Do you think a cocker spaniel would be appropriate?
I’m taking care of a little tan cocker spaniel, cute as can be at 12 weeks, and thus far have had no problems. My original intent was not to keep the dog, the owner was just not well, however now the owner has offered the dog to me to keep due to her health conditions. The only problem being I have a 14 month old and twins on the way. I’m willing to work with my daughter to make sure she is well mannered with the dog, and make sure to do the same with the twins when they get old enough. I do have baby gates around the house, and can also make sure the dog is never unsupervised with the children. He has been just excellent in every situation with my daughter so far too, he’ll sit on my lap and I let her pet him and rub his belly, and he loves it. Do you think it will be okay to keep the dog, or should I find a new home for it?
6 Comments on “Do you think a cocker spaniel would be appropriate?”
I had a cocker spaniel for 11 years. He was great, but a little hard to get house broken. He was always great with kids, even when he was just a puppy. We didn’t have our kids back then but did baby sitting and he was always great with them. He had a bit of a rough time when we had kids of our own and he got demoted from kid to dog. It was a sad day at our house when he died.
Every dog is different, but having had one with kids, I think a cocker is a good dog to have. I would have to say though, that they only get one chance at my house. If they ever bite the kids, even once, they are gone.
12 weeks old?? of course he is behaved,, hasn’t gotten to the puppy naughties yet… a dog can require the same amount of time and training as a child,,, with a 1 year old and twins on the way.. i would suggest you wait to get a dog… this dog should be RETURNED TO ITS BREEDER – providing it was originally from a REPUTABLE breeder.. if it wasn’t,, – you do not want this dog anyway,, as cockers can have temperament issues etc.
As long as you can keep up with the demands of a puppy, a toddler and infant twins you should be ok! LOL dogs are wonderful companions for children and adults alike. Cockers are great with kids too! I hope you can keep the little critter.
Don’t trust luck. Either get baby doors or have the dog trained. Have a family discussion about it. If your whole heart and mind is set on keeping the dog, go for it!
In my experience, cocker spaniels aren’t really good with children. They don’t really like being tugged on and pulled on and can get rather snappy sometimes.
i have a 5yr old mini cocker and a 3yr old niece. she was great with her even when she was very tiny. she did not really get near her, my niece does more harmful things to her!! but even when she was a baby, the dog was very careful around her and cautious. i think if i has a great disposition it would be a great addition to your family.