r/englishcockerspaniel

TLDR: how much do you really groom your ECS and how do they smell? Do they feel oily to touch?

I’m considering ECS as a second dog. I have an adult Shiba Inu, and while he requires special attention in terms of training (because he couldn’t care less), grooming him is relatively a breeze, only happening 2-3 times a year and he still smells fresh. Cockers seem to be the other way around — willing to listen but requiring a lot of grooming. I’m ok with it in general, and if anything wishing my dog would let me groom him more, but I want to make sure I can realistically achieve having a well groomed non-smelly cocker spaniel.

I’m aware of the ideal recommendations for the breed, but how much and how often do you really groom your dog on average and how do they smell? Do they have the distinct dog smell? Do they feel oily to touch? How bad does it get if you happen to have busy few weeks and fall behind? If you could share the environment in which your dog lives (house with garden vs apartment, how wet the climate is, etc.), that’d be extra good!

Thanks!

A breeder offered us a 1 year cocker spaniel. She said that she was house trained and lovely….

I’ve never met a more naughty dog in my life. This dog followed me everywhere (this parts ok) but then if anyone came near me, she’d growl at them, if my other dog came near me, she bit him! No warning signs, just straight to the attack to his cheek and ears.

She also would try to jump on me and steal food that I was eating OUT OF MY HAND

She jumped from my bed to the desk three times to get to my coffee that was there. And fell on her back twice.

She chewed my computer why I was using it

Chewed charging cables while I was using them

And then barked at the TV as if it was real life.

On the third day I had to return her after she bit my own dog a second time.

I’m now turned off the breed, but don’t want be. Is this unusually for a cocker spaniel? Or common behaviour that needs training?

I’m not new to dogs. Have had labs, border collies, cavoodles and jack Russel’s.

It was like a very energetic 8 week old puppy but in a 1 year olds body.

Hi everyone!

We’re trying to train our cocker spaniel to be comfortable spending short periods on her own while we’re still at home (e.g. in the laundry or outside).

The interesting thing is she’s completely fine when we actually leave the house (we have a camera for when we are not home). The problem is when we’re home but she’s separated from us by a door. She becomes really restless, jumps at the door, and cries.

We’ve been trying to reward her whenever she’s calm and quiet, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. As soon as we give her a treat and leave again, she gets even more worked up and starts jumping and crying all over again.

We’d really appreciate any advice!

Has anyone experienced paradoxical reactions when their ECS was medicated post surgery? We are in the US and ours had tooth and neuter surgery and was on gabapentin/trazadone initially post surgery. The combination was not enough to keep him calm and inactive though. The vet added acepromazine and after a couple of days with it on board, we saw distinct behavioral changes. We worked with the vet, removed the ace immediately, and limped through the last day or so of essential rest. Three days later the behavioral issue resolved, thank goodness.

We don't know if the behavioral issue was triggered by one drug or a combination of two or more. Unfortunately, we found out today he will need surgery on a problem unrelated to the first two. We are working with the vets to try to identify the trigger on the front end. Do any of you have experiences you can share that might be helpful?

I recently got an English Setter puppy (who has been a handful to say the least), and my 8 year old female cocker isn’t coping very well.

She has always been a Velcro dog, and although it was rare I needed to leave her home alone before getting puppy, she was fine for up to a whole working day, where she would just sleepy and sit in the sun.

Since getting puppy, we haven’t had the chance to leave the dogs alone much. Now puppy is 6 months, we have started with a short periods here and there and built up to 1-2 hours. At first this was going well, but the last few times I have watched our Cocker go mental on our doggy cam. She finishes her pigs ear/ toppl/ kong, runs straight to the front door and starts howling, then barking non stop.

I am at a loss, she has never been this vocal before nor has she shown any signs of seperation anxiety. Once she starts barking, the puppy joins in. I’ve tried to seperate them, thinking they encourage each other, I’ve tried to go back to basics and leave for shorter periods - but the barking prevails.

Hi friends,

I’m absolutely obsessed with ECS, and have decided that will be my next dog (in a few years).

I haven’t interacted too much with cockers before, but ran into one on the street last week. I asked the owner how he likes the breed, and he said, “She’s like a chihuahua. Always a little nervous, a little shaky. Yeah, like a chihuahua. Do you know English Springers? I suggest you get that.”

It really took me by surprise. I’ve been researching them so much, and “nervous” doesn’t seem like that breed trait I’ve read about. That’s not to say I would hate to have a Springer if it makes more sense (I adore them too), but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed not to get a glowing review from a cocker owner.

In any case, would love to get your opinion on the ECS personality.

ETA: I currently have two Aussies and a Border Collie mix. My sister has a Chihuahua. I don’t have very much experience with Spaniels in general, but would love to hear if my experience with herders will be a good test for giving an ECS a good home.

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