What to look for in cocker spaniels
Questions to ask regarding your living area
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Are your bedrooms big enough? Puppies should not be tight. They may choose to cuddle up together to sleep, but there should be enough room for them to move away and sleep alone, if they choose.
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Is the area poop free and clean?
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Smells bad?
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Does each puppy have their own blanket and is the bedding clean?
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Are bowls of clean water available?
Watch the puppies while they play and look for the following
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Do they look well fed? Are they pretty and chubby?
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Are their coats smooth and shiny?
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Do they seem happy?
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Are the puppies curious, lively and energetic?
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Do they trust their littermate?
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Are they happy being managed by people?
check the mother
It is also important to look at the mother when choosing a puppy. Ask yourself the following:
Although the mother can be protective of her cubs, she should not be aggressive. On the other hand, she shouldn’t be shy and walk away from you. Her coat may not be looking its best right now, but it shouldn’t be matted or dirty. There should be no signs of abandonment. Ask the breeder how often the mother has given birth to a litter of puppies and the health of those puppies.
If you are not satisfied with what you see, or have concerns about the pup’s health or its environment, do not continue. Thank the breeder for their time and leave. Saying no now will save you a lot of headaches later.
check health
If you like what you see after you’ve answered these initial questions, check each puppy to make sure they’re all healthy. Pick up the puppy and do a thorough check of the following:
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Check the eyes for discharge. They should be clear and shiny, not runny.
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Check his ears. Are they clear? Give them a quick sniff. Do they smell? If they smell bad, it may be a sign of bacteria or infection.
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Check your belly button for lumps. Make sure the puppy doesn’t have an umbilical hernia.
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Check the puppy’s mouth and teeth. When choosing your puppy, you want to make sure that he has the correct bite. The upper teeth should close over the lower teeth.
In our next article we will go into more detail about the adoption process and how to bond with your Cocker Spaniel. If this is a replacement dog for one he has lost, he may need to give himself time to grieve the loss of his best friend. Remember that the author is an intuitive pet complaint coach and can guide you through the grieving process.