We are considering purchasing an 18-month old male Cocker Spaniel. He has been used as a show dog, so he has not been housebroken. The breeder said to just train him the same as a puppy, but I am concerned about buying him if he is not housebroken at his age. He seems to demand a lot of attention, too. We are trying him out for the weekend and need to make a decision. Is it just better to buy a puppy and train it from a young age?
By Linda S.
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I got a one-year-old Weimer from a shelter; she was not treated very well at her previous home and was really quite skittish and not house-broken. With just a week or two (and not constant!), we were able to train her with lots of love and attention. She followed us around quite a bit at first, but then got used to being by herself in a room while we were in another room. It's really up to you if you feel the connection" with your potential little guy - things will work out if you have the time to devote to working with him. Good luck!
My Jack was about a year when I got him and he was not housebroken. Within a month he was completely trained and since then, never an accident.
An older dog's bladder is bigger and they should be able to have control longer than a young puppy. This should make it a bit easier to housebreak an older dog. I think they get the point to where to go if it is on a pad or outside quicker.
In any event don't let age detour you from getting a dog that is a right fit. Just a little patience and love will do the trick.
Breeders don't sell show Dogs if they are winning so be careful not to pay extravagant price just because the animal has a Pedigree that is not worth the paper it's written on unless you intend to show him. They can be house-trained but be aware Spaniels are an excitable breed. Good luck.
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