Living with a spaniel

[Volluto]

We've always had dogs but now have our first cocker spaniel. All other dogs have been wire types.

He is 7 months. A great calm dog in many ways apart from usual puppy 'zoomies'

But

The mess, the dirt. Constant wet ears. Fur soaked after a 2 min trip outside. Smelly. Needs bathing after every walk. But he is then sooo wet and his fur seems to soak up every drop of water and hold on to it for hours! Muddy hairy paws. Did I mention the wet ears!

Any tips for spaniel ownership would be VERY MUCH appreciated.

I do ddog myself these days (he's given the canine equivalent of a number two all over so not hard!) but if I wasn't able to do that, I'd go for a well recommended mobile groomer, I think. Personal recommendations are key though.

While we're on the subject of spaniels....
let's talk about poo. Mine is a poo machine. Several times a day. He's eating Field and Trial puppy.
Will this stop. The last day did one a day max. This spaniel is managing about 5!
(Up to date with worming etc)

Isn't that a puppy thing as opposed to a spaniel trait?

Mine are on Arden Grange. 7 month old Pup does far more number 2s than my 9 year old cocker.

Battendog was on the same food from the breeder. Made him fart like something had died inside him. I moved him off it and he smells so much sweeter - well, his bottom does!

I hope it's just a puppy thing!