14/05/2026
Week 2 of our meet the breed segment.
This week it’s the Cocker Spaniel.
Below are Gemma and Ellie , the following is in Gemma’s own words
Owning my Cocker Spaniel has been one of the most rewarding experiences. She’s a black female, a working x show type, and she has a brilliant mix of energy, intelligence, and affection.
From early on, I focused on giving her structure. She’s crate trained and genuinely loves her crate—it’s her safe space, especially with a blanket over the top. I also introduced her to doggy day care early, which has been fantastic for her socialisation. She now mixes confidently with a wide range of breeds, and it’s really helped shape her into a well-rounded dog.
She’s also a breed that really needs to be understood in terms of mental stimulation. Keeping her mind engaged through training, play, and enrichment is just as important as physical exercise, and it makes a huge difference to her behaviour and overall happiness.
In terms of personality, she’s incredibly loving and loyal, but definitely on her own terms—which I think is part of her charm. She’s full of character, very driven, and completely obsessed with her ball, as well as birds and squirrels. Her nose is almost always to the ground, which really shows her spaniel instincts.
Routine has been important for her, and she settles well—she sleeps through the night and knows what to expect day to day. She can be a bit stubborn at times, so I’ve learned the importance of being consistent and firm with her training.
Overall, she has a fantastic personality and brings so much joy to our lives. We absolutely adore her x