Can / should I get a cocker spaniel puppy if I work full time? Cocker spaniel and separation anxiety training and tips (C) Image by rawpixel from Pixabay

Q&A | Should I get a cocker spaniel puppy if I work full time?

One of the most asked questions is SHOULD/CAN I GET A COCKER PUP IF I WORK FULL TIME? In short, no.

All dogs are pack animals & feel happy as a part of a family, not on their own. Cockers, known to be naturally prone to separation anxiety, are even more sensitive to loneliness and spending hours in solitude. Here I won’t even go into keeping a puppy in a cage for hours “to avoid mess” because it simply should not cross your mind.

Young pups need a company most of the time and young and grown up dogs can stay on their own for an hour or two provided they had a lovely walk, meal and entertainment.

Personally I feel that a perfect family for a cocker is the one where family members can be at home most of the time either working from home (my case) or working shifts.

If you have to leave your dog alone for hours, find him a dog sitter, friend or relative and let the pooch get used to this arrangement over a period of time. Worth remembering that your cocker will naturally become more independent and detached from you when he becomes a junior, but he will still need to know that you’re somewhere around or about to come home.

How do you find balance between work & keeping your cocker happy?

Photo source: image by rawpixel from Pixabay

How and where to find cocker spaniel puppy / how to make your pet famous on instagram

Puppies & Instagram

I recently saw a report saying that most people spend more time deciding which pair of shoes to buy than getting a puppy. And, of course, I couldn’t help noticing how seeing pups on Instagram prompted people to run and get one there and then.

So if you are thinking about getting a dog, remember that love isn’t enough. You are going to be responsible for somebody who will be spending their whole life with you & rely on you in everything.

Research, learn, take your time & be realistic when you make a decision to have a dog. Never rush into it. Because once you have a dog, your life will change & you will have to be ready to accept it and become the most dedicated, caring and loving parent for your new baby.

Photo source: image by Thomas Ulrich from Pixabay

Halloween dogs / what treats and halloween foods can be dangerous for dogs / cocker spaniel advice / perfect cocker spaniel blog / (C) Image by nancy sticke from Pixabay

Tricky Halloween treats

Halloween should be fun for everyone including our beloved pups. Keep them happy by making sure they don’t intentionally or accidentally treat themselves to…

… chocolate because it contain theobromine that is toxic to dogs.
… any candy & sweets that contain xylitol – it’s extremely dangerous to dogs & tiny amount can be lethal
… any hard candy & wrappers – they can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed
… carved pumpkins because they may be mouldy and, as a result, contain mycotoxins.
… pumpkins with tea lights inside them may burn dogs’ noses.
… glow sticks that dogs may see as fun chews contain a bitter liquid – it won’t pose real danger to your pooch but will cause drooling & vomiting

Have a safe & happy Halloween!

Photo source: image by nancy sticke from Pixabay