Cocker Spaniels are a very popular breed that tends to be good with children and other dogs. Because of its size and temperament Cocker Spaniels are great for apartment living and make great additions to any family.

If you get your Cocker Spaniel as a puppy start socialization early. Cocker Spaniels like any breed of dog needs to be exposed to a lot of different people, places, sounds and other dogs when they are puppies. The more your Cocker Spaniel is socialized the more stable they will be as adults.

Crate training is very important for Cocker Spaniels. The one big behavior problem faced by many Cocker Spaniel owners is housetraining. By using a crate it can greatly help with any housetraining problem.

Management of behavior is very important. Keep a close eye on your puppy until they are fully housetrained. A fenced in yard is also a very good idea to keep your dog in the yard.

Cocker Spaniels need to be groomed on a regular basis. Get your Cocker used to grooming early. Make it a fun experience by brushing and combing in short sessions that are ended with a toy or treat.

Train early using positive reinforcement. Cocker Spaniels can be very sensitive dogs and do not respond well to harsh training. Some good commands to teach are sit, stand, down, stay, heel and come.

Cocker Spaniels are from the sporting group and require regular exercise. It's good to physically and mentally exercise your Cocker Spaniel. Swimming, hiking, walking and retrieving are all great physical activities for your Cocker. Obedience and tricks are great mental actives. Buster Cubes and Kong toys are also good toys that mentally exercise your Cocker.