The Cocker Spaniel can make anyone a beautiful and loyal companion, whether it is intended for work in hunting, show in the ring, or simply as a family pet. A new Cocker Spaniel owner must be prepared for the intensive grooming process required by the breed, and must be at least somewhat experienced with training. Cocker Spaniels are very active dogs and have been known to have some temperament issues. They are not necessarily the best choice for a first-time pet owner or for families with small children, but the educated Cocker enthusiast knows how to work around these issues if they are dedicated to the breed.

Cocker Spaniels are known for having defensive aggression issues and are typically not recommended for small children. No dog should ever be left alone with a child unattended. A proper and rigorous training routine can help work out any issues that may arise in the future. It is unwise to bring an adult Cocker Spaniel into a home with small children, whereas a puppy can grow and learn to be receptive to children's needs and activity level.

Cocker Spaniels are an intelligent and sensitive breed and thus positive reinforcement is the best training mechanism. If you are too aggressive or punishing in the training of your new pet, it will react negatively and may even revolt against you or your family out of fear. Unwanted barking, chewing, or other negative behaviors can be reprimanded with a stern "no," while obedience training should focus on providing treats and affection for completed tasks.

Some Cocker enthusiasts swear that these spaniels are wonderful family pets and can be trained to coexist with children of any age, but with proper training. Often times children are unaware of how aggressive their playtime can be, and the dog will react out of fear. Proper training for your Cocker Spaniel must go hand in hand with teaching your children how to respect animals and play gently. The Cocker Spaniel should not be a first-time pet for any family with small kids; it is preferable that someone in the family have experience training this delicate and sensitive breed.

Cocker Spaniels, being such a popular breed, are often sold at pet stores. It is best for everyone involved to avoid pet shop Cockers, as it is very likely that they have come from disreputable breeders or puppy mills, which are known for inbreeding. Inbreeding often creates aggressive streaks in dogs and this can further compound the problem of training your Cocker puppy to get along happily with your children, not to mention all the health problems that can arise from an irresponsibly bred dog.

If you are set on adding a Cocker Spaniel to your family, find a reputable breeder and get to know him or her prior to purchasing your new puppy. Learn as much as you can about the breed and prepare your children for their new pet. Introduce them to neighbors' and friends' pets in order to begin the learning process of how to treat an animal gently. If you are careful and considerate of your new Cocker Spaniel, you can have a pet that will bring your family joy for many years to come.