All You Need To Know
About Buying Puppies

Pedigree puppies aren't cheap and need a lot of care and attention; they come with many responsibilities, and considerable expense.

For example, are you confident that you can afford the additional ongoing expenditure to cover food bills, pet insurance, veterinary's fees for inoculations, micro-chipping, worming, flea treatments, illnesses and accidents?

And don't forget the cost of boarding kennels for when you go away on holiday, or you're unable to look after him as a result of illness.

Then there's the trips to the grooming parlour, unless you're prepared to learn how to groom your Cocker Spaniel puppy yourself.

In between trips to the groomers, your puppy will need to be brushed regularly to keep his coat in prime condition.

As well as considering the above expenditure, ask yourself if you have the time and energy to give your puppy the daily exercise he needs.

If the answer's yes to all of the above, and we've not put you off - then read on.

Whatever you do, don't be tempted to buy two puppies at the same time - raising two puppies in the same household is very definitely NOT recommended!

The following pages will give you all the information you need when buying puppies.

Finding Responsible Cocker Spaniel Breeders

When buying puppies, we strongly recommend that you take the time to look for reliable and responsible Cocker Spaniel breeders. This way you can be sure that your puppy has been given the best possible start to life.

You may have many questions at this stage, such as;

• What kind of breeder should I use?
• How can I tell the difference between a good breeder and a bad breeder?
• What are puppy farms
• Why should I avoid them, and how can I ensure I don't buy from puppy farms?

We all know that Cocker Spaniels make good family dogs and if you have children, your breeder will help you pick a puppy that's not too dominant, but slightly subservient - ideal for a household the children!

You can use our searchable Cocker Spaniel Breeders Directory to find Cocker breeders in your area.

What Questions Do I Ask The Breeder?

When you've found a selection of Cocker Spaniel breeders, will you know the right questions to ask? If you're to persuade the breeder that you'll make a responsible owner, and that you can give one of their puppies a good home, you'll need to show that you've done your homework, and at the very least, know a little about Cocker Spaniels.

Do your homework - make sure you have all the right questions to ask the breeder.

Choosing Your Cocker Spaniel Puppy

Once you've found a responsible breeder, and arranged a visit, your next step will be to choose your puppy.

Buying puppies may a seem straight forward process, but do you know enough about choosing a puppy, a healthy Cocker Spaniel puppy, one that's been well-socialised and doesn't have any behavioural problems?

If you haven't yet chosen your breed (or you're not sure that Cocker Spaniels are for you) you might find our article on choosing a dog breed very useful!

Puppy Proof Your Home Before Buying Puppies

Is your home safe for a puppy?

Before bringing your puppy home, you'll need to make sure that your home is ready for a curious, perhaps mischievious, little Cocker Spaniel puppy.

Are you sure that your home is safe and free from hazards?

Do you know how to puppy proof your home to make it safe for your puppy?

What Essentials Will My Puppy Need?

When you're confident that your home is safe, and is ready to accept your new puppy, do you know what puppy supplies and essentials your puppy will need to help him settle comfortably into his new home? Where will he sleep - on a blanket on the floor, in a soft comfy bed, or in a crate?

Buying Puppies - What Paperwork Will I Need?

Your Cocker Spaniel puppy won't be cheap, so it's important to understand the process of buying puppies and to be aware of the paperwork you'll need.

There are certain documents you simply shouldn't allow to be forwarded to you at a later date - make sure they're available to take with you when bringing home your new puppy.

Your breeder may have prepared a puppy pack for you to take home, which may contain most of what you need.

You should still check, however, that you have all the relevant paperwork.

Remember, when buying puppies it's important that you know what paperwork you must have when buying a pedigree dog, and that it is given to you before you leave the breeder's premises.

Bringing Home A New Puppy

The time has finally arrived for you to bring your puppy home!

You'll want to make your puppy's journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible. He may be missing his mother and his littermates so you'll want to help him to settle into his new home quickly and easily.

You may also be asking yourself, 'How do How do I get through the first night? What do I do if he cries during the night? What will be his bedtime routine?'

Don't worry, we have answers to all of these questions. We explain what you need to know to ensure bringing home a new puppy is as stress free as possible.

Feeding Your Puppy

Getting the right nutrition is very important for your puppy. We give advice on how and what healthy dog food you should feed him to ensure he gets the correct nutrition and grows to be a happy, healthy, adult Cocker Spaniel.

Buying Puppies - Your Puppy's Daily Routine

It's important to establish a good puppy care routine as soon as you get your puppy home, and to make sure you continue with the excellent job your breeder's done so far.

Socialising Your Puppy

Your puppy will soon become used to you and your family, and will become familiar with his surroundings. Your breeder will have begun the socialisation process, and it's strongly recommended that you continue socializing your puppy to ensure he grows up to be a happy and confident Cocker Spaniel, without any behavioural problems.

The effects of socialisation and obedience training are very closely linked.

Puppy obedience training is an entire subject in itself and is covered here - how to train your puppy.

Details about socializing your puppy (and older dogs) can be found here.

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Finding Cocker Spaniel Breeders