Hopper Bopper Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 (edited) Not wanting to start an old debate off but i couldn't find any answers by searching previous forums/topics. So, I have got a 19 month old ESS bitch who is coming on really nice and i am enjoying having her. She beats and sits in the pigeon hide with me. The misses has now decided that she wants her own dog for beating in the main but maybe a bit of retrieving on occasions. she likes the look of a small 8 week old cocker bitch - a summer pup (i think the cuddle potential helps). This will be her dog for her to train and work. We clearly have some experience with the ESS but don't know what to expect with a cocker. If there is anything at all for us to be mindful of then please shout up. Many thanks in advance. HB Edited January 27, 2014 by Hopper Bopper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsdad Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 Cockers are the softest dogs ever...when mine is not out working he is like a baby and loves nothing more than cuddling with my wife....however, he can also be the most frustrating dog you could imagine when he decides he has other ideas to what I have asked him to do! Cockers are brilliant lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopper Bopper Posted January 27, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 One concern i have is that the cocker might be a bit bull headed or stubborn and then challenge the relationship between the misses and the dog. From bitter experience i know the boss can be 'firm' but that is with me, could she be running into trouble with a dog that she wants to cuddle and then get hard on in training and in the field? HB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 As said by oscarsdad , my cocker is the most affectionate dog i have owned , they can be a little headstrong and you do need to keep on top of them . Main thing for me is to get them retrieving sooner rather than later as they are so keen to hunt this can come second best , so lots of play retrieves when its still a pup is the way to go IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul T Posted January 27, 2014 Report Share Posted January 27, 2014 (edited) My Cocker is a gentle little lady & far from headstrong. She's very attentive & dotes on your every word - cracking little worker. Springers are a bit ott for me. Edit to say I agree on the retrieving. Edited January 27, 2014 by Paul T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dashman1 Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 I think oscarsdad and fenboy have said more or less what my cocker is like you do have to keep on top of them on occasions atb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cockerman59 Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Why a bitch unless getting spayed, being your wife's only dog you may loose her for 3 weeks during a season A dog might be better. Always a cocker I've got 3 at moment with be back up to 4 next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopper Bopper Posted January 28, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Why a bitch unless getting spayed, being your wife's only dog you may loose her for 3 weeks during a season A dog might be better. Always a cocker I've got 3 at moment with be back up to 4 next year. She wants a bitch as my springer and her dachshund are both bitches and we prefer their nature - not passing comment about dogs - it is just a personal preference. I appreciate the chance of her being in season etc but we run the same risk with my springer and are happy to take the risk until the dogs are a bit older. Thanks for all comments so far. HB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Hi Cocker No contest between them All the best Of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
postie Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 (edited) I have all ways had springers till know but I now have a 15 week old cocker bitch she is a little darling Every time Iook at hear it make my heart melt she is so loving and a great carictor She's more wilfully than my other dogs were but very sensitive too there very different to springers Her only down side is her retrieve ing she does like to keep them for herself and has berried a few dummies The whole berrying thing in itself is so funny the way she behaves just before she does it Not panicking just yet she's only 5months and there's been not formal training yet It as taken me 2 year to get the wife to let me have another dog now she's saying I should think about getting another cocker My little TILLY is a star and I am looking forward to the years working together Just be mindful you don't end up a house full NB Edited January 28, 2014 by postie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Cocker, I don't think that there is another gun dog that is as much fun to have as a pet, brilliant little characters that give you 100%. I love mine so much I'm getting another this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subsonicnat Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 Bitch Cocker, you will not regret it.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted January 28, 2014 Report Share Posted January 28, 2014 I've had several of both over many years so can speak with real experience..... Both breeds have almost the same characteristics, both versatile and extremely adaptable. My last cocker although it was quite a large dog was more than a match for the Springer I had at the time and it was quicker.. It did however attach itself to one member of the family in particular ( my wife ) and was stubborn and obstinate when it came to taking commands from me or the kids. The other three cockers I had exhibited this same trait. If its more of a pet or house dog your wife wants then the cocker would be ideal but unless you work it regularly it WILL get used to becoming a house dog and get very comfortable. The Springer is the most complete and versatile breed though of any gun dog... I've said often before ..it can point, hunt, flush, retrieve, with the best of them will face the thickest of brambles with total enthusiasm and swim like an otter... and it will do it all day and some. They need to be kept active and just live to please. I have had issues with the larger Springer bitch dominating the smaller cocker though and wouldn't be totally comfortable with them being left alone for long periods until the cocker is big enough to take care of herself. Cockers can be a bit feisty at times with some members of the family other than "the chosen one" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dead-Eyed Duck Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 I've had two cocker bitches - the current one is 9 months old and coming on well. Both were (are) entirely lovable, happy and eager to please. I would admit that with the 1st one I did not have a clue as to what I was doing - I was new to having a gundog and took advice from a person who knew nothing either! The result was that she was often entirely wilful, especially as I did not have sufficient time to devote to training her. Don't blame the dog, blame the trainer! With this 2nd one I have been taking her to gundog training classes and read up as much as I can. Most cockers are highly intelligent, and have to be kept occupied to prevent them being bored - I take mine out for two training sessions a day plus the occasional non-training walk. Training can be slow - I was tearing my hair out in frustration as she persisted in spitting out the dummy on retrieving back to my feet, but all of a sudden she now does it perfectly. They are keen and eager, and much patience can be required, but what a happy dog when you can get them to do things that match what they want to do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 If you cannot decide get a Sprocker as I did. Mine is 1/4 Springer and 3/4 Cocker and is 22 weeks old at the moment. He is the most affectionate dog I have ever had. His training has not started yet but I already know that he has a good nose and good eyesight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Essex Hunter Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 I have a Cocker who is know 6 months and coming on very well, he changes hats very well, out in the field the puppy switch's in to work/training mode. Back at home he will play with his toys for a while, then sit on mine or dads lap quite content. My first working dog and we hope to breed from him later on and I hope to keep a pair to bring on in 2/3 years... I all ways wanted a cocker and very happy to have mine.... TEH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 You must let her choose OR it will come back to haunt you. I think its fair to sat that Cockers are generally thought of as slightly brighter and harder to train as a result. My wife fancies a Chessie but that's not going to happen until she has the time and commitment to train it herself - and work it, remember this and get 100% commitment from her to see it though! My wife does a lot better with dogs than bitches (same with many the female attitude is too similar within social species imo and clashes), I am the reverse- though prefer dogs these days for their size and strength and lack of a season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dead-Eyed Duck Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 You must let her choose OR it will come back to haunt you. I think its fair to sat that Cockers are generally thought of as slightly brighter and harder to train as a result. My wife fancies a Chessie but that's not going to happen until she has the time and commitment to train it herself - and work it, remember this and get 100% commitment from her to see it though! My wife does a lot better with dogs than bitches (same with many the female attitude is too similar within social species imo and clashes), I am the reverse- though prefer dogs these days for their size and strength and lack of a season When I took my cocker to gundog training there was a very large Chessie in the class. He wouldn't retrieve any ball unless it squeaked, and the sight of the poor lady owner being dragged along by this monster (and she wasn't a small lady) was a sight to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carpentermark Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 Here you go..... http://www.gumtree.com/p/pets/labradoodle-cross-springador-puppies/1046534227 What next?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephenNE Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 Here you go..... http://www.gumtree.com/p/pets/labradoodle-cross-springador-puppies/1046534227 What next?! the ultimate gundog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 the ultimate gundog Either that or totally ******* useless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carpentermark Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 (edited) Either that or totally ******* useless! ******* useless gets my vote lol Edited January 29, 2014 by carpentermark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lambchop Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 Friends work both breeds and cockers just always seem a little less mad and have always had my vote. Fully understand though dogs are all individuals and behaviours can be a reflection of handler as much as dog itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 When I took my cocker to gundog training there was a very large Chessie in the class. He wouldn't retrieve any ball unless it squeaked, and the sight of the poor lady owner being dragged along by this monster (and she wasn't a small lady) was a sight to see. That is very untypical of the breed I have to say and indicates more a foolish owner, the clue is in the name "retriever" and few are as close to their real working routes as the Chessie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dead-Eyed Duck Posted January 31, 2014 Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 That is very untypical of the breed I have to say and indicates more a foolish owner, the clue is in the name "retriever" and few are as close to their real working routes as the Chessie Fully understand that Kent. The strange thing was that this lady already had another Chessie, and she just didn't have a clue. Don't blame the dog blame the owner etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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