Do Cocker Spaniels Make Good Family Dogs?

Yes, Cocker Spaniels do make good family dogs, especially if they're well-trained and adequately socialized.

However, Cockers can be sensitive little souls and prefer gentle handling. Because of this, as with all dog breeds, it's a good idea to set up some firm ground rules for the kids to follow.

Learn how to train and socialize your pup and how the kids should behave around their new Cocker Spaniel puppy.

Good Dogs For Children?

I'm often asked if Cocker Spaniels make good family dogs. Although I firmly believe Cockers make great family dogs, my answer to this question must be a cautious 'Yes and no'.

Please allow me to explain.

Look at our new puppy, isn't he gorgeous?

As devoted Cocker owners, we know that the Cocker Spaniel temperament is very gentle and loving and that our Cockers are friendly biddable little dogs.

We also know that Cockers love being outdoors; however, they're equally happy inside rolling on the rug in the winter sunshine, curled up on our laps, playing with our children, or simply dozing by the fire.

Cocker Spaniels are gentle, willing, intelligent, and easy to train. It's this gentle temperament and trainability that helps Cocker Spaniels to become good family pets.

They adore being with their family; Cocker Spaniels need to be involved in everything the family does.

They don't like being left home alone. As a result, some Cockers can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Their loving temperament makes them one of the best family dogs you can live with!

So, yes, Cocker Spaniels DO make good family dogs; however, this statement comes with a firm piece of advice, which is explained below.

Spaniels Make Good Family Pets, If Handled Properly

Although Cockers are very gentle dogs, they can also be sensitive and shy away from harsh treatment or handling.

If Cocker Spaniels are not treated with kid gloves or are handled roughly, they can become quite aggressive. This is borne out by the number of e-mails I receive from owners concerned about their Cocker's aggression.

Many owners can't understand why their Cockers suddenly become aggressive. However, they sometimes overlook that children can be rough, especially in play or when they get excited. It's often just too much for a young puppy to handle.

That's when the trouble begins.

I'm a good family dog!

The puppy may attempt to warn off the children by growling. Unfortunately, because a growling puppy is often considered cute, the pup's growl is frequently ignored.

However, a growl is a warning!

It's a warning that a bite is likely to follow. Any growling should always be taken seriously, especially from an adult dog!

A timid puppy is likely to become progressively more aggressive if children continue to play rough or are too boisterous. The puppy will progress from growling, snarling, barking, and snapping, to the final, more dangerous act of aggression, biting.

Your puppy's unwanted behaviour will escalate if not checked.

He will continue to use this behaviour in many different situations too.

Your puppy will soon learn that his aggressive behaviour can get him what he wants; he will use this aggressive behaviour all the more.

And so the aggression continues.

Aggressive dogs will never make good family dogs!

When a puppy is timid and fearful it can cause him to be aggressive, it's known as 'Fear Aggression'. 

It can cause a meltdown in your relationship with your Cocker Spaniel unless you can regain his trust.

Many inexperienced owners don't understand why their Cockers begin behaving aggressively and are often unable to deal with the problem.

Unfortunately, these unhappy, misunderstood animals are no longer considered good family dogs.

They often end up in Cocker Spaniel rescue centres because their owners can no longer handle them.

Sadly, many so-called 'aggressive' Cocker Spaniels are unnecessarily euthanized.

It's such a shame because most instances of aggression in dogs could easily be prevented by treating the dog gently, with kindness and respect, and by giving good solid training and (gentle) discipline.

Helping Puppies To Grow Into Good Family Dogs

You can help your puppy to grow into the best family dog ever. This process should begin well before you get your puppy.

Let me explain...

Choose A Good Breeder

First, make sure you find and choose a responsible cocker spaniel breeder, preferably one who breeds for temperament.

Once you've contacted the breeder, here's a selection of pertinent questions you can ask.

Cocker Spaniels are the best family dogs!

Once again, find a good Cocker Spaniel breeder! Yes, I know I've said it twice..., because it is essential!

A good breeder will give a great deal of thought to selecting which dogs to breed from.

Once their puppies are born, the breeder will begin the all-essential socialization process long before the pups are ready to leave for their new home.

This will give the puppies the best start in life!

Your breeder will help you to choose a puppy with a good temperament, the best to suit you and your family, especially if this is your first puppy.

You can learn more about picking a puppy here, but don't worry; as I said, your breeder can help you choose.

Never Buy From Puppy Farms!

Beware of Cocker Spaniel puppies bred on a puppy farm or sold in pet stores. These puppies are often produced from inbred dogs, resulting in highly strung, aggressive pups with avoidable health problems.

Inbred puppies are likely to be nervous, jittery, snappy, and high-maintenance. They're not really what you'd call good family pets, and certainly not the sort of dog you'd want around your children!

Such a nervous dog will be tough to manage and train, especially for inexperienced owners.

Early Socialization Can Encourage Good Temperament

Put simply, socialization can help to produce gentle temperaments and good family dogs!

Socializing your puppy is getting your pup used to his new environment, humans, animals, and everyday noises. It will help him become comfortable with all daily encounters and new situations.

It's said that the 'socialization window' closes at 12 weeks. Although it's possible to socialize after that time, it won't be easy, and the results won't be as good.

Don't miss that window of opportunity!

Who wouldn't love this cute Cocker Spaniel puppy?

Poorly socialized puppies are often confused and frightened by the simplest of situations or noises and are nervous about their surroundings.

They can become easily over-excited and anxious and are more likely to display fear-aggression and other behavioural problems later in life.

Generally, under-socialized dogs don't make good family dogs!

Socializing your puppy is vital to ensure a confident and well-behaved adult dog; it will allow your dog's beautiful temperament to shine through!

Good Training Can Help Produce Good Family Dogs

To get the best from your Cocker Spaniel, I strongly recommend that your puppy's training, wherever possible, is based on positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is when your dog is rewarded with a treat, praise, or both for doing something you asked him to do.

You are rewarding your dog, and at the same time, you're also reinforcing his good behaviour.

Cocker Spaniels are always keen to please their owners and will try hard to do as you ask. Unfortunately, it can sometimes take a little longer for puppies to understand what you want from them.

Don't rush your puppy's training; take your time, and be patient.

If your puppy gets it wrong, be patient, kind and loving - he'll get there when he's ready. Learn more about how to train a puppy.

Discipline Can Help Produce Good Family Dogs

Pets that don't behave well do not make good family dogs.

It's inadvisable to allow your puppy to get away with bad behaviour, no matter how cute he may be!

I love my Cocker Spaniel!

If your puppy misbehaves, you must let him know that you are unhappy with his behaviour; otherwise, he will continue behaving that way.

If left unchecked, it will become habitual, and we all know how hard it is to break a habit!

You need to help your pet understand the type of behaviour you want from him, which means rewarding good behaviour and ignoring bad behaviour.

You can discipline him if his behaviour is 'naughty enough' and you feel you can't ignore it.

However, discipline should never take the form of physical punishment, give a firm 'No' and move on - don't dwell on it.

If your puppy continues to misbehave, ignore him, or leave the room for a few minutes (if it's safe to do so). Do this, and it won't be long before he learns which behaviour gets him the treats and which gets him the cold shoulder!

Once he's worked that out, guess which he'll do more of?

Gently Does It!

Whether training or disciplining your puppy, he may become defensive and aggressive if you're too rough with him. His new behaviours may include growling or snarling, barking, snapping, or biting.

Fear aggression can cause your relationship with your puppy to suffer.

Take it easy; be patient and gentle with your puppy, and NEVER let him get away with being naughty.

Cocker Spaniels + Children: A Good Combination?

Some owners believe it would be irresponsible to bring an adult Cocker Spaniel into a family with young children and that it could be a recipe for disaster.

Others swear that bringing a Cocker puppy into a household with young children allows them to learn and grow up together.

If Cocker puppies are to be good family pets, they must be well-trained, loved and disciplined. In addition, there must be a set of firm ground rules for the kids to stick to, as follows:

Say hello to my sweet little puppy!

• The children must understand that their puppy is NOT a toy!
  
  
• They must always be gentle with their puppy, and that means no rough handling or rough play;
  
  
• The kids must stay out of the dog's bed or crate; that should be the puppy's private sanctuary;
  
  
• They must not disturb their dog while he's asleep. Apart from being unkind, it can be dangerous;
  
  
• The children must not bother the puppy when he's eating his food; aside from being bad manners, it can cause dog food aggression;
  
  
• They must not shout or scream at their puppy;
  
  
• They must never, ever hit the dog - no matter what!
  
  
• The children should be involved with their puppy's obedience training to help them learn and understand each relevant command word. These commands should be used consistently by each member of the family.
  
  
• The children should also be aware that their puppy may not always want to be handled or to play. They must respect that and occasionally give their puppy peace and quiet.
  
  
• It's also essential that young children are supervised around a puppy until you are confident that you can trust both to be safe with each other.

So...Do Cocker Spaniels Make Good Family Dogs?

Please don't think I'm targeting the Cocker Spaniel as an aggressive dog that shouldn't ever be placed in a family environment.

I'm not - far from it!

I offer these words of caution to anyone bringing any dog breed into a home with young children. It's simply common sense.

Cocker Spaniels make good family dogs so long as they're trained well and treated with respect by all the family.

All, particularly the children, should follow the ground rules mentioned above!

Treat your Cocker Spaniel with kindness and understanding, be gentle with him, but discipline him when necessary to teach him what you consider good and bad behaviour.

Do this, and he'll reward you with years of affection, companionship, loyalty, and happiness.

Enjoy your Cocker Spaniel!