can you please tell me if you think a cocker spaniel is suitable for a young family with 3 children in it.
i love them but have never kept dogs before but am not sure if this dog will be too energetic and lively for 3 young children, one is 5 one is 2 and the other 9mths.
will they get on??? it is only for a pet purpose too not for working.
how much exercise do they need daily etc.... and advice would be grately appriciated.

thank you.

I'm a bit confused here guest. Is it a cocker or a springer you are really asking about? I've never had a cocker but had an English Springer when my son was 5 and my oldest daughter was 2. She was a wonderful dog. When you go to look at puppies let the breeder(s) now that you have young children and they may be able to find a calmer one (if possible :D ) for you. I wouldn't go for one with a lot of field trial dogs in the pedigree as they could be a bit too boisterous for you. Just my opinion. ;)

I can't vouch for show breeds but I wouldn't recommend a working variety.  Not because they aren't great dogs (they are) and not because they won't get on with your children, but because with three youngsters to look after you don't need a dog who has bags and bags of limitless energy.  They do need quite a bit of occupying, not only with exercise but with other things to exercise their mind.

I've got both a cocker and a springer and they are absolutely fantastic dogs but they keep my son and I very very busy.  I wouldn't have time for three small children too.  Mine have about two hours a day out in the field and never tire, during the shooting season they can be out from 9 - 4 three days a week, constantly on the go.

I am sure someone will come along and offer you some excellent advise about what would be suitable.

Having owned alot of cockers they are very loveable dogs and get on with everyone , being named as the merry dog :) always willing to do what it can to make you happy i had a cocker when i was very tiny and never had a problem , i supose its all about taking time out to train a puppy . If its springers you want then i have no exsp of them so cant help there sorry

The only experience of Springers I have, was my sis-in-laws' bitch, all I can say is we called her the 'Duracell' dog, it was impossible to tire her out, even as she got older, then just when you thought she was tired, 30 minutes later, she was ready to start all over again. I would say, not a dog for the faint-hearted ;)

liberty :)

springers are known to be very bouncy lol , i know someone who has a springer wants another breed now as there v lively

Hiya Guest
My Cocker (Dylan) is now almost 9 months old, my daughter is just 5. He went through all the stages of pulling at clothes & play biting just like any puppy. You could probably find some of my posts where I am in a right panic wondering if I'd bought some mad vicious dog lol but this is normal behaviour for any pup. My poor daughter had holes in her socks & trouser legs for ages, it looked like I wasnt dressing her properly! But now she & Dylan are the best of friends, he loves her to bits. He does get over excited & when she comes home from school he has to lick her for 5 minutes before she can get her coat off, but he is the most fantastic dog, & if the fussing gets out of hand hes not too big to just pick him up & take him out the way.
    

Hi, :)

I've had a Cocker and 2 Springers and I agree with the others, they are very lively breeds, especially Springers. Generally they are brilliant with children but they do need a lot of time spending on them to tire them out, both mentally and physically. From my experience the Cocker was less boisterous than the 2 Springers but others with more experience may be able to give you more info. :)

Kath.

Hi Guest, I have a Springer and whilst I would say that he is an absolute diamond with my 4 children, he is very....erm.....springy! My neighbour who has a Goldie came in to look after my daughter for 1/2 hr this morning and when I got back she told me that Oscar is completely barmy and much bouncier than her young dog. I wouldn't change him tho! :D