Choosing the Right Puppy for You

Unfortunately, you cannot just go to the breeder and pick out the puppy that looks the prettiest.  First, check and make sure all the puppies are healthy, with shiny, smooth coats and bright eyes. Now you can pick out the one you like best, and examine it closely. Check the ears to make sure nothing looks wrong inside them. Make sure their eyes are bright and do not have too much discharge. (The eyes may be a bit runny.)  Make sure the nose is wet but is not running. Check the teeth and gums to make sure they are not bleeding or swollen. Next, look at the puppies body. While they are small, they should have sturdy little structures.     

Then you'll want to set the puppy down and watch it interact with the other puppies in the litter. Cocker puppies are curious and friendly. They should not be overly aggressive or shy. Watch very carefully, because it is possible to pick out the different personalities of the puppies. Some are bolder, and some are calmer and more submissive. If you have a busy life-style, think about picking a bolder puppy that will not be intimidated by large groups of people. If you simply want a quiet, loyal companion, you may want to pick the calmer puppy. But don't forget that all dogs are, at some point, rowdy when they are young.  

If you are looking into a show dog, you should ask to see the mother and her pedigree. Look at the records of the last three generations on it. (Looking at the mother will also hint on the temperament of the puppy.) The next step is to look at the puppies records to see if it has had the proper shots and has been wormed. 

When you have check out the whole litter, watched them play together, examined your puppy of choice, and seen the mother and records, you are finally ready to bring your new little Cocker home. Check with the breeder so you know when the puppy will next need to be fed, walked, or let out. Don't be afraid to ask all the questions you want about the puppy. You should bring a towel in the car with you so you can wrap the puppy up in it on the way home. It's also a good idea to bring paper towels and a large cardboard box, so you will have somewhere to set the puppy in case of carsickness and you will have something to clean  up with.