Cocker Spaniels are adorable, expressive little dogs with hearts of gold and bags of energy. They’re smart, sensitive and eager to please. But they’re also full of mischief, with an inquisitive nose and a strong opinion about pretty much everything!

This guide, written by our vets, walks you through the essential training steps that help shape your spirited spaniel into a relaxed, happy and settled member of the family.

Why early training really matters

Cocker Spaniels learn quickly. But they also learn everything, including the habits you didn’t mean to teach them! 

Early training helps your puppy to:

• Understand what’s okay and what’s not (like sock-snatching and slipper-shredding)

• Build confidence with new situations, noises and people

• Avoid common behaviour problems further down the line, like over-excitability, resource guarding, and excessive barking

Keep sessions short, positive and fun. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day. Cockers thrive on routine, kindness and clear communication.

Puppy milestones by age

8–12 weeks (the sponge stage): Your Cocker puppy is soaking up everything in the world around them. During this period, focus on gentle socialisation, getting them comfortable with handling, starting toilet training and introducing simple cues like sit or come in short, fun sessions.

3–6 months (the busy stage): Spaniels are naturally curious, so expect them to be exploring your pockets, stealing socks and snaffling slippers. Continue socialising and start adding a bit more structure, with short obedience sessions, clear guidance, and consistent routines.

6–12 months (the teenage years!): A time for boundary-testing, selective hearing and lots of zoomies. Be patient and keep reinforcing the basics. It really does pay off (eventually).

Crate training

A crate can become your puppy’s safe space. It’s an invaluable resource for a sensitive, easily overstimulated breed, and it also helps with house training. Most puppies settle into crate training within a few days, though some take a little longer.

Tips:

• Make it cosy: add their favourite blanket, a toy or two - whatever helps them relax and feel safe.

• Pheromone diffusers can promote a sense of calm to help your puppy settle.

• Encourage voluntary crate use with treats and praise.

• Never use the crate for punishment.

• Start with short periods, and gradually increase the time.

Toilet training

Cocker spaniels are smart, but they’re easily distracted, so consistency is essential.

• Take them out frequently, especially after naps, meals, or play

• Go with them to provide reassurance

• Reward them immediately when they get it right

• Watch for those unmistakable signs, like sniffing, circling, the 'I need to go!' dance, and rush them outside

• Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic products and never punish them

Teaching basic commands

Start with sit, stay, and come. Keep sessions fun and never punish mistakes. You may notice your puppy pauses to think before they get it right. That’s a normal part of learning. Reward them immediately with praise, a cuddle, a favourite toy or a treat, so they know exactly what they did right. 

Tip: Be careful not to overfeed treats. It can lead to weight gain and put stress on growing joints. Stick to vet-approved healthy snacks and avoid toxic foods, like grapes, raisins or chocolate.

Collar and lead training

Spaniels love following scents, so loose-lead walking does take practice!

Step 1: Start indoors with a lightweight collar for short periods. Make sure it fits comfortably. The general rule is two fingers between the collar and neck. Some shaking or scratching is normal. Reward calm behaviour.

Step 2: Attach a lightweight lead and let your puppy drag it around under supervision. Encourage them to follow you and reward them when they do so successfully. Remember to keep sessions short.

Step 3: Train to walk to heel, by using a treat to encourage them to walk by your side. Practice indoors and in the garden first, where you can keep distractions to a minimum.  Guide them gently. Never tug on the lead or pull them. If your puppy pulls, stop and encourage them to come back to your side. Reward them when they walk calmly and quietly next to you.

Managing nipping and biting

Cocker Spaniel puppies can be mouthy, especially when they’re excited.

• Keep a toy nearby during play. When those tiny, sharp teeth latch onto your hand (because they definitely will!), immediately redirect them toward the toy. 

• Say a calm but firm “ouch” or stop play briefly if your puppy bites.

• Don’t use your hands or feet as toys, even in play, so your puppy doesn’t get mixed messages.

• Make sure everyone in the household responds the same way.

Being consistent will help prevent unwanted behaviours from developing. It’s especially important in a lively, active breed.

Socialising with other pets and kids

Spaniels are typically friendly and affectionate, but early socialisation encourages them to feel more comfortable around other animals and people:

• Introduce to other pets slowly and always under supervision

• Teach children to be gentle and respectful when your puppy wants a bit of space

When to seek professional help

Every puppy is unique. Professional behaviourists or veterinarians can help with behaviour concerns, health issues or specific training challenges. Getting support early can save worry and frustration, and help your puppy thrive.

Puppy Q&A

Q: My puppy keeps jumping on people. How do I stop it?
A: Puppies often jump to greet or get attention. To stop it, turn away and ignore them when they jump, rewarding attention only when all four paws are on the ground. You can also use treats, praise, or cuddles to reinforce calm greetings. 

Q: Can my puppy be around kids and other pets?
A: Yes! Introduce them slowly, supervise interactions, and reward calm behaviour. Teaching gentle handling to children is important.

Top training tips for Cocker Spaniels

• Be consistent: Cockers do best with clear routines and boundaries.

• Use positive reinforcement: They respond brilliantly to praise, treats and enthusiasm. Scolding increases anxiety.

• Keep sessions fun: Their working-dog Spaniel brain gets bored quickly.

• Socialise early: Familiarise them with new people, pets and sounds gradually and gently.

• Prioritise sleep: Overtired spaniels can become unruly spaniels.

• Redirect early: Replace jumping, mouthing, or sock-collecting with calmer alternatives.

• Ask for help if you’re stuck: Behaviourists can transform training challenges.

And remember the old saying:

“Labradors are born half-trained… Cocker Spaniels are half-trained when they die.”

A joke, of course! But anyone who has lived with a Cocker puppy knows there’s a grain of truth in it. They’re bright, bouncy, charming and occasionally chaotic. This is why early training matters.

Join us next month as we explore common puppy health conditions, including what to look out for and how to keep your pup happy and healthy.