How to Take Care of a Cocker Spaniel Puppy

Puppy care advice is generally consistent across breeds. Follow your breeder's instructions for feeding, start training your puppy early and socialize him by introducing him to other dogs. However, individual breeds have special characteristics that make certain care practices more vital for long-term health. Cocker spaniel puppies have shiny coats that require regular brushing and breed-specific health problems that you can avoid with conscientious grooming. Start with these care procedures early to keep your cocker spaniel healthy from day one.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton buds
  • Cotton balls
  • Brush
  • Puppy shampoo
  • Leash
  • Treats
  • Kibble
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your puppy according to your breeder's instructions, and make sure that you always have fresh water available. When it's time to graduate your dog from puppy food to adult kibble, About-Cocker-Spaniels.com advises that you transition gradually. Start by mixing just a bit of adult food in with your dog's dinner, and gradually increase the proportion of adult food you feed him.

    • 2

      House train your puppy early. Take him outside every hour, especially when he wakes up from a nap or finishes a meal. Praise your puppy profusely when he goes to the bathroom outside. Don't strike or scold a puppy who has an accident in his crate or on the carpet.

    • 3

      Teach your puppy basic obedience commands. Use treats to encourage the behavior you want at first, gradually reducing the frequency that you give treats as your puppy masters each command. Praise your dog every time he obeys you. Keep puppy training sessions short. According to About-Cocker-Spaniels.com, puppies have an attention span of about ten minutes.

    • 4

      Socialize your puppy. Take him out for short walks and introduce him to neighborhood dogs.

    • 5

      Bathe your Cocker Spaniel puppy about once every two months, giving him his first bath within his first two weeks at home with you. Bathing Cocker Spaniels is important for maintaining their glossy coats, and washing your adult dog will be easier if he gets used to the process as a puppy.

    • 6

      Brush your Cocker Spaniel daily. This is another important care routine vital to coat health, and it's a good idea to get your puppy accustomed to it while he's young. Brush your puppy from head to tail, using long, continuous strokes. If you prefer, you can stand your puppy on a table for brushing.

    • 7

      Start with other grooming routines that will make your dog easier to manage as an adult. Handle your puppy's paws and praise him for letting you do so. This practice will make your dog less skittish about nail trimming. Brush your puppy's teeth with a flavored toothpaste once a month.

    • 8

      Clean your puppy's ears on a weekly basis with a moistened cotton bud. Use a separate bud for each ear. According to About-Cocker-Spaniels.com, the breed is highly prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning not only helps prevent problems, but allows you to recognize major problems before they become serious.

    • 9

      Wash your puppy's eyes with a moistened cotton ball whenever you notice an accumulation of sleep. Use a separate ball for each eye. Cocker Spaniels are particularly prone to eye disorders, including infections, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy. Cleaning prevents some problems, and puts you in a position to notice eye health issues early.