Max Cockers
CHAMPION COCKER SPANIELS
Well Bred, Healthy Puppies for Show and Companion Homes
What Every Responsible Cocker Owner
Needs to Know
The ONLY vaccine that is required by LAW is RABIES. Once your puppy has completed their 'Puppy Shots" to protect against Parvovirus and Distemper THE ONLY VACCINE REQUIRED FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES IS RABIES. All other vaccines (Parvovirus, Distemper, Leptospirosis, Coronavirus, Bordetella aka Kennel Cough, Parainfluenza, Canine Influenza, Adenovirus) are NOT required by law and are NOT required every year or even every three years. Do not allow your veterinarian to over vaccinate your puppy/dog with needless vaccines that do not make your animal "MORE" immune. If you are concerned about whether your dog has adequate immunity against these diseases, then please do a TITER TEST. Titer testing is AFFORDABLE (and smarter) if you use the CAVIDS lab at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Here is the link to information on titer testing:
The safest place for your puppy is in a crate.
When you are sleeping or if you leave your home, the safest place for your puppy is in a secure crate or puppy playpen. Young dogs are like toddlers and can/will get into trouble if unsupervised. Teach your puppy that their crate is a quiet place for resting and sleeping. I recommend the Midwest Puppy Playpen in the 24" x 36" size. It allows enough room to move around. Midwest also makes Snap'y Fit bowls that attach to the side of the puppy playpen to prevent food and water from spilling. Crating your puppy is also the safest way to travel with your pet.
The safest place for your puppy is WITH you!
Do not allow your veterinarian to take your dog or puppy into the back area for routine procedures like nail trimming and blood draws, that can be done in front of you. You would never allow your pediatrician to take your child out of your sight, it's no different with your dog. Be a pro-active dog owner and ask questions regarding all treatments that your puppy is receiving. Do not hesitate to stop any procedure that you are not comfortable with. Your puppy's life could be at risk. There is no reason why your puppy should be subjected to additional stress when at your veterinary clinic. Often procedures that are done in the back room cannot be undone (i.e.; vaccines).
One more thing!
This breed is not the same breed as the English Cocker Spaniel, although both breeds have the same heritage. In the United States and according to the American Kennel Club, the Cocker Spaniel is just called the COCKER SPANIEL, not the American Cocker Spaniel. Across the pond in the UK, it's reversed! What we in the states call an English Cocker Spaniel is referred to as just the Cocker Spaniel and the Cocker as we know it, is called the American Cocker Spaniel. Although they have the same heritage, they are two separate breeds and are very different in structure, size, coat and coloring among other differences. Learn more about the subtle differences of each breed to see which one is best for your family. I will always use the correct term, as designated by the American Kennel Club - COCKER SPANIEL when I refer to my breed. The Cocker Spaniel is the only breed in the Sporting Group to be shown in three separate varieties - Black (including the black and tans), Parti-color (white mixed with any other acceptable color including roans) and ASCOB (any solid color other than black, including brown and any shade of buff, from lightest silver to red). All three varieties are judged the same except for coloring.