Getting a New Puppy?

So you're thinking of getting a new puppy?

As exciting as this may be, Cocker puppies (like all puppies) need a lot of care and attention; puppies come with many responsibilities and considerable expense. So let's take a closer look at what's involved in buying a new puppy.

Getting a New Puppy for the First Time?

Cocker Spaniel puppies are so cute, and it's all too easy to get carried away in the moment. However, have you stopped to consider what's really involved?

Cocker Spaniels (like all dogs) are a big responsibility!

What a cute black 'n' tan puppy!

So, before making that final commitment, here are some things to consider: the costs and time involved in caring for a puppy, finding a good breeder, essential puppy supplies, and preparing your home.

The above are just some of the issues that must be considered (the list is almost endless), and only then will you be ready to bring home a new puppy.

Can You Afford The Extra Costs Involved?

Puppies Aren't Cheap!

Pedigree puppies aren't cheap!

After the initial cost of paying for your puppy and shelling out for his immediate needs (collar, lead, bowls, identity tags, crate, blankets, toys), there will be extra, ongoing costs, such as:

Then there are the trips to the grooming parlour (unless you're prepared to learn to do it yourself); the cost of a professional groomer can be expensive! 

If you're considering getting a new puppy for the first time, are you sure you can afford the time and money needed to care for a dog?

All these costs combined can quickly mount up to thousands!

Yikes!

Do You Have The Time And Energy?

Do you really have the time and energy to care for a Cocker Spaniel puppy?

Puppies can take up a lot of your time; for example:

Exercise

Did you know that adult Cockers must be exercised for at least one hour each day, come rain or shine?

You'll be fine if you're comfortable walking (and sometimes running) for at least an hour a day. If not, well, you'll need to think about that.

Training

You will also need to set aside time for training your puppy, such as house and obedience training. Your puppy must be taught to use his crate if you intend to crate him, (which I highly recommend).

Buying a dog shouldn't be undertaken lightly.

Grooming

You'll need some time to do the basics between trips to the groomers, such as brushing his coat (and eventual feathers) every other day to keep his coat looking shiny and his skin in tip-top condition.

His ears will also need to be checked, cleaned and brushed, at the very least, weekly. Just the very basic grooming tasks alone can make considerable demands on your time!

Tip of the Iceberg!

Trust me, this is just the tip of the iceberg; owning a Cocker Spaniel (or any dog for that matter) is a real commitment!

So, if I've not put you off, and you're still happy that you can afford the actual financial cost and you definitely have the spare time needed to care for a puppy, that's great.

Decision made!

Now all you need to do is decide whether to buy a puppy from a breeder or save a Cocker from a rescue centre.

Getting a New Puppy: Breeders Vs Cocker Adoption

Cocker Spaniel Adoption

Getting a puppy from a Cocker Spaniel rescue or a dog adoption centre is a great idea; there are too many dogs in rescue centres!

And you never know, you may be lucky enough to adopt a puppy, but please don't get your hopes up; it's more likely that you'll find older dogs in rescue or adoption centres.

If your preference is for an older Cocker, adopting a Cocker Spaniel will be right up your street!

Breeders: Professional or Hobby?

If you decide to go down the route of getting a new puppy from a breeder, at least you'll have the reassurance that your pup has been given the best possible start to his life.

A word of warning, although most Cocker Spaniel breeders are professional and responsible, some are not. The good news is that there is a way to tell the difference between good and bad breeders.

When you've found a breeder you're comfortable with, you will be required to prove that you'll make a good 'puppy parent' for one of their precious puppies - and quite right too!

So you'll need to do your homework; make sure you have all the right questions to ask your breeder!

Please Beware of Puppy Mills!

I would never consider or recommend getting a new puppy from a puppy mill (sometimes known as a puppy farm).

Come on Mum, take the picture!

Let me explain if you don't already know what these places are.

Puppy farms and mills are factories where pups are bred, and often many different breeds, without any real consideration for the puppies' welfare.

These places are simply puppy production lines.

It's worth reading this article about puppy mills to give you an idea of what you're up against.

Please note that most pet shops and stores also tend to buy puppies from puppy farms, so beware!

Please take the time to be sure you're not dealing with a puppy farmer - here's how you can tell.

It's Time To Choose Your Puppy!

Once you've found your Cocker breeder and arranged a visit, your next step will be to choose your puppy. Although this is the exciting bit, there's still a bit more work left to do before you settle on one particular puppy!

Getting a new puppy may seem straightforward; you pick the cutest puppy or the quiet pup in the corner, or you let the puppy choose you...don't you?

Brittany puppies snuggling together for comfort.

No, that's not a good idea.

However, by following the link, you can learn how to choose a healthy, appropriately socialised puppy that isn't showing any tell-tale signs of behavioural problems.

And if this is your first puppy, it might be best to avoid an alpha male or female because you may find (too late!) that you cannot handle your dominant little puppy.

His dominant personality will probably become increasingly evident as he grows older, and it soon becomes a battle of wills!

Many unfortunate alpha puppy owners have had to give back their dogs because they simply can't manage them.

So, if you're unsure about your ability to handle a 'strong-willed' dog, why don't you speak to your breeder before picking a puppy from the litter? They'll be only too pleased to help you choose the right puppy for you.

Don't Forget To Puppy-Proof Your Home!

You're getting a puppy, and you're ready to bring him home, but before you do, ask yourself, 'Is my home safe for an inquisitive little pup?'

You must be absolutely sure that your home (and garden) is safe and free from hazards such as trailing electrical wires just begging to be chewed on by a curious, teething puppy.

It doesn't bear thinking about!

If bringing home a new puppy isn't a good enough reason to give your home a good tidy-up, I don't know what is.

Did you know that something as innocent as dark chocolate can kill a young puppy? Play it safe and put everything away, out of sight.

Puppy-proofing your home is vital; I don't mean to sound dramatic, but it could save his life. Learn how to make your home puppy-proof and a safe place for your curious new puppy.

Getting A New Puppy: What Essentials Will He Need?

When you're confident that your home is safe and ready to accept the latest addition to your family, your next priority will be to consider what puppy supplies and other essentials your new little bundle will need to help him settle comfortably into his new home.

Copyright: Seastudio at Istockphoto.com

For example, where he's going to sleep? Will he sleep on a blanket on the floor, in a soft, comfy dog bed, a carrier, or will you crate-train him?

What you feed him will depend on what the breeder has been providing him, as it's essential to stick to that, short term at least, so that he doesn't get a tummy upset.

Here's an idea of the bare essentials your puppy might need to give you a heads-up.

Getting A New Puppy: Pedigree Paperwork

It's essential to understand what you're getting when buying a pedigree puppy; as I said earlier, they're not cheap!

Fortunately, most good breeders will prepare a puppy pack for you. This should contain all the information you need, such as; feeding instructions, pedigree documentation, essential training advice and puppy care instructions.

However, you should still check that you have all the relevant breeder paperwork to ensure that you actually get what you have paid for, and don't leave the premises without it!

Bringing Home A New Puppy

At last, the day has finally arrived for you to bring your puppy home!

At first, your new puppy will probably miss his mother and his littermates, which is only natural. It will be our responsibility to ensure he settles into his new home quickly and easily.

Mixed in with all the excitement of getting a new puppy, you may also feel a little anxious. You may have a few last-minute questions, such as:

Hello, this is my new toy rabbit and I love it!

• What about my puppy's first night? What if he cries?
  
  
• Once I get him home, then what? Is there something else I should do besides cuddling and playing with him?
  
  
• How do I get him home safely from the breeders?
  
  
• What time should I put him to bed?
  
  
• Where should he sleep - your bed or his? Should I let my dog sleep with me?

Don't worry; you'll find answers to all of these questions and more to ensure that bringing home your new puppy is as stress-free as possible (for both of you!).

Daily Care And Socialization

Once you get him home, it's essential to set up a good puppy care routine as soon as possible to continue with the excellent job your breeder's done so far.

Your breeder will have already begun the socialisation process. It is vital to your puppy's development that you continue socialising your pup (as soon as you get him home). Socialisation is essential as it will help your puppy grow up to be a happy and confident Cocker Spaniel without any behavioural problems.

You only have a short window of opportunity to get this right. SOCIALISING YOUR PUPPY is essential to your puppy's care and training (sorry for shouting, but I just want to get this point across).

Get it right the first time because you won't get a second chance!

Buying A Dog: Your Personal Responsibility

Last but not least, as the saying goes, 'A dog is for life, not just for Christmas', which can mean up to 15 years - that's a big personal commitment!

Apart from caring for your pet, you also have a responsibility towards your immediate neighbours and the local community.

Responsible Cocker owners always:

• 'pick up' after their dogs;
  
  
• socialise their pet until they're happy with everyday objects and situations;
  
  
• teach them not to bark continuously;
  
  
• make sure they're well-trained and don't jump up at people;
  
  
• make sure they're in control of their Cockers;
  
  
• neuter their pet, just in case 'Houndini' gets the urge to...you know what;
  
  
• keep their pet on a leash where required.

In short, a responsible dog owner is expected to raise an obedient, socialised, well-mannered little puppy, a puppy that others feel is a joy to have around and who is not a nuisance.

Getting A New Puppy: Summary

So, getting a new puppy isn't as straightforward as it might initially seem, is it?

Far too many dogs end up in a rescue shelter. The main reason is that their owners weren't fully prepared to own a dog and hadn't truly understood or appreciated the commitment, particularly the time and cost involved.

There's a lot to think about, lots to learn, and such an awful lot of preparation. In short, it's a big responsibility.

However, following the advice given here will help you be sure that you're ready to take the plunge.

I hope this page about getting a new puppy has helped confirm that you are ready to take on a dog and all that entails. In the unlikely event that you don't want a cocker puppy, this article will help you to choose a dog breed suitable for your family.

I hope you find lots of helpful information on my website to help care for your new puppy.

Once you get your Cocker Spaniel home, why not introduce yourself (and your puppy) here?