The Cocker Spaniel Handbook

This is the one-stop FULL COLOUR reference book to help you care for, train and build a successful partnership with your Cocker Spaniel.

New owners can call on dozens of experts to answer all their questions… canine author Linda Whitwam has teamed up with 40 Cocker Spaniel breeders to produce The Cocker Spaniel Handbook, the biggest, most in-depth and up-to-date book yet on the breed. It’s easy to read and packed full of practical information and insider tips on caring for, living with and training one of these lively and highly affectionate dogs, and beautifully illustrated with 200 high quality colour photographs. 

Puppies - Learn how to prepare your home and garden,  what to do when your puppy arrives, where he or she should sleep, getting through the first few days and nights, how much food and exercise to give, crate training, housetraining, socialisation, obedience training, and how to deal with problems such as puppy biting and chewing. 

Breeders give their personal advice on bringing a puppy home, housetraining, crate training, obedience training, exercise, grooming and what behaviour to expect. They highlight the differences between Show and Working Cockers to help you decide which type would be happiest with you and, if you’ve already got your puppy, what the differences  mean in terms of behaviour and exercise needs.  

 Learn about Feeding a Cocker Spaniel -  Feeding Puppies, What the Breeders Feed, Feeding Charts, Calorie Counters, The Raw Diet, Food Allergies, Reading Dog Food Labels and Feeding Senior Dogs. Cocker Spaniel Health  is covered in depth, including Ear Infections,  Skin Issues, Allergies,Spaying, Neutering, Vaccinations, Worming, De-Fleaing and Microchipping as well as ailments which can affect the breed. 

For anyone who hasn’t chosen their Cocker Spaniel yet, there’s: How to Find a Good Breeder and The Questions to Ask, Cocker Spaniel Puppy Contracts, Where NOT to Buy a Cocker Spaniel From, How to Pick a Healthy Puppy or Adult Dog, Temperament Traits, Picking a Puppy With the Right Temperament, Cocker Spaniel Proofing Your Home and Rescue Cockers. 

Five Cocker experts have written sections on taking the next step with these adaptable dogs, including Richard Preest, winner of the 2016 Cocker Spaniel Championship. There are articles on showing, Flyball, agility, gundogs,  field trails and Cockers as assistance dogs.

Reviews for The Cocker Spaniel Handbook: 

“What an amazingly comprehensive manual for the new or prospective Cocker owner. Even though I have owned and bred Cocker Spaniels for many years, I couldn't put this book down! It contains a wealth of unbiased information on every aspect of Cocker Spaniel ownership, but the real beauty and what makes it rather unique I think are the contributions from owners and breeders who are obviously devoted to their animals. The reader is able to gain hints and tips and practical information from ‘experts’ delivered in an informal and helpful rather than dictatorial manner,”  J. MINIKIN, NORTH YORKSHIRE

“A most informative book on a wonderful breed of dog. The author has consulted with many experienced breeders to bring together a comprehensive guide to the Cocker Spaniel. Well laid out with and illustrated with some lovely photographs, this is a must for anyone considering buying a Cocker Spaniel,”  JACQUIE WARD, BEDFORDSHIRE

“This is the Bible on Cocker Spaniels. Very informative, especially for first time Cocker owners. Also tips for more experienced owners. Gives the breeders’ view on things as well as the author’s and experts.”  J. OXLEY, NORFOLK

“Absolutely excellent book. Up to date and full of information. Extremely clear about the differences between show and workingcockers. A must for anyone wanting to learn more about the breed,"  K MARCHANT, SURREY