Hi,

My wife and I are currently looking into getting a dog.  Whilst my wife has grown up with dogs this will be my first dog.  We have done lot's of research and have decided on a Cocker Spaniel.  We are still a good few months away from actually getting a dog but I want to be as best prepared as possible.  I wonder if anyone could recommend a book on Cocker Spaniels?  Alternatively, would anyone suggest a general book on dogs rather than breed specific?  I'm looking for general guidance on subjects such as training, feeding, grooming etc.  One book I've seen is "Cocker Spaniel: An Owner's Guide (All You Need to Know About Your Cocker Spaniel) by Jane Simmonds.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Simon.

Check whether books are English or American, as American ones will have a lot of information irrelevant to the UK or done in a different way. (Also "Cocker Spaniel" in an American book will refer to the American Cocker, as they call it just Cocker Spaniel in the US, they call what we call a Cocker Spaniel an English Cocker Spaniel. Confusing I know!) For general books, look out for anything by Gwen Bailey, such as "Your perfect puppy" -she has written quite a few books.

Also you'll need to decide whether you prefer a 'show-type' or 'working-type' cocker spaniel; their looks and often activity levels are very different.

How exciting, good luck with all your decision making :)

For general puppy training and good old common sense approach I'd recommend The Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell.  Her website is worth a look too...

The Cocker book by Jane Simmonds is the most recently published one - don't want to blow my own trumpet but it is my book so I had better 'fess up ;-)

Other recommended books:
"Cocker Spaniel: Best of Breed" Edited by Derek Shapland (larger hardback whereas my book is a smaller paperback)
"Pet Owner's Guide to Cocker Spaniels" by Frank Kane (older small handbook but still v useful)

The Jane Simmonds book is excellent introduction- reasonably recent (last year iirc) with excellent clear step by step instructions and lots of clear colour pictures of beautiful cockers.

Another book I like is Cocker Spaniels - An Owners Companion from Crowood press by Jennifer Lloyd Carey.  It is a little older (1992) but still packed full of relevant information.  It has more detailed information as it is a larger book.  Not too many pictures (mostly b&w).  You can get this book on Amazon (used) for a good price.

Thanks to all for the replies.  I really appreciate the advice.

JaneS - Hi Jane, thanks for the reply.  It was me who Mark emailed you about regarding recommending a breeder.  Ironically, I asked him to email you to see if you could recommend a book and he suggested I post on the forum first. He obviously didn't know you'd wrote a book!!  Thanks for the recommendations also.

> Another book I like is Cocker Spaniels - An Owners Companion from Crowood press by Jennifer Lloyd Carey.  It is a little older (1992) but still packed full of relevant information.  It has more detailed information as it is a larger book.  Not too many pictures (mostly b&w).  You can get this book on Amazon (used) for a good price.

Yes that's indeed a good book - just a bit out of date when it comes to info on health issues etc as it was written before the current development of DNA tests etc

>JaneS - Hi Jane, thanks for the reply.  It was me who Mark emailed you about regarding recommending a breeder.  Ironically, I asked him to email you to see if you could recommend a book and he suggested I post on the forum first. He obviously didn't know you'd wrote a book!!  Thanks for the recommendations also.

No problem :-) There's a more detailed list of book recommendations (breed specific and general) on the Cocker Club site too, if you wanted more:

http://www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk/cocker_faq.htm  (scroll to the end of the page)

Ian Dunbar's "Before and After you get your puppy" is also a very good read. If you can't find it in print, it is available as free e-book downloads (two parts) from his website.

Thanks everyone.  I've ordered Jane's book and I've also downloaded the Ian Dunbar pdf's.  Should keep me busy for a while!

I would also say if your thinking of getting a puppy in a few months you really should be finding your breeder now. 

I would always suggest choosing a breeder that belongs to the/a breed club and does things with their dogs other than breeding puppies.

It goes without saying that all the breed relevant health tests should be carried out, there is a DNA test for FN (kidney issue) and eye testing, hip scoring etc.  such breeders will have a waiting list so it's a good idea to get onto a waiting list early often before a bitch is mated, so at least 4 months before puppies are ready for homing..

Thanks for the advice everyone. Jane's book arrived this morning and I've read the first 50 pages and found it really informative and useful. I've already done lots of reading online but its nice to have it in one place and consistently well written.

With regards to when to get a puppy, the few months was purely a minimum as we want to be well prepared and we are prepared to wait if necessary. I'm already looking around for a breeder but it is a little daunting.

Anyway, best get back to the book!

Thanks again.

Simon.

Good luck, keep us updated during this exciting time.

Quick update: I've finished the book and I found it to be a great introduction to the Cocker Spaniel breed and ideal for anyone thinking about getting a Cocker.  I've also been in touch with a breeder who currently has a litter and we've arranged a visit in a few weeks time.  After exchanging numerous emails we had a long chat on the phone and she was really nice and full of advice so that's put our mind at rest about actually finding a dog.

Once again, thanks to everyone for their advice.