Care & Training
Setting your new Cocker Spaniel up for a healthy, happy, and long life.
Welcome Home
The First Few Weeks
Bringing your new puppy home is incredibly exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for your new family member. The key to a successful transition is establishing a calm, consistent routine.
We strongly recommend utilizing a crate for nap times and overnight sleeping. Crate training provides your puppy with a safe, secure den, and greatly expedites the potty-training process. Expect a few sleepless nights at first, but consistency will pay off quickly!
Pro Tip:
Keep visitors to a minimum for the first 3-5 days to allow your puppy time to decompress and bond exclusively with their new immediate family.
The Three Pillars of Care
Every Crescent Moon spaniel relies on you to master these fundamentals.
Nutrition
Cocker Spaniels are notorious foodies! They thrive on a balanced, high-protein diet, but their love for food makes them highly susceptible to obesity.
- Puppy Food: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy (until 12 months)
- Measurements: Strictly adhere to feeding charts; do not free-feed.
- Treats: Keep treats to less than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Use training kibble instead!
Grooming & Hygiene
Their signature silky coat and long, heavily feathered ears require absolute dedication. Neglecting grooming leads to painful matting.
- Daily: Thorough brushing with a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent tangles.
- Ears: Check and wipe clean weekly. Use a vet-approved drying solution after baths or swimming to prevent yeast infections.
- Professional: Schedule a groomer every 6-8 weeks for a trim.
Puppy Training
Cockers are sensitive souls. They respond remarkably well to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) and shut down if corrected harshly.
- Socialization: Introduce them to 100 different people, surfaces, and sounds before they are 16 weeks old.
- Bite Inhibition: Redirect nipping to a toy immediately.
- Classes: We mandate group puppy obedience classes starting around 14 weeks.
Exercise Needs
Despite their elegant appearance, Cocker Spaniels are sporting dogs bred for strenuous activity. A short walk around the block is rarely enough.
Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily once fully grown. This could include long walks, hiking, fetching, or vigorous play sessions. Mental stimulation is equally important; interactive puzzle toys or 15-minute focused training sessions will exhaust them just as much as a run!
Health Monitoring
Because you are their advocate, you must know what "normal" looks like for your dog. Your Crescent Moon puppy has been thoroughly vetted, but preventative care is your responsibility.
Ensure you keep up fully with their vaccination schedules and heartworm/flea prevention. Schedule an annual wellness exam with your vet. Specifically monitor their eyes for cloudiness (as the breed can be prone to cataracts in old age) and maintain strict dental hygiene with daily brushing to prevent periodontal disease.