Top Activities For English Cocker Spaniels

Introduction

The English Cocker Spaniel is a descendant of dogs that were utilized to flush out small game birds in the English countryside. Today's English Cocker Spaniel is known for their energy on the hunt and their happy-go-lucky personality while at home. The breed is generally described as happy. Their silky coat is topped off by a rapidly wagging tail that often denotes their happiness. Not to be confused with the American Cocker Spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniel is slightly larger than their younger cousin. The pup has high endurance and is always most willing to please their handlers. While the English Cocker Spaniel does make a good lap dog, the breed should receive ample activity to prevent boredom.

Puppy Games

Most Popular

2 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 min

Items needed

tennis balls

tug rope toy

treats

Activity description

Puppy games are not only great activities for your dog to acquire physical activity, but you can also use the opportunity to teach your dog self-control. Begin when your pup has become a little more mature - perhaps fourteen to sixteen weeks old. The games you will be playing under the title "puppy games" are quite common, but the goal of the game is to work on commands as you have fun with your dog. Not only can you use the opportunity to teach your pup discipline, but you also need to work on aspects of your pup's personality, such as shyness.

Step

1

Go fetch

Grab a ball that is appropriate for your pup's size. (Pet stores often sell smaller tennis balls for the purpose of fetch). Get your pup's attention. Throw (or roll) the ball and tell your pup to "go get it." Many times, the dog's instincts will take over and the pup will grab the ball and bring it to you. If so, reward your pup with a treat and praise. Be sure to repeat the words "fetch" and "go get it." You may also incorporate "stay" into this game as your pal matures.

Step

2

Tug of war

This is a great game for teaching self-control in a dog. Puppies will instinctively grab a rope toy and pull against you. Sometimes, you should allow your dog to "win" the game. Other times, you should make your English Cocker Spaniel let go of the rope. Do not allow your dog to become too aggressive.

Step

3

Find it

This game is really a canine version of hide and seek. However, you should feel welcome to teach the commands "sit" and "wait." Let your pup see you hide the treat. Use this time to reinforce "sit." When you feel that your buddy is ready (they have successfully mastered "sit"), then tell them to "find it." In much the same way, use the command "wait." You can eventually hide the treat behind doors or in another room for your pup to find.

Dog Park

Popular

1 Vote

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

leash

doggy waste bags

Activity description

The dog park is the perfect place for your English Cocker Spaniel to burn off that ever-present energy! Many dog parks are enclosed and allow for the owner to let the pup get off their leash and run freely. Some Cockers need more than sixty minutes of activity per day, and the dog park is a great place for you to let your dog interact with others and play while you sit back and watch (or socialize with other pet parents!) Some parks have agility courses just perfect for the English Cocker Spaniel. Others have a dog track that you can utilize as well.

Step

1

Go off-leash

Many dog parks are enclosed. That means that you can bring your pooch in and allow them to go off the leash to play. Some parks offer an area that caters to dogs of a similar size, and your Cocker may be more comfortable in this area. Your pooch may just need to run and play. The dog park offers just the right place for this.

Step

2

Agility course

Many dog parks have an obstacle course complete with agility poles and the like so that you can provide Fido with a little extra mental and physical exercise. Utilize agility poles and "boulders" that encourage your dog to think about how to go through the course and climb. You don't have to be a professional to help your pup run through these obstacles.

Step

3

Walking track

Are you looking for a place to walk your dog that doesn't involve cars or similar hazards? Is your neighborhood not the safest place for walking your pooch? Do you wish to have a walking partner that also loves dogs? Most dog parks have a walking track that provides a safe place to walk your dog with like-minded individuals.

Family Fun

Least Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

treats

Activity description

While the Cocker Spaniel might have been bred to hunt, today's English Cocker Spaniel is often more of a family member than a hunting companion. This means that one can utilize the dog's bond with family members as a way to give the pup both physical and mental activity. Involve your children (or friend's children) in playing with Fido. Have the young ones take the pups outdoors to frolic - play need not be planned out, either. Running and playing chase with children is often great exercise for a pup that simply wants to be involved in family activities.

Step

1

Chase

A hunter such as the English Cocker Spaniel is made to chase their prey. Have the little ones coax the pup to chase them and watch your pup and little ones just simply have a good time together. Reward your pal with affection and praise.

Step

2

Fetch

A less organized version of the "puppy games fetch" mentioned previously, have the kids simply throw the ball with your pup for some physical activity. This will help provide a bond between your pup and the young ones in the family.

Step

3

Hide and seek outdoors

Have the children set up a "hide and seek" course for the pup outdoors. Utilize the steps to your backdoor. Place treats along the steps. Hide a toy in a sandy area and encourage the pup to dig. Again, the main motivation is to have fun.

More Fun Ideas...

Long Walks

The English Cocker Spaniel will enjoy taking long walks with you. Be sure to keep your pup leashed in order to prevent them from chasing prey.

Backyard Play

Utilize a flirt pole to provide your furry friend with both physical and mental activity. You can make your own flirt pole with jute string, a sturdy dowel rod, and a toy.

Conclusion

The English Cocker Spaniel is a happy family companion. This dog is most pleased when they spend time with their families. They naturally love children, so invite younger members of the family to participate in fun play with your pup. You may also utilize a dog park or puppy games to help work off the boundless energy of the English Cocker.