My 7 week old Cocker Spaniel

Question
QUESTION: My boyfriend and I just brought home our new puppy yesterday. He is 7 weeks old (Still young). Is there anything crucial that we need to know about him at such a young age? We also have a 2 year old Golden retriever who is still a puupy himself, is it ok to just let them dop their "Dog thing" and get to know eachother, or should their be some boundries?

ANSWER: Hi Emma firstly welcome to your new addition and congratulations.

Im not sure on this one, i can only try to give you a few pointers, at seven weeks old, your pup is going to need four feeds a day, i dont know what you are feeding him my Cocker is on James Wellbeloved and its great completely natural so no nasty additives to make her hyper! in a couple of weeks you can cut down to three, then two meals per day, if you are feeding dry it may help if you moisten it down slightly. Dont over exert your pup he is very young and its not good for their growing bones. He will need his jabs at eight or ten weeks then a 2nd one at 10 or 12 weeks (depending on vet) then ten days after you can take him out, however keep it short walks dont tire him too quickly.
As for your Older dog, i think play it by ear, but it may help to give time apart for your older dog, he may feel jealous at first but should end up being the best of friends, dont let pup bite his ears or get over excited playing with him your older dog may not appreciate being pulled and bitten, he should tolerate quite a lot from pup as older dogs realise they are only young, but as you say at two he is only a pup himself so will probably love the playing part of it, also you may find it easier when you start training to try do do a lot of it away from the older one, as the puppy will more than likely focus on the older dog and not you, so give time alone to both of them. I am taking in a resuce cocker at the beginning of July so will be in much the same situation as you but he is an outside dog, so he will have to adjust living indoors ( i may be asking for HELP myself)!!
You have made such a good choice my mum has a retreiver and him and my cocker get on like a house on fire, they really complement each other, so i wish you well, got to be the best two dogs in the world, but then im really biased.
Your puppy will sleep a lot for the first few weeks, do you have a crate for him? i ask this because i think they are great when you have two dogs as you can give them time out from each other (it may help with training) and to give your older one a bit of peace.
Im really sorry ive rattled on, i just love it when someone has a pup, (sorry)
Anyway if i can help any further that is if this has helped! dont hesitate to message me again.
All the best
Kathy

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

QUESTION: Hi Kathy,
Thank you so much for your quick response. (You must get loads of questions).
I cant remember off the top of my head what he are feeding him, but I know its all natural and made for youngs pups. (Given to us in the "Puppy Starter Kit" by the Breeder). I have to make sure to get my boyfriend to stop just lying around the food for him, so that "Kirby" can get into a routine.
My first night with him was better than I expected. He started getting really sleepy around 8:30-9pm. So we kind of tried to get him up and let him out and play alittle so he wasn't going to bed too early. We finally went to bed at around 10:30pm. He ofcourse, cried and cried and cried when we shut the crate door (with blankets and soft toys). So I gave in (Ofcourse) and let him on the bed. He quickly fell asleep on top of my Boyfriends head.(I'm guessing he misses his brothers and sisters and loves the hairy warmth comfort of my BF head). We then moved him to the crate while he was sleeping, but he woke up and whined. So I put my hands in the crate with him and he fell asleep on them. Then I finally got to bed. he woke up around 12:30 and I let him out. I didn't play with him or make any loud noises, i just put him down and sat on the ground with him, but slightly ignored him (So he wouldn't think it was play time) He peeed and i had to put him back to sleep. ( I have really noticed he needs to be touching me, or on me to fall asleep, must bring him that comfort.) Then 5:30 rolled around and he was up and ready for the day to start. Ofcouurse I work in the morning, so I passed him to my BF (between jobs right now) and had my last hours of sleep. So in the end, it wasn't Too bad. I have heard worse stories.
The whining/Howling is something I will have to get used to. I understand is practically an infant and needs all the attention/love he can get. Hopefully though he will be able to sleep in his crate (with the door closed) without making a fuss, but for now he's just so little that I understand it must be tough for him. I also want to try and put a small water bottle heater wrapped in mine or my BF's t-shirt and maybe it will bring him more comfort. What do you think?
Its funny how your motherly instinct comes in with something so small. (I'm only 22). But I just care for him so much adn think about him now constantly, waiting to come home from work.
I think it is a good idea to let the two dogs (my golden and him) play, smell.. do what dogs do, but also give them time alone.
Well, Sorry about MY ranting on about him and if you have anymore suggestions, or if I have anymore Questions I will defiantly write back. Thank you! (PS: I live in canada, Im guessing you are from England??)

Answer
Hi Emma, wow you really did do well, (you are right i am in England) you did all the right things for your little man and i must admit when i first had Lucy i didnt have a crate (really wish i did though) but i slept downstairs with her for the first few nights, she soon settled but even now if she could get away with it at 2 1/2 she would still have me sleep with her, they are right little cuddle bunnies these cockers!!
Again yes just let the two dogs do what dogs do, as long as there is no agression you are doing fine, lets be fair i dont know of an aggressive retreiver or cocker, they should end up the bestest of bestest buddies, and i really wish you well.
The hot water bottle in one of your jumpers is an excellent idea, i did that when Lucy had her puppies, and they have all ended snuggle bums aswell!
The food you are feeding is great i think completely natural is the best way to go, it gives them such a great start, and Lucy's coat is beautifull on it it gleams.
I know how you feel about missing him, i cried and cried when Lucy's pups all went to their new homes, But i still had Lucy and she is lovely, and when i get my new boy in July we will be complete, i have two children two boys aged 14 and 12, and then i will have Lucy 2 1/2 and Chang 2 1/2 how perfect is that.
I really wish you well with your new baby and i hope he settles for you soon, follow your heart and dont worry about spoiling him, they thrive on it and will repay you with contstant love and waggy tails and cocker kisses.
Good luck and if you just want to chat or let me know how its all going dont hesitate to message me again.
Best Wishes
Kathy and Lucy