Customer Reviews

The Cocker Spaniel Handbook (Barron's Pet Handbooks)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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This little book was surprisingly good. I'm a relatively new dog owner and admittedly don't know much about breeds, training, health issues, behavior issues -- this book covers it all, in easy-to-read text, with plenty of adorable photographs throughout. Unlike some of the other cocker spaniel books I looked at, which seemed to be generic dog books with "cocker spaniel" thrown in a few places ("Your [INSERT BREED] needs plenty of exercise. Your [INSERT BREED] puppy needs puppy shots."), this book is truly about cocker spaniels and I'd hazard a guess that the author, Caroline Coile, is a bit of a cocker fan herself.

The book provides interesting information on the history of the breed, its rise and decline in popularity, champion cocker spaniels, cockers featured in films and advertising. There are specific tips on housebreaking, training, nutrition, health, and very detailed instructions on grooming if you dare to take on that task yurself. There are also sections on conformation standards and showing a cocker.

This is a great book for someone thinking about a cocker puppy - it is best read BEFORE you decide to bring a new puppy home, as it explains all of the things one should think about before making a commitment to a new pup. But for those of us who are suckered in before we've done our homework, it's still full of useful information. The information on breed history and showing and breeding is interesting even if you have no intention of showing or breeding your dog. The author makes a very strong case for spaying and neutering unless you really know what you're doing as a breeder. Most important, the book is full of specific steps you can take to help make your cocker a welcome, well-behaved member of your family. And the photographs are adorable and in and of themselves teach you quite a bit about the breed.

Written by D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D.: The Cocker Spaniel Handbook is a well-rounded guide packed with everything the reader needs to know about raising a happy and healthy cocker spaniel. From acquiring a dog or puppy, to the many types of Cocker Spaniels, to training, grooming and feeding, requisite exercise, common medical problems and diseases, and much more, The Cocker Spaniel Handbook is a solidly accessible primer, illustrated with color photographs on virtually every page. Enthusiastically recommended especially for first-time Cocker Spaniel owners.

It has some nice details about the breed but it does miss a few things in the generalized parts of the book. For example, apparently you may have problems with groomers who don't understand the breed. She falls asleep when I do it but will bite a professional. So you must introduce the dog etc first.

I purchased this book as I got a new friend in my house, Cocker Spaniel. This book is pretty informative, nice paper, good amount of information. Gives you basics and more to get to know your dog.

Gave this book to a friend who has a black cocker who is one of my pooch's good buddies. The friend really enjoyed it and found he could relate to stories included in the book.

Bought it the day before purchasing a 7 week old cocker spaniel. Very helpful.

I've never been disappointed with the books from amazon.com. This book was no exception and in excellent shape.