New Cocker Spaniel

Question
QUESTION: Hello Delores,
I will be picking up my new 8 week old Cocker Spaniel on Nov. 6 and want suggestions for a "great" food and also whether or not that is to early to start training?  I work close by my home so I expect to stop by the house and let him out a few times a day.  Will pet diapers work with this or should i just put paper in the cage and let him out every few hours?

ANSWER: No diapers.  They hold urine & can cause skin issues.  Hopefully you'll be home for the first few days?  He'll need feeding 5x a day (they have very tiny tummies).  The pads are a good idea and, of course, he has to be confined in a puppy proof space.  I wouldn't crate him except for very short periods.  A baby gate at the kitchen door will keep him confined & safe.  Or buy a flexible dog pen.
Most big pet stores carry them and they're great.

He will have little to no bladder control for a few weeks but yes, you can begin housebreaking.

The way to do that is take him out (not put him out) on leash and choose a command (go potty - tinkle - whatever you choose).  No conversation except the command...just keep giving it.  Watch him carefully - they signal when they're going to go & give the command at that moment.
Then praise a LOT and reward.

He will get the "command-action-reward" in a few weeks IF you're consistent.  If (well, it's really "when":) he has an accident in the house - unless you catch him in the act and can say NO calmly but firmly and carry him out - just clean it up.  In 30 seconds afterwards he'll have no idea what you're upset about.

Always take him out after eating and/or a nap.  Basically the rule is every two hours.  So tedious :) but necessary.

Now food - initially feed him what the breeder was using.  Find out what that is and let me know.  We'll go from there.  But it's best to stick with what he's used to until he settles in.  And remember - routine is your friend with a baby pup so put him on a schedule.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have found out the kind of food that the Owners are feeding the puppy.
It is Diamond Puppy Formula.  Please reply back with your comment.  

Answer
My comment would be "Oh my God"! and not in a good way :)  It's an inferior food and has had more recalls than Toyota.

Perhaps you could get/buy just enough of that from them for a week and we can transition him during that period?

I'm firmly against an all kibble diet anyway.  Does anyone near you sell Merrick?  It depends on where you live how many choices might be available.  The Wellness CORE formula is quite good in both canned and kibble too.