just got a 7 month old cocker spaniel

Question
QUESTION: i just got my 7 month old cocker spaniel and im am alil confused and im sure he is too he was given to me because the person that had him could no longer keep him he is not trained at all seems he was left home alone all the time and pees very much hes very hyper and does not liten at all i need help because i have a disabled  7 year old chid who main cralws do to her disability and i need t get him train as soon as posible i live in ny and im not sure if theres any one that can help out here i feel bad because i am inlove with him but i dont know what to do i have looked up some info but doesnt sem to give me enough unless i pay for a course i need help fast i wanna be the best owner i can be with him and i want to house break him in since he was in some else home before mine what can i do some one please help i would really greatly appreciate any 1s help

ANSWER: Okay...keep calm :)...there are solutions.

But I have some questions.  How often do you "take" him outside?

How often is he walked and for how long?

Housebreaking is something you're going to have to take a few days and make it your top priority.  You put his leash on and go out with him and when he "goes" you praise (a lot) and give a cookie.
Use the same command every time "go potty" and use it BEFORE he goes.
At his age, it'll all sink in in less than a week.

Now the "peeing all the time" - can you be more specific.  If he's urinating a LOT he may have a little urinary tract infection and that should be ruled out.  All you have to do is collect some urine (just an ounce) in a sterile container and drop it off at the vet.

The "hyper" part may simply be he's not getting enough exercise.
He needs a good hour a day.  A tired dog is a good dog and a lot of behavior issues like this are due to boredom and pent up energy.

So write back and be as specific as possible.
Delores

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

QUESTION: Well we just got him last night ....he's only been with me for one day so I
guess I'm just alil jumpy my self I took him out this morning I have a
small lawn area with a tree in front of my home and that's where I think
might be good but he tends to sniff but trys to eat things off the floor but
he did nothing .I think he was just afraid new home more attention then
he had with his previous owner cuz I have children and they wanna help
to so we all are going to take him for a walk not sure if its a good idea
though and he is use to peeing in the potty thingy they gave me for him
shud I get rid of it or shud I keep it they really neglected this poor
puppy...I try to make eye contact with him but he looks away and is alil
agresive ..over all if I sit he sits I don't want him on the furniture at all.
And since he just got there yesterday I'm not sure if its just a faze

ANSWER: Irma, have you ever had a dog before?  What do you mean "he's all aggressive"?  

And no, it is NOT a good idea to have a "potty thing"...he needs to learn to go outside.  That means you take him out every 2 hours and that means for a walk until he goes.

Why would you feel it's not a good idea to walk him?  Please don't forget this dog has been abruptly given away and will need time to settle down.

Make the children leave him be for periods of time.  He needs a bed to go to for rest and peace.

Always have fresh water available.  And what are you feeding him?
Delores

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

QUESTION: hi its me again.. well we been walking max every 2 to 3 hrs. now and for the first time today he peed out side i just have one question should i keep on the same route i walked him today since he did potty but hes yet to do poop out side.... just wondering... also the treat cookies help alot thanks but should i alway give him one everytime... cause now he looks for it wen he listens just wanna do the best i can  thanx so much u have been really help full

         Irma

Answer
It's best you take him out for half-hour walks first thing in the morning - after he's been napping - after meals.

Yes, keep giving a treat every time he goes...lots of praise...use the same command when you see he's about to go.  Anticipate !!

You certainly can keep the same route.  

Routine is your friend with this boy.  Do the same things at the same time as much as possible.

It won't take long for him to connect the command - action - and reward.

good luck, Irma and do write anytime.
Delores