FORESTER COCKER’S -CARES !
Thank you for welcoming our American Cocker Spaniel to your home. I’m sure he or she will quickly become a loving member of your family. They long for your companionship and are a loyal breed. Praise and treat them well and they will be a very loving friend and family member. These dogs were raised under-foot and have been well socialized both with each other and with other animals on our farm. This information provided is based on my personal experiences, use it at your own risk and discretion, and is intended solely for clients of Forester Cockers who may contact me at any time for further clarification. Always consult and follow the advice of a qualified veterinarian especially before considering any type of advice or recommendations.
The first grooming is complimentary and will be done before they leave for home. It is important to get them used to being groomed at an early age. For pup’s I use a tearless shampoo, still being careful not to get it in the eyes. Avoid getting water in ears, they should be clipped of hair and cleaned with an ear cleaner regularly. Always keep their head above water and avoid spraying water up the nose to prevent drowning. When they are wet they can become cold very quickly so use warm water and dry them as quickly as possible. Make sure ears are dried inside and clean with a cotton ball and hypoallergenic baby oil. Nail clipping is included in the grooming and should be done regularly. If you plan to groom and clip nails yourself, always keep a clotting agent at hand for emergencies. Rubbing their feet while holding the paw when they are young will help them get used to having their foot held up for clipping . Most nail clipping accidents result from a dog that just won’t hold still while his foot is held and the nail can be trimmed to short.
All our puppies are vet checked , wormed, and have had their first shots. You will need to take the pup to your veterinarian to complete the vaccination schedule he recommends. A health history will be provided to take with you. He can also inform you as to the best time to spay or neuter, spaying before the first heat is recommended. The puppies also have their tails docked and dew claws removed.
Our puppies are bred from American Kennel Club (AKC) champion lines from some of the best winning cockers and are registered with AKC. Registration information can easily be verified by the American Kennel Club. Some of our dogs are also registered with the Canadian Kennel Club and may be Canadian champions, which would not be shown on AKC records, and the reverse is also true. We breed, show, and handle exclusively cockers. They are bred for soundness, temperament, and conformation to the standard. I am an active member of the Burlington County Kennel Club. Our dogs are part of our family and will only be placed in qualified homes. Our goal is to improve this wonderful breed and raise excellent companion and show dogs. We are happy to take any inquires about general care and training, but please always follow the advice of your veterinarian
Getting Ready :
To get ready for your puppy you should get a crate and food and water bowl. I recommend the medium pet porter crate, not to be confused with the pet taxi crate which is considerably smaller. It is burgundy in color and available at wal-mart for about $37. They may also have the Travel- Air medium crate which is silver, either one will work. Please bring the crate with you to pick up your puppy, place an old towel in the bottom for accidents and to keep the puppy from sliding around. Crate training your dog will give them a comfortable, safe place to stay when you can't be with them, and makes housebreaking much easier. It is also a safer place for them to travel. You might want to wait to get the collar and lead until you pick up your puppy so you can get the right fit. The collar should fit so that one finger can fit under the collar and they can slip out in an emergency if they get caught on something, but not loose enough for them to just slip out of and get away from you. This may require some adjustment so be sure you are indoors or in a fenced are when finding the right fit. You should remove the collar when they are in the crate, especially if there is a dangling name or rabies tag on it that might get them caught. A collar with a squeezable clip instead of a belt type buckle is much easier to remove and doesn't have to be readjusted every time you put it back on, a harness is a good alternative but harder to get on and off. Please check the fit frequently as your puppy will be growing quickly at this age.
Vaccination schedule:
Preliminary visit- health check only from your veterinarian within 72 hours of receiving puppy. The second vaccination will not be due at this time unless I tell you otherwise! Bring your litter medical record / health certificate with you!
1st visit- second shots, health check, approx 12 weeks of age
2ND visit - third shots, approx. 16 weeks of age
3rd visit- rabies vaccination and/or spay –neuter, rabies after 3 months of age, spay/neuter after adult teeth come in, around 8 months.
Most shots are boosted annually. Rabies is boosted at one year, and is then boosted every two years.
Please follow a vaccination schedule as recommended by your veterinarian.
Feeding your pup:
Your puppy will be eating PURINA PRO PLAN CHICKEN AND RICE PUPPY, be careful not to get either large breed or small breed formulas. Please use the chart on the back of the bag to determine how much to feed, but notice that this chart goes by weight at maturity, which is approximately 20-25 pounds, not puppies actual weight. The highlighted color on the bag of pro plan puppy chicken rice formula is orange. You can get a bag of food ahead of time, but I can give you some food to get you started and also a $5.00 coupon along with your care guide. Of course you can use any other brand of food, probably better to stick to a chicken and rice formula, but please read further to find out how to safely make the change for the puppy.
Puppies at eight weeks old should be fed two to three meals a day. They will probably be able to eat dry food at this age. If they are unable to eat dry food, puppy chow may be soaked in a few tablespoons of warm water or broth just until softened. I don’t recommend using cows milk as it sometimes causes diarrhea. If wet, throw out any un-eaten food and wash bowl after each meal. Over the next few weeks, use less and less water until the puppy is able to eat the food completely dry. Dry food will help keep teeth clean and strong, and help prevent bad breath. By twelve weeks of age, the middle meal should be eliminated, and the other two meals made slightly larger. Food should be available for about fifteen minutes, then removed from reach. Plenty of fresh clean water should always be available. When changing from one type or brand of food to another the change should be gradual. Mix a small amount of the new food in with the old food. Over the next week, gradually change the proportions to increase the new food and decrease the old food. Changing the diet too quickly can commonly cause diarrhea and throwing up. Dogs are carnivores. You don’t need to buy the most expensive food you can find, but try to look for meat as the first ingredient. Less expensive foods are often mostly corn or fillers. These ingredients may eventually cause allergies in some dogs, which can be greatly improved or eliminated simply by a change in diet. Approximately fifteen minutes after eating, you should take the puppy outside to a regular spot for potty, this is not play time, and the dog should be rewarded after relieving itself. This will make house breaking much easier. The puppy should also be taken to the same spot first thing in the morning, before bedtime, and several times during the day. If you must give table scraps, do so sparingly. As much as they enjoy them, they will usually get an upset stomach, throw-up, or get diarrhea, which can lead to accidents in the house. Do Not give any real bones!!!!!!! The puppies feeding schedule can affect your success with housebreaking.. Crate training along with a supervised feeding schedule is a very effective method of housebreaking. Please be patient, I have had dogs trained in three days, and others had reached several months of age before being able to control bowel movements. This also depends on your consistency in training.. Remember when changing to a new food always do so gradually by mixing a little new food with the old, then gradually increase the new food to prevent upset stomach or diarrhea .
Training:
Dogs live in a hierarchical society. They will constantly be testing you in order to move up the ranks. As a responsible owner you should always be the Alpha and in control of food , toys and most importantly, your dog! I recommend stroking the puppy while they are eating and also putting your hand in their food will help prevent them from becoming too overprotective of their food or possibly aggressive behavior if disturbed while eating . The same applies to a favorite toy or anything else they may try to claim possession of. They must learn to share , especially with children. When your dog is playing with a favorite toy, go over to him and take it away. This shows him that you are in control. Repeat this throughout at least his first year of growing up. Any sign of aggressions should be addressed with a stern NO! You should repeat this procedure until the dog willingly gives up it's toy. Wait about a minute, give the toy back for a few minutes and try to take it away again until you get the desired response, then give back the toy and praise. Then repeat with other family members including children, while supervised. Every one in the family must be an ALPHA over the dog or they may be submissive to one person, but dominate another. These techniques are recommended for puppy training only- DO NOT TRY THIS WITH AN OLDER OR UNFAMILIAR DOG!! Cockers are known for their pleasing disposition but any undesirable behavior should be addressed with a stern NO and a short time out. The punishment should fit the crime, a time out is great for the small stuff but you must assert your control by using discipline and punishment, or the things that may seem cute now can escalate into major behavior problems as they mature. By allowing them to misbehave you are letting them know that is acceptable behavior, and much like children, they will progressively test and push your limits.
Teaching your puppy its name and to come when you call should be a priority in case they should get away from you. To teach them to come, put them on at least a 6 foot lead and let them walk away from you. Then call them using the lead to guide them back to you while calling their name, use food and praise to get their attention, but after a few time they will expect the food so you don't have to use it every time, eventually substitute praise only when they come and occasionally use a treat. Do not use more than one type of treat. In fact just a piece of their kibble out of your hand works best, somehow it just tastes better coming directly from you. Giving too many treats or changing the type of food you are giving too quickly can easily give them an upset tummy and cause diarrhea. Please do not give any table scraps at this age for those same reasons, this can also teach them to beg. When training you should use only one key word for every action and make sure that every one in the family uses the same word. Keeping the command limited to one word makes it easier for them to remember. You should use the same word every time, "here" works great for example. Use the word consistently, don't say "come on" or "please come" next time or they will become confused and not know what you want. They should learn the word "no" rather quickly on their own. Discipline is a very important part of your puppies education. Puppies, like children, learn by playing. Playing too roughly with them will teach them that this is appropriate behavior but will not be as cute when they get older. You should always be in control of your dog, including their food and toys. Please teach them to share toys and food with you. Petting them and putting your hand in their food bowl while they are eating will keep them from getting over protective of their food because they will know you are not trying to steal it from them, same goes for toys. Fresh water should always be available for your puppy. I will give you more on feeding instructions when you come, depending whether they are on solid food yet.
Many times we unknowingly teach our dogs bad habits. If you allow the dog to jump up on your leg, they won’t understand why they can’t jump on your friends or guests. To correct this, say the word down, pushing the dog off with your knee if you have to, then reward them immediately once all four paws are on the ground. Playing too aggressively with a puppy will teach the dog to be aggressive when they get older. Allowing the puppy to chew on your fingers or mouth your skin should be discouraged. They must understand that you have sensitive skin and that type of play will not be tolerated. As with children, puppies learn behavior by their play. Do not allow any sign of aggressive behavior, even if it seems like they are just playing.
Some puppies may develop a pee shy behavior, especially if they are too submissive. This usually happens when you are seeing them for the first time in a while. To help stop this behavior, do not get too excited or use a high voice when greeting the puppy, approach them calmly and avoid eye contact. If they go into a submissive position as you reach for them, pull your hand away immediately , then try to approach them again a few seconds later. Then quietly take them outside and reward them after they go potty outside. This type of behavior is not the same as the puppy having an accident and punishment for submissive behavior will often only make the problem worse. This may take several weeks or even months but be consistent and follow through.
By saying no and ignoring negative behavior and always praising and rewarding desired behavior you pup will quickly learn and want to please you. Training takes time, repetition, consistency, and patience. Any time there is negative behavior always repeat the situation until the desired behavior is attained and reinforced. Do not praise the dog if they have not done the right behavior, this really confuses them . Remember, you walk the dog, the dog does not walk you. The dog should be beside or behind you, not in front pulling you along. If you ask the dog to do something, make sure they do it. By just letting it go they are gaining dominance over you. Always follow through on commands, and discipline! If you allow the dog to make it's own decisions you will quickly loose control. While they are puppies and developing it is essential to be in complete control. Do not let the puppy tell you when or what it wants to do, you are in control! Some things they may learn the first time, other things may take weeks or even months. Be consistent and follow through! Then as they mature they will know, and even expect, what you want from them and will be very willing to please. We highly recommend that you watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Please viasit the puppy page of the website for links to more training websites.
The following are some brief points from Cesar Milan, as seen on tv training dogs. His links, along with a few others can be found on the puppy page of my website at www.geocities.com/forestercockers. I have had very good results using his techniques.
"Many of the dogs I deal with have been flooded with unconditional love. What they lack is structure and discipline in their lives. And this lack of discipline can oftentimes lead to a behavioral problem. In some cases the problems are quirky. But in many instances when I am called in, this lack of discipline has led to serious aggression, and oftentimes their owners are at their wits’ end—having gone through countless trainers, and in the extreme cases, even been told to put the dog to sleep. I NEVER think that is a legitimate answer" Quoted from http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/cesars_way.html
You should go to http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/ and sign up for the monthly newsletter and you can find a lot of more helpful information there, again the links are on the puppy page toward the bottom.
Important Tips for Dog Lovers from Cesar Millan:
1. Dogs are not people. What makes them happy isn’t necessarily what makes us happy. What dogs desire is simple: regular exercise, a stable pack leader and affection that is properly earned.
2. Walk your dog for at least 45 minutes every day. A structured walk on a regular basis is crucial, especially for dogs with behavioral problems, and it is the most powerful tool you have to bond with your dog.
3. Be consistent. Make sure all family members set the same rules, boundaries and limitations for your dog.
4. Affection at the wrong time can foster an unstable mind. Share affection after your dog has exercised and eaten, changed an unwanted behavior into a behavior you asked for, responded to a rule or command, or entered a relaxed, calm-submissive state.
5. Dogs experience the world with their nose, eyes and then ears. When meeting a dog for the first time, establish its trust by allowing it to experience your scent before engaging in eye contact or speaking to him.
6. Breed is not destiny. More important than choosing the right breed is selecting a dog with an energy level that is compatible with your energy and lifestyle.
7. Dogs need leadership. Establish yourself as the pack leader by mastering the walk and following the guideline "exercise, discipline and then affection."
8. Let your dog check the weather. Allow your dog to step outside and feel for itself that it is too hot, too wet or too cold to go on a long walk. Instinctually, the dog will understand that it has to shorten its walk or come back inside where it’s safe.
9. Never leave your dog in a parked car. Even in the shade, a car retains more heat than an open area. Plus, a dog may get overexcited in the car because of passersby or panic from claustrophobia, making dehydration more likely.
10. Be aware of the weather. During the summer, carry a bottle of water on walks and watch for signs of dehydration. In the winter, protect your dog with doggie boots and gear made specifically for cold weather.
11. Dogs get bored just like humans. Provide mental challenges like a game of catch, an agility course or a reward-oriented obedience game.
12. Project balanced energy. Dogs feed off your energy, so if you are frazzled, your dog will be too. Always remain calm and assertive!
Borrowed from: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/index.html Please visit this link for further information. Always consult a professional before implementing any of these techniques.
Growing up:
All puppies like to chew anything they can get in their mouth. Use the same care as you would with a child. Keep dangerous substances out of reach and place gates at steps, etc. Puppies are very mischievous and should never be let out of their crate unattended. Puppies will need to have chew toys available. If they are chewing something you don’t want them to, take it away, tell them no, then replace it with one of their chew toys. Teething is not an excuse for aggressive behavior!!!! Stop the puppy immediately if they are playing to aggressively with kids, other dogs, or their toys. Remember puppies learn by playing. If you allow that behavior to continue you are telling them that is acceptable, and it may eventually escalate out of your control as the dog matures.
Teething will be the worst at the time they shed their deciduous teeth. This happens usually around four to six months of age. Occasionally a baby tooth can be retained, and the adult tooth will grow in next to it. Usually the retained tooth will be loose or pushed to the side. The tooth often falls out on its own, or may need to be worked loose with gentle pressure. Do not break the tooth. If the tooth is broken or will not come out on its own, please call your veterinarian immediately to have it pulled. This is a more common occurrence in smaller dogs.
Parasites:
Heart worm is spread by mosquitoes, try to avoid leaving your dog outside at dusk or after dark, as this is a more active time for the insect. Lyme disease is spread by ticks. Ticks are active from early spring to late fall and may even become active on the warmer days of winter. Tapeworm is spread by fleas. Roundworm is generally from exposure to feces from other dogs or grass. You should have regular testing done and take preventive measures. Your veterinarian can make recommendations on control and prevention for the common parasite and disease occurrences in you area. Internal and external parasites are common in puppies and dogs. They should be treated year round even in winter months!
Grooming:
Grooming will be a necessary part of your dogs life, but is not as much as some would have you believe. You can learn to do this your self or seek the help of a professional. The amount of grooming will depend on how short you trim them. If you have them stripped down they may only require a couple of grooming a year, with very little maintained in between, such as an occasional bath or trimming of the face, ears and footpads, which you can easily do yourself. Regular grooming should include a bath, haircut, ear cleaning, and nail clipping. If you let the coat grow long, then regular brushing will be necessary to prevent mats. Whether you dog has long or short hair, brushing is a great bonding experience for both you and your dog. Keep a brush by your chair where you watch tv. Always keep the inside ear and pads of feet trimmed of long hair. Some dogs will develop allergies to certain grooming products, so always fully rinse out any shampoo or conditioners. Human products are not recommended. The eyes should be kept clear of any discharge, wipe with a moistened tissue or use a professional eye wipe. It is also a good time to get them used to having their teeth cleaned by rubbing the gums gently with a clean finger and eventually switching over to a brush and paste.
Clippers: I use the ANDIS AGC SUPER 2 Speed clippers with the # 10 blade ( you can use
comb attachments to leave more length of hair. ) You can find them for about $130 through a
catalog or online at www.petedge.com/clippers in the clippers, corded milti -speed A5 compatible
category.
Helpful websites:
www. forestercockers .com- many links available on puppy page and home page
www.Pedigree.com --be sure to sigh up for the free monthly e- mail newsletter!!!!!
www.petplace.com-medical info, behavior problems, training., etc….
www.puppy place.com
www.eukanuba.com
www.akc.com
asc-www.cocker spaniel.org
www.nutroproducts.com
www.bckc.com
www.purina.com
The dog whisperer program on National Geographic channel- www.ngcdogwhisperer.com
Thank you again for welcoming one of our beautiful dogs as a loving member of your family.
God Bless,
Darral Van Istendal
Marlton N.J. 08053
www.forestercockers.com