Requirements
Indoor
Because of their compact size, Cockers make excellent dogs for apartments or smaller homes. Though hearty enough for long outdoor romps, they are indoor dogs who want to be close to their families at all times. They shed, but not excessively, and regular grooming will help contain the fur around the house. Gently and consistently train your Cocker to respond to the 'quiet' command to keep the peace at home and maintain positive relationships with neighbors.
Outdoor
Cockers enjoy forays outdoors, whether it's a play session in the yard or a long walk. But because she is extremely sensitive to being left alone, it is unkind to leave a Cocker Spaniel in the yard by herself for more than a few minutes.
Exercise
Cockers are active, but probably require the least exercise among the sporting dogs. Two long daily walks and a game of fetch will keep this breed in excellent condition.
Endurance
Cocker Spaniels are bred for long days hunting. They can handle a lot of vigorous exercise, as long as they are given time to rest with you at the end of the day.
Activity distance rating
- Running Miles: A healthy Cocker Spaniel can keep up with you for a two-mile jog. Keep in mind they are the among the smallest of the sporting dogs, so they are taking extra strides to keep pace.
- Hiking Miles: Cockers love exploring and can easily manage a half-day hike.
Food
Cockers require 1½ to 2½ cups of quality dry dog food each day, split between two meals. They will beg for food and treats, but keep extra food to a minimum to prevent them from gaining weight.
Alone Time
Cocker Spaniels are not comfortable being alone. This is not an ideal breed for homes where the entire family is gone for hours at a time. Cockers are prone to developing separation anxiety even when left alone for short periods of time, and can develop destructive behavior as a coping mechanism. Counter-conditioning, desensitization, and crate training can help alleviate the problem and prevent household damage.