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What do we love most about Cocker Spaniels? Their cute ears, big, lovely eyes, and pup-like personalities, of course. However, these dogs are so much more than just adorable pets. Cocker Spaniels are very strong, enduring, and capable dogs with stamina for days. On top of that, they are big swimmers. That’s right: Cocker Spaniels enjoy water very much and can paddle like champs!
So, how come Cocker Spaniels are good swimmers? Do they like to be bathed, too, or will you have to train them for that? Can a Cocker Spaniel parent teach them to be a better swimmer? And finally, how do you protect the doggo from skin and ear infections? Keep reading to find the answers!
Do Cockers Like to Swim? Are They Good at It?
Absolutely! These dogs are excellent swimmers. As long as the water is calm and not very deep, most Cocker Spaniels don’t need any training or reassurance to start swimming. They feel at home in the water and like to play in a pool with their favorite humans. Now, most pooches with long, dense coats don’t like to get their fur wet; that’s because it takes ages to dry off.
A quick note: This breed is not a big fan of oceans. Instead, they prefer to go into ponds, lakes, and water streams (unless the current is really strong). So, if you have a pool on the property, you best believe many Cocker Spaniels will jump right in if you throw a ball into it!
What About Washing or Bathing?
Thankfully, many Cocker Spaniels are always ready to take a bath. Since they’re naturally good swimmers, you won’t have to trick or “bribe” them for a quick bathing session. Also, dogs are creatures of habit. So, start washing a Cocker Spaniel while they are still a pup.
This will help them to get used to the water at an early stage of life and develop a fondness for it. Begin by brushing the dog’s coat and cleaning their face. Next, put a non-slip mat underneath their paws in the tub. Once the water reaches a comfy temperature, cover the coat in water and shampoo them. Finishing up, rinse the water off and dry the dog.
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Webbed Feet: The Key to Efficient Swimming
Many Cocker Spaniels have webbed feet, just like geese, frogs, and many fellow dog breeds. And, you could say that it’s their “secret weapon.” The webbing makes it easier to paddle and swim without putting excessive work on the muscles. The larger surface area allows these pets to push more water, travel faster, and cover longer distances in one paddling motion.
Also, webbed paws might help Cocker Spaniels walk on various surfaces (like ice, snow, and sand). Thanks to the membrane between their paws, these dogs don’t slip or sink nearly as often as other canines with little to no webbing. And since water is often surrounded by mud, this bonus feature will definitely come in handy.
How Does the Hunting Background Help Cockers?
Originally, Cocker Spaniels were bred with a single purpose: to help in hunting. More specifically, they were trained to hunt the Eurasian Woodcocks in the UK. Now, these birdies like to set up shop near water where they can hunt and drink. So, for Cocker Spaniels to be effective at tracking and retrieving the Woodcocks, they also had to be top-notch swimmers.
So, when the bird shot down by the hunter fell into the water, it was the dog’s job to bring it to the owner. This didn’t happen overnight, of course, but thanks to decades of breeding and training, today, these dogs are the kings and queens of ponds and lakes. Therefore, even if your pet Cocker Spaniel has never been around water, they will naturally be good at swimming.
Can You Train Cocker Spaniels to Be Better Swimmers?
Just like other dogs, pets, and humans, every single Cocker Spaniel is different. And it might be that your doggo is a bit hesitant about jumping into a pool or even taking a bath. The good news is, if you practice patience and cheer the fluffy champ up with treats and positive reinforcement, they will become better swimmers. Go slow, though. A quick shower every other week will help the dog get accustomed to the water.
If you have a backyard pool, do the “baby steps” there. Next, take the dog to some place where the water is shallow and not too deep and encourage the dog to go in. Once they become comfortable, throw a ball into the water for the Cocker Spaniel to retrieve. Give the doggo some time, and they will come around!
Safety Tips: Avoiding Ear & Skin Infections
Swimming is a great sport. It doesn’t only keep the doggo happy and entertained but helps strengthen their muscles while being gentle on the joints. That’s right, Cocker Spaniels that like to swim have a higher chance of staying healthy. But there is one downside to swimming: infections. Since these dogs have long, fluffy ears, and thick, lush coats, they often get ear and skin infections.
Moisture gets trapped in the ear canals and in between the fur, serving as the perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. So, how do you avoid that? For the ears, completely drying them after each swim/bath and cleaning them once a week or so should help prevent infections. As for the coat, brush it regularly and always dry it after bathing or swimming. Start with a towel and then switch to a dryer. Keep it 2–3 inches away from the coat, though!
If you have any concerns about your dog or their health, we recommend you contact your vet directly.
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The Grooming Routine: A Detailed Guide
To keep that luxurious coat in shape and avoid tangles, you need to stick to a strict grooming schedule. If you miss a session or two, that could quickly lead to a furry disaster. So, arm yourself with a pro-grade dog comb with medium spacing between the metallic teeth. A soft brush, in turn, will help smooth out the edges. Don’t rush anything, and comb the coat gently and thoroughly.
Invest in a premium-quality shampoo product, and make sure you rinse the fur off properly not to leave any soap residue behind. Bathe the pet once in 1–1.5 months if they mostly stay on the couch. In contrast, a Cocker Spaniel that likes to play outside and helps in hunting should be bathed every other week. Be careful, though. If you do it too often, that might lead to hair loss and dry skin.
Conclusion
While it might come as a surprise to someone who’s never owned a Cocker Spaniel, these dogs are quite the swimmers! While you can (and should) train them at an early stage to help master the art of swimming, they’re naturally very good at it, thanks to their upbringing.
Now, many pooches see bathing/washing as torture. But Cocker Spaniels enjoy their regular showering sessions. So, all that’s left for you to do as a pet parent is to encourage the doggo to swim and always be there to lend a helping hand. Also, make sure to have a towel handy to keep your four-legged bud dry and bacteria-free, and brush their coat regularly. That’s it!
Featured Image Credit: Andrea Izzotti, Shutterstock
