is a cocker right for us?

Question
QUESTION: Hi!  We are a family looking into the cocker spaniel breed for a pet for our family.  We have a 6 year old and 2 year old, (considering waiting until we have a 7 year old and 3 year old) right now, and a8 yr old yellow lab--a hunter with my husband.  I am looking for a dog that wants to be social with us, play, go for walks, have an even temperment, and be easy going.  Our lab fits this bill, but for our second dog, I am looking for something a bit smaller than 100#.  My concern is, as I have read various material about the cocker and being alone, I am worried that we may not be able to give it a happy home.  My husband works full time, kids are at school/daycare, and I work usually 4 days a week for 8 hours a day.  Two days out of town and two days closer to town.  I have read that cockers don't like to be alone.  I don't want to put a dog in a situation that will make her/him anxious or upset.  Thoughts?  Advise?

ANSWER: It's such a pleasure to have someone seriously consider what breed is best for their home- what their needs are and actually care whether they'd be good owners for this particular breed.

I'd have to know first whether you're considering a puppy or perhaps an adult from a Rescue?

Considering you work - have two young children I'd assume you're not considering a puppy?

When you've read that cockers don't like to be alone...well, it's more you can't leave them 8 hours a day for 5 days a week.
But what dog can you do that with?

Who looks after your Lab when you're out all day?  And considering you have a senior dog (and they can get really annoyed with puppies) I'd suggest taking the whole family plus Lab to a Rescue and do a "meet and greet" to see which dog fits the bill.

Cockers (or any breed) are all different.  Some are mellow - some are really active - some are fine alone and some aren't.

What they do need (no matter what the family schedule is) are at least two walks a day of half-hour each.  They're not Labs and without that exercise you won't have a happy dog.  They sure fit the rest of your criteria - they're happy, social clowns, love walks and hikes, and any adult dog's temperment is pretty easy to judge.

What can I say?  I adore this breed but they are high maintenance in the sense of grooming once a month - brushing (although you can keep them in what's called a puppy clip which cuts down the care) - and they do need exercise.

Also, keep in mind that any "new" dog should be acquired when your family has the time to let them adjust to you and their new surroundings.  No new dog can handle an abrupt change and will need some extra attention initially.

I just got a new cocker Rescue..a 3 year old chocolate & white boy..sweet dog..no temperment issues but because his owners had just dumped him (reason:  don't have time for him) he was very anxious for a couple of weeks.  Now he's settled in and all is well.

And, by the way, I just love Labs - never met a nasty Lab - they're just so "whatever..it's cool" - really nice dogs.  And in a way, cockers are the same - they love just being on the couch with you..they're great snugglers :)  If you don't want "company"..meaning a dog who wants to sit by the bathtub while you're soaking..don't get a cocker :)  They follow you everywhere.

As I said, I'd take the kids - your Lab and go for a visit.  It'll be very apparent who fits and who doesn't.  And I so appreciate your thinking this through so carefully.  These are living beings, not stuffed toys and far too many people don't educate themselves about the breed - their lifestyle - current situation and how that will all work out.

I just had a "question" from a woman who was complaining her 3 year old cocker wasn't housebroken.  Turns out the dog was kept in a crate 20 hours a day - never walked - never trained - totally neglected and to "curtail" his housebreaking issues she'd put him on what I can only call starvation rations of a really inferior food.

That's what I usually get - so you are a bright light :)
Please don't hesitate to write with any other thoughts or questions.
Delores



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

QUESTION: Delores--

Thanks for the information.  To be honest, we had considered a puppy, I know the extra work it involves, but we would know "how it was raised".  After your comment about a rescue dog, I started looking into rescues in our area (Wisonconsin is the closest) but many of those dogs came from homes that just didn't want them anymore or b/c of a owner's health issue.  That came as a big surprise to me, I thought most were from mills but it seems I was not educated enough.  I have contacted the rescue with a questions very similiar to what I asked you, and hope to get an answer/advice from them soon.  

I think we can fufill the other areas you mentioned:  good food, a special crate, daily walks, we do have a portion of our yard fenced in for  a dog run, and our lab is very easy going (just a bit big to cuddle with!).  I already have a 2 year old who thinks he needs to be in the bathroom with me, so at least the dog wouldn't make comments! :)

I so appreciate your help and advice!  Thanks again!

Kris

Answer
Isn't it just fun to be having a peaceful bath with a 2 year old chatting and a dog with his nose hanging over the side of the tub? :)

I'd just like you to consider there are 5 "beings" that need to relate to this new dog.  A puppy is an unknown quantity re temperment
but an older dog provides the "you know exactly what you're getting".

And yes, there are fabulous dogs at Rescues..some from just idiot owners who couldn't be bothered...but lots from homes where an owner has died - people moved overseas and didn't want to quarantine for 6 months - divorce, etc.

My own new Rescue comes from Championship stock and is totally gorgeous.

So considering the kids and Lab - I'd still advise going on a visit
and seeing how all the interaction goes.  Some dogs are great with 2 year olds - some are not.  My own cockers were fine with little kids dressing them up and generally driving them crazy and when they'd had enough, would just go and hide.

And p.s. - the smartest dog I ever had was a mutt from the pound.
And don't underestimate the amount of work a puppy is - feedings 4 to 5 times a day - every two hour housebreaking lessons - training - puppy-proofing the house and say goodbye to your favorite shoes :)

Your family are obviously good owners - I wish you luck and some dog will be very lucky to be adopted by you.  If you do get a cocker, please - please talk to me about nutrition.
Delores