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American Cocker Spaniel breed profile

Training and intelligence
Cocker Spaniels are not the most intelligent dogs, but they make up for this in enthusiasm and wanting to please.

Temperament
Cocker Spaniels love their families, especially children, in fact they love everyone. These are happy, affectionate dogs whose tails virtually always wag.

Attitude towards strange dogs and people
Everyone is a friend to a Cocker Spaniel, and they want to greet them warmly. Some may have a tendency to shyness, which good socialisation will help.

Grooming and shedding
Cocker Spaniels are medium shedders, their coat will grow very long, but can be clipped short for easier maintenance.

Exercise
They like lots of exercise. Cocker Spaniels are the smallest of the gun dogs so they have plenty of exercise and stamina.

Need for company
Cocker Spaniels like to be with their people best, but will tolerate being left for short periods.

General
Cocker Spaniels can be difficult to housebreak, and some love to bark just because they enjoy it; persevering with training will help with either of these problems. One of the worst problems with this breed is that popularity has lead to some doubtful breeding - make sure you get your dog from a reliable breeder.

Sharing

280 - pet bereavement leave and the dog sniffing for an escaped capybara

Erika Sinner shares why pet bereavement leave is so important - on a business and a personal level. Rachel Rodgers talks about her and her dog Rico helping to sniff out missing capybara, Cinnamon.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.