The Complete Guide To The American Cocker Spaniel

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

By Chad Johnson

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Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 For Dogs Sake! ®

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Publisher: For Dogs Sake!®

©K. Winslet 2013

Author: Chad Johnson

ISBN: 978-1-908793-35-5

Table of Contents

1 AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL DECISIONS

The Right And Wrong Reasons For Purchasing An American Cocker Spaniel

-- The Right Reasons

-- The Wrong Reasons

American Cocker Spaniels And Social Responsibility

Where To Purchase Your American Cocker Spaniel

-- Private Sellers

-- Breeders

-- Shelters And Rescues

-- Puppy Farms

-- Pet Shops

General Equipment You Will Need

Choosing The Right American Cocker Spaniel

-- American Cocker Spaniels As Clothes Horses

-- American Cocker Spaniels As Hunting Dogs

-- Family And The Child Friendly American Cocker Spaniel

A Breed Guideline

-- Barking And The American Cocker Spaniel

-- Children And The American Cocker Spaniel

-- The American Cocker Spaniel On Its Own

-- Active Lifestyles And The American Cocker Spaniel

-- Exercise And The American Cocker Spaniel

Mixed Or Purebred American Cocker Spaniel?

In Conclusion

2 YOUR CHOSEN BREED:  THE AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

The American Cocker Spaniel Breed Standard

Personality And Temperament Of The American Cocker Spaniel

The Reality Of Life With An American Cocker Spaniel

-- The American Cocker Spaniel And Children

-- American Cocker Spaniels And Families

-- American Cocker Spaniels And Lifestyle

-- The American Cocker Spaniel And Other Animals

3 ALL ABOUT PUPPIES

Choosing The Right American Cocker Spaniel Puppy

-- What To Look For In An American Cocker Spaniel Owner Or Breeder

-- When Is The American Cocker Spaniel Puppy Old Enough To Leave The Mother?

How To Choose The Right American Cocker Spaniel Puppy

-- What To Watch For

Paperwork

Questions To Ask

Bringing The American Cocker Spaniel Puppy Home

-- Preparation At Home

-- Arrival

-- Introducing The Family

Keeping A Healthy American Cocker Spaniel Puppy

-- Good Nutrition

-- Vaccinations And Vet Visits

Common American Cocker Spaniel Puppy Health Problems

-- Diarrhea

-- Bloat

-- Puppy Allergies

-- Fleas And Ticks

-- Vomiting

Exercise

Conclusion

4 THE RESCUE AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL OWNER’S MANUAL

The Truth Behind Rescued American Cocker Spaniels

Why Adopt From A Rescue Home?

-- Misconception: Anyone Can Get An American Cocker Spaniel From A Breed Rescue

-- Misconception: As Soon As You Put In Your Name And Are Approved You Will Get An American Cocker Spaniel

-- Misconception: It Is Easy To Get A Puppy At An American Cocker Spaniel Rescue

-- Misconception: Rescues Will Take In Vicious American Cocker Spaniels

-- Misconception: Rescued American Cocker Spaniels All Have Personality Or Temperament Problems

Older American Cocker Spaniels Versus Younger American Cocker Spaniels

-- How Does This American Cocker Spaniel Behave Around Children?

-- How Does This American Cocker Spaniel Respond To Strangers?

-- What Routines For Feeding And Exercise Is This American Cocker Spaniel Currently On?

-- What Food Or Diet Is This American Cocker Spaniel On And What Treats Are Being Provided?

-- What Unique Behaviors Or Personality Traits Does This American Cocker Spaniel Have?

-- What Commands Does This American Cocker Spaniel Respond To?

Process For Adopting A Rescue American Cocker Spaniel

1. The First Step Is Research

2. Contact The Rescue In Your Area

3. Be Patient

4. Renew Your Application When Necessary

5. Follow Through

6. Consider Volunteering

Common Issues With Rescued American Cocker Spaniels And How To Deal With Them

-- Fear

-- Biting

-- Rescuee Anxiety

-- Housetraining

Particular Problems With An American Cocker Spaniel Rescue

To Summarize

5 AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL HEALTH

General Considerations For Keeping Your American Cocker Spaniel Healthy

-- Spaying And Neutering

-- Regular Vet Checks

-- The Importance Of Exercise

Exercise Requirements Of The American Cocker Spaniel

Grooming And Living Conditions

Typical American Cocker Spaniel Health Issues

-- Fleas

-- Ticks

-- Worms

-- Weight Loss/Weight Gain

-- Dog Diarrhea

-- Dog Vomiting

-- Coughing

-- Trouble Breathing

-- Bad Breath

-- Hip Dysplasia

-- Walking Dandruff

-- Canine Arthritis

-- Ear Infections

-- Eye Infections

-- Constipation

-- Heat Stroke

Allergies

Specific Dog Health Issues For The American Cocker Spaniel

-- Progressive Retinal Atrophy

-- Cataracts

-- Hypothyroidism

-- Entropion

-- Gastric Torsion

-- Cardiomyopathy

-- Osteochondritis Dessicans

-- Cryptorchidism

-- Hypoadenocorticism (Addison’s Disease)

-- Panosteitis

Non-Medical Emergencies

-- Missing American Cocker Spaniels

-- American Cocker Spaniel Safety In Cars

-- Ventilation And Overheating

-- Cold

-- American Cocker Spaniel Bites And Liability

In Summary

6 BATHING AND GROOMING YOUR AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

Tools

Bathing

Ear Care

Nail Clipping

Anal Glands

7 THE GOOD AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL FOOD GUIDE

The Importance Of The Right Diet

Changing Types Of Food

Keeping A Routine

How Much And What To Feed

Making Your Own American Cocker Spaniel Food

Foods To Avoid

Specific Feeding Advice For The American Cocker Spaniel

Weight, Dieting And American Cocker Spaniels

-- Feeding Obese American Cocker Spaniels

-- Diabetic American Cocker Spaniels

-- BARF

Health Foods For American Cocker Spaniels

Homemade Treats

Summary

8 SHOWING YOUR AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

Options For Showing Your American Cocker Spaniel

-- American Cocker Spaniels For Therapy

-- Obedience

-- Working Trials

-- Nose Work

-- Agility

-- Control

Agility

Showing Your American Cocker Spaniel

-- Choosing The Perfect American Cocker Spaniel For Show

-- Ringcraft

-- Grooming The Show American Cocker Spaniel

-- Transporting And Caging Your American Cocker Spaniel

In Ending

9 TRAINING YOUR AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

Training Your American Cocker Spaniel Puppy

Basic Commands

Common Puppy Problems

-- Housetraining A Puppy

-- Puppy Barking

-- Biting Or Nipping

-- Jumping Up

-- Leash Problems

Choosing A Trainer Or A Class

Training Your Adult American Cocker Spaniel

Particular Training Challenges With An American Cocker Spaniel

Common Adult American Cocker Spaniel Problems And Solutions

-- Biting And Nipping

-- Barking

-- Chasing Other Animals

-- Aggression Towards Other Animals

-- Chewing

-- Digging

-- Anxiety

-- Running Away

-- Pulling On The Leash

-- Coprophagy

-- Constantly Distracted

A Last Word

10 BREEDING YOUR AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

Basic Breeding Information

Breeding Checklist

Finding The Perfect Partner For Your American Cocker Spaniel

Pregnancy And Beyond

Whelping

Special Notes On Breeding An American Cocker Spaniel

Puppy Care

Registering The Puppies

Choosing Good Homes For Your American Cocker Spaniel Puppies

The Transition

To Conclude

11 THE OAD CARE GUIDE:  OLD AGED AMERICAN COCKER SPANIELS AND CANINE BEREAVEMENT

Older American Cocker Spaniels And Their Needs

-- Diet

-- Exercise

The Aging American Cocker Spaniel

Environmental Modifications

Health Problems And Older American Cocker Spaniels

Dealing With Grief

-- American Cocker Spaniels And Grieving

-- American Cocker Spaniels That Lose Their Owners

Preparing For The Worst

-- Euthanasia

-- Planning For Burial

-- Dealing With The Loss

A Final Word

1

AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL DECISIONS

THE RIGHT AND WRONG REASONS FOR PURCHASING AN AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

Planning to purchase an American Cocker Spaniel is a big decision and one that should not be entered into lightly. Owning an American Cocker Spaniel is a huge responsibility. Often potential owners see a tiny puppy and forget that this small, little bundle of energy will one day be a full grown animal that needs constant exercise, attention and love as well as training, food, and healthcare. Owning an American Cocker Spaniel is a wonderful, rewarding experience, but people need to realize that there are right and wrong reasons for owning such a unique breed of dog. There are right and wrong decisions to make about American Cocker Spaniels largely based on your living situation, as well.

THE RIGHT REASONS

There are many right reasons for purchasing an American Cocker Spaniel, depending on your living space, lifestyle, and financial status—both now and in the future. An American Cocker Spaniel requires love, attention, space, and exercise, as well as veterinary care and good quality food. If you are able to provide these factors for the animal, then purchasing an American Cocker Spaniel is probably a good decision. Remember, however, that an American Cocker Spaniel will usually live at least 12 years. Know that this purchase is a lifetime commitment and ensure that you are financially and emotionally able to take on this commitment.

Some of the right reasons for purchasing an American Cocker Spaniel include:

<> You want to participate in daily exercise with a pet that will always be ready to go for a walk, romp or run, no matter what the weather.

<> You want to be responsible for caring for another living thing that will provide you with years of unconditional love and attention.

<> You can make the time commitment to train and work with your American Cocker Spaniel both now and in the future.

<> You have the ability to provide food and healthcare as required to your American Cocker Spaniel. The average cost of raising an American Cocker Spaniel is approximately $250.00/£153 per year in vet fees plus an additional $50.00/£31 per month in dog food. For those that have American Cocker Spaniels that require special food types, the cost of feeding can be closer to $100.00/£61 to $150.00/£92 per month. Flea and tick medications and heartworm medicine usually costs $30.00/£18 to $50.00/£31 per month. These costs are per dog, so families with more than one American Cocker Spaniel will pay significantly more per year.

<> You want to have a companion to spend time with that will just be happy to be with you.

<> You have spent time researching breeds and have determined the American Cocker Spaniel will best suit your lifestyle, both now and in the future.

<> You have researched breeds, rescues, or private owners and have determined the best purchase to make.

<> You have the space, both inside and outside, and have the room to exercise and house an American Cocker Spaniel in a quality home environment.

<> You have completely thought through the purchase, consulted with other family members, and are in agreement that getting an American Cocker Spaniel is a good decision.

Ensuring that other family members agree with your decision is an important part of the right reasons to get an American Cocker Spaniel.

THE WRONG REASONS

Sometimes people end up owning pets for the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, these wrong reasons often lead to loving pets being left at rescues or shelters or simply being given away to another owner. Try to avoid purchasing or taking an American Cocker Spaniel from someone else for one of the wrong reasons listed below:

<> Purchasing an American Cocker Spaniel based on emotion rather than planning and thought. All American Cocker Spaniel puppies are cute and adorable, but they are not perfect. Rescues for American Cocker Spaniel are full of dogs that involved more responsibility than their former owners were willing to take for owning a dog. A little research on the breed would have avoided this problem.

<> Purchasing a trendy breed. Different movies, videos, or even various celebrities posing with an American Cocker Spaniel can influence individuals in purchasing a particular breed. Buying an American Cocker Spaniel without knowing what the breed is like in personality or training demands is not a good idea. Avoid purchasing the breed that is currently in fashion.

<> Purchasing an American Cocker Spaniel to send a message about yourself. Many breeds have become popular simply due to their reputations. The truth is that this breed needs an experienced and mature owner who wants more than a status symbol.

<> Feeling guilty about an American Cocker Spaniel and taking it home. Sometimes people are pressured into buying or accepting an American Cocker Spaniel even when they know they cannot properly care for it.

<> Taking home an American Cocker Spaniel at the wrong time in your life. Don’t get an American Cocker Spaniel when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet.

<> Purchasing an American Cocker Spaniel for a small child or family member. They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and support for the pet’s training and care.

Research and an honest evaluation of why you want an American Cocker Spaniel will help avoid these potential pitfalls.

AMERICAN COCKER SPANIELS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

There are several considerations that an American Cocker Spaniel owner must keep in mind when owning an animal, regardless of its breed or size. Often there are more responsibilities than ever imagined. It is the owner’s job to keep the pet safe, as well as visitors to the property and individuals within the community.

The following responsibilities should be considered with regards to owning an American Cocker Spaniel:

<> Travel

Will you bring the American Cocker Spaniel with you? Who will provide care for your American Cocker Spaniel while you are away? Some hotels and motels allow dogs, and most dogs can be transported in planes, provided they are properly caged and behaved. Training your American Cocker Spaniel to be comfortable in a cage when traveling is a great idea. For those American Cocker Spaniels that are being left behind, either boarding them or having someone dog sit is an important consideration.

<> Vaccinations

Not only should your American Cocker Spaniel be vaccinated to prevent them from developing diseases, but to prevent the spread of disease through other dogs. Even American Cocker Spaniels that have no contact with other pets may get outside, become lost, or have contact with other dogs in social areas. Vaccinating your American Cocker Spaniel on a regular basis eliminates any worry.

<> Kenneling

Finding a professional kennel owner that knows your pet and will care for them while you are away is an important responsibility. Be sure to visit the kennel and talk to the people that work there prior to leaving your American Cocker Spaniel.

<> Car Safety

Teaching your American Cocker Spaniel to ride in the car or in a crate is important. These devices keep your American Cocker Spaniel safe and prevent them from being injured or thrown through the window in the case of an accident or sudden stop.

<> Biting and Other Legal Issues

Keeping your American Cocker Spaniel in a yard or on a leash is the best way to prevent biting or other legal issues. If you are buying an American Cocker Spaniel, check with local authorities to determine what you need to do to prevent any difficulties with specific breeds. Some breeds may not be allowed in some communities.

<> Insurance and Micro-chipping

Many insurance companies offer coverage for medical issues or even death for dogs. There are several different options and it is best to read through all policies before deciding which one is the best for you and your pet. Micro-chipping is a great way to permanently identify your American Cocker Spaniel. A small microchip is inserted just under the skin and allows identification of your dog at any vet’s office, shelter or rescue center. Your vet can complete this process at any time.

WHERE TO PURCHASE YOUR AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL

After you have made the decision and completed the research on the breed of dog that you would like to purchase the next step is to decide where to buy your American Cocker Spaniel. There are several different options for purchase or adoption, all of which have pros and cons. The following section will describe the various methods for purchasing an American Cocker Spaniel and indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

PRIVATE SELLERS

Sometimes known as backyard breeders, private sellers are individuals who have either purebred or mixed breed American Cocker Spaniels that have litters of puppies.

<> Advantages

Usually the parent American Cocker Spaniel, at least the female, are family pets and are well cared for and socialized. Often the owners have the litters in the house so the puppies are used to being handled and may also be started in basic training and socialization with people. Most private sellers love their American Cocker Spaniels and do their best to care for them. American Cocker Spaniels from a private seller may be registered or unregistered depending on the breeder.

<> Disadvantages

The owners are usually not showing the American Cocker Spaniel so, although they may be purebred, they may not be eligible for show depending on their characteristics or faults. The price of puppies from some private sellers may be just as expensive as from a breeder with a proven kennel, without the extras provided by the breeder. The owner may not have checked the male or female for hereditary conditions and usually will not offer a health guarantee. This is considered a buyers beware market and researching the breed is very important before making a purchase from a private seller.

BREEDERS

Breeders are those individuals who actively show and raise American Cocker Spaniel puppies. Their goal is to enhance the development of the breed and is not a for-profit emphasis on the sale of American Cocker Spaniel puppies.

<> Advantages

Breeders are registered with a Kennel Club and must uphold the ethical standards of the club. They are required to health check the male and female parents for genetic conditions, as well as avoid breeding any lines that have known health problems. A reputable breeder will offer a health guarantee for the puppy, as well as provide a return option should the puppy not adjust to your home. Many breeders will also have the new owner sign a contract that prevents the re-sale of the dog. Instead, it is to be returned to the breeder. Most puppies, unless otherwise indicated, will be eligible for show and competition and free from disqualifying faults.

<> Disadvantages

Since breeders are very selective in the breeding of their American Cocker Spaniels, there may be a long waiting list until a puppy becomes available. Breeders also require most owners to complete a questionnaire about their home and lifestyle and breeders may refuse to sell to a particular family or individual for a variety of reasons. Many breeders require that owners agree to spay or neuter their American Cocker Spaniel instead of allowing them to breed. Breeders may charge more per puppy than some of the other purchase options.

SHELTERS AND RESCUES

Shelters are usually run by the