, or will you crate-train him?

What you feed him will depend on what the breeder has been providing him, as it's essential to stick to that (short term, at least) so that he doesn't get a tummy upset.

Here's an idea of the bare essentials your puppy might need to give you a heads-up.

Getting A New Puppy: Pedigree Paperwork

It's essential to understand what you're getting when buying a pedigree puppy; as I said earlier, they're costly!

Fortunately, most good breeders will prepare a puppy pack for you. This should contain all the information you need, such as; feeding instructions, pedigree documentation, essential training advice and puppy care instructions.

However, you should still check that you have all the relevant breeder paperwork to ensure that you actually get what you have paid for. Please don't leave the premises without it!

Bringing Home A New Puppy

At last, the day has finally arrived for you to bring your puppy home!
At first, your new puppy will probably miss his mother and littermates, which is only natural.

It will be your responsibility to ensure he settles into his new home quickly and easily.

Mixed in with all the excitement of getting a new puppy, you may also feel slightly anxious. You may have a few last-minute questions, such as:

Hello, this is my new toy rabbit and I love it!

• What about my puppy's first night? What if he cries?
  
  
• Once I get him home, then what? Is there something else I should do besides cuddling and playing with him?
  
  
• How do I get him home safely from the breeders?
  
  
• What time should I put him to bed?
  
  
• Where should he sleep - your bed or his? Should I let my dog sleep with me?

Don't worry; you'll find answers to all these questions, and more, to ensure that bringing home your new puppy is as stress-free as possible (for both of you!).

Daily Care And Socialization

Once you get him home, it's essential to set up a good puppy care routine as soon as possible to continue with the excellent job your breeder's done so far.

Your breeder will have already begun the socialization process. It is vital to your puppy's development to continue socializing him (as soon as you get him home).

Socialization is essential to help your puppy grow into a happy and confident Cocker Spaniel without behavioural problems.

You only have a short window of opportunity to get this right. SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY is essential to your puppy's care and training (sorry for shouting, but I want to get this point across).

Get it right the first time because you won't get a second chance!

Buying A Dog: Your Personal Responsibility

Last but not least, as the saying goes, 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas', which can mean up to 15 years - that's a big personal commitment!

Apart from caring for your pet, you also have a responsibility towards your immediate neighbours and the local community.

Responsible Dog Owners Code

Responsible Cocker owners always:

• pick up after their dogs;
• socialize their pet until they're happy with everyday objects and situations;
• teach their pets not to bark continuously;
• ensure they're well-trained and don't jump up at people;
• ensure sure they're in control of their Cockers;
• neuter their pet, just in case 'Houndini' gets the urge to...you know what;
• keep their pet on a leash where required.

In short, a responsible dog owner is expected to raise an obedient, socialized, well-mannered little puppy that others feel is a joy to have around and who is not a nuisance.

Getting A New Puppy: Summary

So, getting a new puppy isn't as straightforward as it might initially seem.

Far too many dogs end up in rescue shelters.

The main reason is that their owners weren't fully prepared to own a dog and hadn't truly understood or appreciated the commitment, particularly the time and cost involved.

There's a lot to think about, lots to learn, and a lot of preparation. In short, it's a big responsibility.

However, following the advice given here will help you be sure that you're ready to take the plunge.

I hope this article about getting a new puppy has helped confirm that you are ready to take on a dog and all it entails.

In the unlikely event that you don't want a cocker puppy, this article will help you choose a dog breed suitable for your family.

I hope you find lots of helpful information on my website to help care for your new puppy.

Once you get your Cocker Spaniel home, why not introduce yourself (and your puppy)?