Everything You Need to Know
From how our puppies spend their first eight weeks to what happens the day you bring yours home. We believe informed families make the best homes.
How We Raise Our Puppies
Cocker Spaniels are companion dogs. They thrive on closeness, human contact, and routine — and that starts from day one. Every puppy born here lives inside our home, sleeps near us, and is handled daily by adults and children from their very first week of life.
We do not use outdoor kennels or whelping sheds. Our puppies share the same floors, sounds, and rhythms as our family — because that is exactly the environment they are going into when they leave us.
Week by Week
Neonatal Period
Puppies are blind and deaf at birth. We begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) on day 3 — brief daily exercises that build stress tolerance and resilience. Each puppy is weighed daily and handled gently by at least two people every day.
Eyes Open, World Begins
Puppies begin to see, hear, and explore. We introduce new textures underfoot, low-volume household sounds, and gentle handling from a wider circle of people. Weaning begins around week 4.
Active Socialization
This is the most critical window. Puppies meet new people of all ages, encounter common household appliances, experience different flooring surfaces, and are exposed to the sounds of a normal family home including children, music, and visitors.
Individual Personalities Emerge
By week 7 each puppy has a distinct personality. We observe carefully during this phase to match each puppy with the right family. Crate introduction begins at week 6 so the transition home is as smooth as possible. At 8 weeks, your puppy is ready.
What They Are Exposed To
Health & Nutrition
Every puppy leaves us fully vetted, documented, and ready. We work with the same veterinary practice for all of our litters and do not cut corners on any part of the health protocol.
What Every Puppy Comes With
Vaccination Schedule Going Forward
Nutrition
We feed our puppies a high-quality dry kibble formulated for small-to-medium breed puppies. Your starter kit will include a small bag of what your puppy has been eating. We strongly recommend keeping them on the same food for at least the first two weeks at home to avoid digestive upset during the transition.
If you choose to switch foods, do so gradually over 7 to 10 days — mixing increasing amounts of the new food with the old. Puppies at 8 weeks eat three times a day. Around 6 months you can transition to twice daily feeding.
Common Cocker Spaniel Health Considerations
Ear Infections
Cocker Spaniels have long, floppy ears that trap moisture and limit airflow — making them prone to ear infections. Check and clean ears weekly. Keep the ear canal dry, especially after baths or swimming. Your vet can recommend a safe ear-cleaning solution.
Eye Conditions
The breed can be prone to cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Both parents in our program are CAER-certified with normal eye evaluations, which significantly reduces this risk. Annual eye checks are still recommended.
Coat and Grooming
Cocker Spaniels have a beautiful double coat that requires regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. Daily brushing at home prevents matting. Many families maintain a shorter, more manageable trim — your groomer can advise on what works best for your lifestyle.
Cocker Spaniel Breed Guide
The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the most beloved breeds in the world for good reason. They are joyful, gentle, deeply affectionate, and highly adaptable — equally at home in a city apartment or a house with a large yard. But like any breed, they come with specific needs and characteristics worth understanding before you commit.
Size
20 to 30 lbs
Height
13 to 16 inches
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Energy Level
Moderate
Grooming
High — every 6 to 8 weeks
Shedding
Moderate
Temperament
Cocker Spaniels are known for being sweet-natured, eager to please, and extraordinarily gentle. They bond closely with their families and do not thrive with prolonged isolation. If you work long hours away from home without arrangements for your dog, a Cocker Spaniel may struggle more than some other breeds. They want to be where you are.
They are excellent with children, generally wonderful with other animals, and rarely aggressive. Their spaniel instincts mean they enjoy activity and mental stimulation — but their moderate energy level makes them manageable for most households, including first-time dog owners.
Is a Cocker Spaniel Right for You?
Great Fit
- ✓ Families with children of any age
- ✓ First-time dog owners
- ✓ Apartment or house living
- ✓ People who want a close companion
- ✓ Multi-pet households
- ✓ Active retirees
Consider Carefully
- — Very long daily hours alone
- — Families unwilling to groom regularly
- — Owners wanting a low-maintenance coat
- — Those looking for a guard dog
- — Households with no time for daily exercise
Training
Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement — praise, treats, and play. Avoid harsh corrections. A Cocker Spaniel that is handled roughly or shouted at will shut down, not improve.
Start training from the first day home. Short, consistent sessions work better than long, infrequent ones. Basic obedience classes are a great investment for first-time owners — your puppy will benefit from both the training and the socialization.
Bringing Your Puppy Home
Pickup day is one of our favorite days. Here is everything you need to know to make it as smooth as possible for you and your new puppy.
Pickup Options
In-Person Pickup
PreferredWe encourage families to pick up their puppy in person whenever possible. You will meet the parents, see where your puppy was born and raised, and have time with us to ask any last-minute questions. We walk you through everything before you leave. Pickup appointments are scheduled around your puppy reaching 8 weeks.
Ground Delivery
AvailableFor families within a reasonable driving distance, we can arrange ground delivery in a climate-controlled vehicle with rest stops and regular care throughout the journey. Delivery fees vary by location. Contact us to discuss what works for your situation.
Air Transport
AvailableFor families further away, we can coordinate air transport through a trusted nanny service. Your puppy travels in-cabin with a professional animal transporter, never in cargo. They arrive with their health certificate, vaccination records, and everything they need. We coordinate all of the logistics and walk you through the process step by step.
Health Precautions Before Pickup
We take the health of our puppies seriously up until the moment they leave. We ask that all families observe the following before visiting:
- ✓Do not visit other breeders, kennels, or pet stores in the 48 hours before pickup
- ✓Wear clean clothing that has not been around other dogs or animals
- ✓Postpone your visit if you or anyone in your household is unwell
- ✓Wash hands before handling any of our puppies or adult dogs
What to Bring on Pickup Day
First Days at Home
The first 48 to 72 hours are an adjustment period. Your puppy is leaving everything familiar — their littermates, their mother, and the sounds of our home. Some puppies settle immediately. Others take a few days. Both are completely normal.
Deposit and Reservation Policy
A non-refundable deposit is required to hold a puppy. This deposit comes off the total purchase price and reserves your specific puppy. Once a deposit is placed, no other family can claim that puppy.
Puppies must be picked up or shipped within one week of turning 8 weeks old. If you need additional time, we can hold your puppy for up to two weeks past pickup readiness with prior arrangement and an additional boarding fee.
If for any reason you can no longer take your puppy, please contact us immediately. We will work with you to find a solution. Deposits are non-refundable but in rare circumstances may be applied to a future litter at our discretion.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
See who is currently available or reach out with any questions. We respond to every message personally.