Hi everyone,

I posted a message before asking for advice regarding cocker spaniels and children as I have always loved the breed and was looking to get a new puppy. Very kindly, people have replied and I have been given some great advice. However,I have now actually been offered a golden/red solid cocker spaniel puppy (4 months)as the owner is now separating from her husband. The puppy has been chipped, vaccinated and wormed and in the photos sent, looks very well looked after and happy with the children. According to her owner, the little one is lovely with children and a little shy of other dogs. I would love to bring this girl to live with us but am worried about the "rage" issue as she is golden/red with a white chest and I have heard that these are the worst. Would really be grateful to hear from you guys. I don't want to miss giving her a good home for the sake of scaremongering. Many thanks, Lily

Hi Lilybelle

We have a 12 yr old golden (with white chest)and she does have a strong personality. We have had her since she was a pup.I wouldn't say she has rages but she does grumble quite a bit and I was always cautious of her around other people and dogs. She was well socialised etc. When we got our 2nd dog from pup (a retriever) she accepted her and took on role of dominance. She has mellowed with age and she is bow fine with other dogs and people. She has also gone quite deaf! We have recently taken on a rescue cocker who is another golden etc (she could be our old girls daughter) and she is another grumbler. She is trying to be dominant and we are having to work quite hard to sort her out...she has issues but she isn't a pup.

Not sure if this helps or not apart from to say that if you establish your role as pack leader early on and the dog is still only a pup, I think you will be fine with it. Just make sure it gets thoroughly socialised (something I don't think the rescue one is yet) and good luck

Gail

Hi Gail,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. I have spoken to the owner this evening and she assures me that the puppy (who is four and a half months old) sleeps in her bed with the cats and has never grumbled at another animal or person so I'm hoping that all is going to be good. Seeing as you are on your second golden cocker I'd be really grateful for any tips you have and would love to know how you get on with your new girl. Take care and thanks again, Lilybelle

Our new girl is ? age, we were told 9/10 but vet and we reckon about 6 ish! She is a bit of a grumbler too but we are used to that as we have had 12 yrs of it from Lottie. We are now working on the socialising outdoors and meeting new dogs. As she is food obsessed it is quite easy to distract her with treats.

I think you are in a better position as she is only young and you know her background etc.

Good luck and keep posting in here for advice...I found it invaluable
Gail

Hi Gail,

I actually have two friends that we will be walking with once a week and between us we will have five dogs so hopefully she will be well socialised. I think what is so off-putting is that Cockers do get some bad press. I'm forever hearing "Don't get one, they're neurotic and bark all the time" or "Be careful as they're dangerous dogs". My staffie is a darling but I think that is mostly down to her natural tendencies. My staffie Lily is a very submissive, calm dog and according to her owner so is my little cocker-to-be. I guess I'm just anxious as people have told me such a lot of negative things. Apparently she really does love her food so that's a bonus! How are your girls getting on? Lilybelle x

Picked puppy up today. Oh dear. She is beautiful but very dominant. First walk out today she barked and growled at two adult dogs who were just minding their own business and then barked and growled when she heard someone locking their door. She is very confident for such small puppy. Am worried about the dominance issue. Any help?