I need to know if a cocker spaniel is a good dogs to have around kids. My aunt said that someone told her that cocker spaniels were territorial and would turn on children.

I've got a 9mth old Cocker Spaniel and 3 children (6, 4 and nearly 2). The puppy is very patient with the children and especially good with the little one.

You do need to be careful though, and make sure the children are taught to respect the puppy and leave her in peace when necessary. I have a crate which Holly can go in during the day when she needs/wants some quiet time.

If you're sensible and don't leave the children alone with the puppy, unless they're over 10 and can be relied on to do exactly what you tell them, you shouldn't have any problems.

I hope this helps,

Fiona
x x x

No puppy or dog should be left alone with young children and only with older ones if the are used to dogs and understand that rough & noisy games are not allowed. Countless dogs have been PTS because they were left alone with children who were too young or too stupid to know how to deal with a dog, repeated hitting or kicking will in the end lead to a dog standing its ground. Remember the dog put down because he jumped after a sweet being thrown across the room by children and missed the sweet and cought a childs fingers, the press had a field day about this dog that had savaged a child. Jackie

Hi Guest

I agree with everything that Fiona has said about Cocker Spaniels and Children. They must respect the puppy and not continuely wake it up if it is sleeping or pull it around etc, as the old saying goes "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie". When the puppy is tired they must let it have its sleep without being disturbed.

They are wonderful friendly and happy dogs which are great companions.

Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any further questions.

HTH

Dessie