Hello! I'm new to the group!

I've recently adopted a four year old cocker spaniel. I haven't seen him yet, but there's a good back up plan if things don't work out. However, I want to do everything I can to make this a successful pairing!

I was wondering if anyone had any information about adopting older dogs, and how to make their adjustment easier; he's been with his person for his whole four years.

Also, I don't know much about the cocker spaniel breed. Are there any peculiarities I should know about?

Any and all information would be appreciated! I really want to make this work! Thankyou!

Hiya
I have had cockers all my life. They are a wonderful breed. I would just say that if you are getting a solid colour, to be aware of a problem called "cocker rage syndrome". In basic terms, it is like an imbalance in the brain and is mostly common in the goldens, although the blacks can too be affected. What happens is they just "flip" for no reason and then go back to normal (in basic terms). It is very odd and it isnt actually curable as yet. I lost my first cocker at the age of 2 and a half due to a "stroke" (although, im not entirely sure that is what it was, because a stroke in dogs is NOT the same as a stroke in humans.) which at the time, we were led to believe had something to do with that problem....Having worked as a vet nurse since then, I learnt a lot more about it though.
But, all this aside THEY ARE A FAB BREED! Dont let what I said put you off, please. I have always loved them and always will, but you asked about things you should look out for and it is only right that you go into this knowing everything possible.
Also, as with any breed, they have their particular weaknesses (no i dont mean chocolate:) ), in their case, they are very prone to kidney problems and also eye problems, for instance, progressive retinal atrophy, which refers to retinal diseases that cause blindness.
In summer, you need to be VERY careful of grass seeds. Spaniels ears are like velcro to them and you wont see them go in until it is too late. When i get mine back from a walk, I always check her over to make sure she doesnt have any rogue seeds caught in her. These can be very dangerous as they can penetrate skin and also, in the case of the ears, burrow down inside. This is the problem with them having such large (but utterly ADORABLE) ears.
I have given you a bit of info on them, but you would have a list as long as your arm for any breed so dont let it put you off because all this aside, I dont think you should have a problem at all! They are a very loving and doscile breed. Mine is very spoilt (whos isnt) and we love her to pieces. I think it is great you are giving one a second chance.
Good luck and enjoy him.
x

Hi

Have a read of the Cocker Spaniel Breed Guide to give you some general information on the Breed.

With regards to Rage Syndrome have a look This As you will see from this website true Cocker Rage Syndrome is very rare these days.

Homing an older Cocker/Dog will require lots of patience on your part, he might take to it straight away or he might be very scared to start with lots of praise will go far.

HTH

Dessie :D :D

There is medication which can be used for rage syndrome, eg. phenobartibtone, but it isnt necessarily as rare as you might make out. Having worked as a vet nurse I have seen a lot of cases even in young dogs. It is very hard to erradicate it completely and you are still at risk of getting a cocker spaniel with rage. It is just something which we as owners have to try and get under control. Im afraid, that it isnt as rare as the website may make out.
One thing I would suggest is obedience training. My cocker had rage and I took her to training every week. I did shows with her and she was fantastic. It gave me the upper hand (which sadly the other members of my family did not have, so she had a go at them far more than me) so she would obey my commands and I was able to prevent rage incidents from happening.
I think that rage is something that everyone should be aware of and know what it means and how to get it under control.

You are right about what you said about patience, and the results will be great.
xx

Hi

I've personally had four rescue/rehome cockers - two rescues were 6 and 9 and the rehomes 4 and 9. I have probably been extremely lucky but I have had no problems with them settling in with me and none have pined at all. The 9 yo rehome had been with his owner all his life, but as soon as he got through the front door, he was home and tellingly did not exhibit the separation anxiety that was the supposed reason for his rehome. I've currently got the 4 and 6 yo - both are very happy.

Cockers are happy as long as you love them, give them plenty of attention and good walks. They are subject to a number of ailments - check ears, eyes, teeth and lip folds regularly. You need to groom the coat regularly otherwise it will get very matted, and make sure the hair between their pads is kept short and things don't get stuck.

They are fantastic dogs who will love you forever.