Age To Start Training A Cockier.

[jocky 198]

Is 12 months old to old to start training a cockier spaniel. they have not done any think at all just been in kennel and run.

[jok 3,225]

What are you thinking about now pal?? You do tend to duck and dive a bit. When I trained up my Sweep to field Trial Standard, it was day in and day out for 2 years. Even then, although he won a few competitions, it was continuos hard work. Never miss a morning or evening. Annoy the neighbours with your whistle, blank gun and shouted commands. WHAT DO YOU GET AT THE END OF IT ALL. The most amazing feeling of achievement and a bonding that can't be surpassed. Don't know what you are thinking pal but good luck. If you go down that road I'll be there to help.

[low plains drifter 10,368]

Just like to ask what if any is the biggest problem a cocker can present when out in the field, (heard they can be bad for hunting up too far ahead ?), i am interested in this breed as a working companion for my young lurcher and to take out on long coastal/country walks

[jocky 198]

I just think it will be to late to start training a dog at 12 month old. would not have been so bad if it had done the basics.

[Paulnix 426]

Really depends on the dog and the trainer I think but it isn't too late at all if the basics, sitting, stopping and walking to heal can be sorted out fairly sharpish, imo you only really 3 months late if those can be sorted.

Then some dummy work and in the spring and summer get plenty of work in making sure it under control, Cockers seem more than anything need keeping on top of though and if can be kept steady then you should be ok.

 

*Edit to add * : Of course it also depends on wether this puppy is your's already, or how much it would cost you to buy as to wether you take on training...

Edited December 9, 2015 by Paulnix

[jocky 198]

Thanks paulnix. its not my dog at the moment. But the owner a young lady died of cancer, so the two dogs are at a friends small holding in a kennel and run at the moment. the owner of the small holding cant keep them as she is in her late 60s, and as 2 German shepherds and a small dog in the house. Plus she got the horses to look after. She said she will take £200 each for the dogs. They have got pedigrees and paper work. I will have to have a good think about it,as i got a patterdale and a pat x jack russel cross all ready.

[Paulnix 426]

Well is well priced for full pedigree if you can train them, know people spend over 1k on a similar aged Dog with only sitting, lead broken, walking to heal and maybe some very basic dummy work.

Without seeing them I really think is doable unless they look out of control and completely ignore you, but I would think about only taking one of them, often seen the case litter mates kept from puppy up to adult work for each other and not you.

 

Is it possable for you to go spend some time with them singly ? often just them willing to sit calmly with you and hold your gaze will be a good guide. I certainly wouldn't be put off by them being 12 months, my second Springer bitch was 9 months old and nothing done with them apart from socializing and I waited a month before doing anything more than walking her around keeping her close to me, after that sitting, healing came along quickly with dummy work. Only my opinion but I think they need to be a puppy for longer than a lot of people have patience for before starting training.

 

Is a tricky one though, good luck if you take the plunge.

[jocky 198]

yes i can spend time with them, she as asked me if i can walk them for her. there at one of my perms that i shoot the rabbits at. think i will start walking one of them and do some basics with it, walking to heal sitting ect. If things go well will get one i may have one. got nothing to loose.