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Thread: Incoming new dog advice...

  1. #1
    Craftsman ELD1970's Avatar
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    Incoming new dog advice...

    The wife and myself are seriously looking into adding a dog to our household. Most likely a cocker spaniel or a dog of similar size.
    Son is 24 and home working (indefinitely) and the missus works 8am till 2pm so that seems to fit in with keeping he or she company.
    Pretty amazing how much the prices have shot up .
    All advice welcomed


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  2. #2
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    Our puppy is now seven months and I'd say:

    - it's harder than you ever thought it would be
    - buy more kitchen roll than you thought existed in the world
    - crate train for overnight sleeping - ours loves her crate and runs to it at bed time
    - good quality poo bags are a must
    - food is an absolute minefield so I'm not even going there - you decide
    - be patient, it takes a long time for them to settle. We've had countless arguments about "can't believe we did this" and "biggest mistake we've ever made"

    I'm not going to sugar-coat it, it has been bloody hard at times and we've been pushed to our limits but....she's a bloody lovely little dog and I love her to bits.

    Good luck!


  3. #3
    I would wait a bit and look in dog rescue, I think a lot dogs acquired during lock down will be looking for homes once the cuteness has worn off and they have chewed the furniture.

    A mate got a puppy 10 weeks ago and he is now ruling the roost, as they kept letting him do what he wanted not what they wanted him to do.

    For me dogs live downstairs, don’t sleep on the furniture, eat dog food, sleep in a dog bed, chew dog toys, go outside for toilet (after training). Play nicely and don’t bite and are trained to sit and stay when asked. These things are not easy to do when they are little and cute. But if you don’t stick to it much harder when they get bigger.

    You are in charge, the dog will try to break the rules as it does not know them, they will look cute and cry if left downstairs. Give them a space that is theirs a bed or crate and if they go in there leave them alone. Spend time training them at home and on the lead, it will reap benefits when they get older.

    Good luck, they will be your best friend and are great fun. Agree on the rules

  4. #4
    Cockers need a lot of mental stimulation and physical exercise, they’re not easy dogs to keep. So, make sure you’re prepared to give it lots of time and attention. Dogs are incredible companions though, so put the effort in and you’ll get it all back.


  5. #5
    Master Geralt's Avatar
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    I have a male, blue roan show type Cocker, now coming up to 6yo. Had him from 8 weeks and he's my best mate. Coat care is a priority. Grooming is a daily necessity with a good going over once a week (~30 mins). I also hand strip him myself. I enjoy the man/dog bonding thing. You can clip, but the coat is never the same thereafter. He also needs lots of off-lead exercise, so recall training is a must. I mention this just so you're aware of the work potentially involved.

    Cockers are real characters and you won't find a better family dog. Prices for puppies are now astronomical sadly and not many registered breeders are producing litters due to the current crisis. A rescue cocker is worth serious consideration.

    T'internet is awash with puppy/doggy advice. The only thing I'll add here is please do not buy from a puppy farm or a back yard breeder.

  6. #6
    Friends of ours who are in there 40s and have two kids of 12 and 16 decided it was time to add a dog to the family, after a couple of months she said it was like adding a new born child and toddler to the home at the same time, hard work but they love him to bits.

  7. #7
    For me the pros out way the cons. I love ours more than I should. Personally I wouldn’t get a rescue. You might be lucky but pretty much every dog that attacks mine is a rescue so there is extra stress there.
    If you love walking they are great. I even enjoy going out in the rain.
    Spaniels can be manic. We went for a GSD and a cavapoo.



    Last edited by awright101; 15th October 2020 at 14:06.

  8. #8
    Grand Master hogthrob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TheTigerUK View Post
    Friends of ours who are in there 40s and have two kids of 12 and 16 decided it was time to add a dog to the family, after a couple of months she said it was like adding a new born child and toddler to the home at the same time, hard work but they love him to bits.
    A new born child and toddler that doesn't sleep through the night, poos and wees anywhere and everywhere, and eats the house and its contents from the inside out. Remote controls are a much favoured delicacy. The skin on your hands and forearms will be shredded by the razor sharp serrated puppy teeth. Puppy claws are surprisingly pointy.


    Cockapoos are delightful dogs.

  9. #9
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
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    Important to get a breed that suits your lifestyle.

    I like a walk but not miles, in fine weather not rain.

    I wouldn't like to have a breed that needs clipping or too much brushing.

    A good house dog and guard.

    Hence Dot....

    Cheers,
    Neil.

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  10. #10
    Master SeanST150's Avatar
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    We have 2 Springer Spaniels, one is now 8, Nugget, the other 3, Noodle. We got Noodle to keep Nugget company and to "help" with the eventual loss of Nugget.

    Noodle's energy knows no limit, it's incredible! It certainly answered the question as to what the fuss was all about when we said we had a Springer. That said 9:30/10:00 each night he takes himself upstairs and off to bed; his own bed not ours. We didn't train this, but I guess it mirrors what my routine was when I was commuting pre-Covid. Nugget just wants to sit all night on the sofa curled up next to you.

    I don't subscribe that a dog has to be walked everyday, most days absolutely, but you're not a failure if you miss days. But it's vitally important they are stimulated in one way or another. On the occasion I cannot walk the dogs, they get extra mental stimulation through play or some other form of attention. Sure, the day after when I do walk them they have a bit more go about them. Yesterday for example, Nugget was not walked, but he came to the office with me. He spent most of the day getting a fuss and attention from my colleagues, this provided enough excitement and stimulation for him to be tired for the evening.

    The best advice I can give:

    - put rules in place day ONE, not day 2 because it's cute, because they will learn that poor behavior immediately.
    - dogs love routine, try to feed at the same time each day, etc... you'll be amazed in a year's time when the dog nudges you at exactly 8pm because it's dinner time. Atomic clock type time keeping they have.
    - be persistent and consistent with the training, and train through positive reinforcement. Reward them for toileting outside, do not tell off for toileting inside.
    - use a crate, and when the dog is put to be bed in the crate for the night, do not interact with them at all (unless it's to clean an accident, but dogs learn pretty quickly they like sleeping in their own mess) not matter how much they whine, and they will whine once you've left the room and they are by themselves for the first time ever. Remember, up until that point they've always had litter mates nearby.
    - ours now sleep in the bedroom, but for the first 6 months as puppies they were not allowed upstairs at all. This set a boundary that being upstairs was/is a privilege.
    - puppy proof the house, if the dog chews your shows, it's your fault, not theirs.
    - have fun.

    I'm sure there are some to differing views to me above. But one thing we will all agree on, it's hard work, harder than you thought, but thoroughly rewarding when you have a loving family pet.

  11. #11
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    Echo the sentiment of getting a dog that suits rather than deciding you like a breed and aiming for that.

    MrsV wanted a sheepdog. But, autistic son, young kids, i work full time and sometimes away from home, she's manic from morning to night sorting kids house etc and smart breeds that need a lot of exercise weren't going to be suitable.
    We ended up getting a malshi. Velcro dog, has 2x20-30 min walks a day, lazes about in between and is brilliant with the kids. Just absorbs the fuss. She's also capable of 2 hour + walks but god forbid trying to get her out in the rain.

    She likes to eyeball the neighbourhood like a meerkat though.


    aston martin cygnet 0 60

  12. #12
    We got our first puppy, a black lab, 2.5 years ago.

    I'd echo much of what's been said above - training is hard work & must be from day one, but it's worth it. Crates are a very good idea.

    Due to my mother becoming very ill just after we got Elsie, we did end up leaving her for longer than was ideal early on, but it really could not be helped. As a consequence, we ended up with some of the kitchen furniture getting chewed, but she's well past that and we now have a very well behaved and chilled out dog that doesn't jump up at people (hate that) and does us proud when people visit and when we're out & about.





    We bought a couple of stair gates. One to keep her in the kitchen when we go out & another to stop her going upstairs. She only ever goes upstairs (reluctantly) to have a bath.

    My wife's family have had quite a few Spaniels and at the risk of generalising, they can be a bit excitable. Labs are great, there are several reasons for their popularity, but they do shed fur and need quite a bit of exercise.
    Andy

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  13. #13
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    Best thing I ever did was to get a Springer. It caused a chain of unforseen events that I am very happy about.

    Took the Springer pup to a Game Show, just for a fun family day out. I had a go on the clay pigeon shooting. I hadn't shot for near 20 years as I did it with my Dad and he gave it all up when the licence rules got stricter.
    This got me back in to shooting.

    The dog had some fun in one of the gun dog scurries, chasing a launched dummy. This we continued along the Gundog training.
    We have 2 Springers now, both are gun dogs and we help with beating on the local shoots, plus I go on a few shoots myself.
    There really is nothing better than working with a purpose with your dog. We have met lots of lovely people in our new pursuits.

    You could do the same with your Cocker if that is of interest to you.

  14. #14
    Craftsman ELD1970's Avatar
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    Thank you all for the advice so far. We are taking it all onboard and trying to make the best choice.


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  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy tims View Post
    We got our first puppy, a black lab, 2.5 years ago.

    I'd echo much of what's been said above - training is hard work & must be from day one, but it's worth it. Crates are a very good idea.

    Due to my mother becoming very ill just after we got Elsie, we did end up leaving her for longer than was ideal early on, but it really could not be helped. As a consequence, we ended up with some of the kitchen furniture getting chewed, but she's well past that and we now have a very well behaved and chilled out dog that doesn't jump up at people (hate that) and does us proud when people visit and when we're out & about.





    We bought a couple of stair gates. One to keep her in the kitchen when we go out & another to stop her going upstairs. She only ever goes upstairs (reluctantly) to have a bath.

    My wife's family have had quite a few Spaniels and at the risk of generalising, they can be a bit excitable. Labs are great, there are several reasons for their popularity, but they do shed fur and need quite a bit of exercise.
    Castle Combe! Nice

  16. #16
    Had st bernards for 20 years and recently (after a short break after losing my last boy) decided to get a bitch puppy

    Shes a total lunatic

  17. #17
    There is just one MAJOR downside to owning a dog and that is when they pass on its a killer, heart breaking, you do have all the years together etc etc but its REALLY heart breaking when you lose them :( :( :(

  18. #18
    Master ed335d's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy tims View Post




    A handsome beast indeed!

  19. #19
    Master PreacherCain's Avatar
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    I’d definitely echo what others have said about breed selection. Give some careful thought to what a breed needs, and how you and the family will provide it. Cockers are lovely dogs generally (I grew up with a succession of them) but they’re seriously energetic and in my experience at least, unburstable. However far you walk, the dog will happily want more.

    When Mrs Cain and I were in your shoes, we initially wanted a Viszla or Weimaraner - lovely looking, intelligent animals. But our lifestyle wouldn’t have been fair on the dog, even with home working we’d have struggled to give the dog the hours of exercise it would’ve needed.

    So, we got whippets instead: low maintenance (toenail clip every couple of weeks, bath whenever they roll in something ghastly), limited exercise requirement (a couple of hours a day will do, as long as there’s some running), sociable, playful, good with kids. So, give breed selection a lot of thought before you commit, is my advice.

    I’d also echo points re crate training, toilet training and puppy training above; from acquisition to about 6 months is your window to set all the boundaries - get the dog used to recall, basic commands, sit/wait/leave etc. After that age you’ll probably have a teenager for a year or so, and adolescent dogs like to push the boundaries. We found “puppy school” at the local vets a godsend to give us some structure to work with, and our dogs are really well behaved as a result. Barring the occasional Squirrel Incident. ;-)

  20. #20
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    If you’re going to get a breed (instead of a Heinz 57), try to approach it by dog groups.

    You want a gun dog. That means they were bred for a purpose and that is to help you when you’re hunting.
    Research the origins of the breed and you will find your breed was specialised in the woodcock, which is probably the most difficult bird for any dog. So they were not selected on their ability to follow human commands (like shepherds) but to think on their feet and trust nose and instincts.
    Now you’re unlikely to choose a working line, so those traits will be diluted, but don’t expect an easy training if you want them to walk on heel without a leash when you go for a walk.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  21. #21
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    Regardless of the breed you go for train the basics, sit, stay, come and walk on lead (not one of those stupid extender types that creates havoc or worse when the dog decides to run into the road) Consistent, positive reinforcement training in short bursts works wonders. Being calm helps as dogs pick up on mood very well. Enjoy, you'll get more back than you put in.

  22. #22
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    Great thread! Very helpful. We're on the list for a rottweiler pup. We specifically want one from an official breeder who's determined to breed with a bloodline of social and friendly rotties.

    I'm offically retiring on Dec 9 and from that moment on, I'll have plenty of time to raise & train the dog. One of my biggest concerns is socialising the pup: we (then) live in a remote and very quiet part of the country. Technically I can do the 'walkies' on my own grounds. When I'm not careful, or better: careless, the dog will grow up without knowing no other humans than us: my wife, my sons and me. That can be dangerous with a Rottweiler. I'm absolutely aware of that.

    So, it's off in a buggy to the supermarket parking, the garden center, the DYI store etc. when the pup is young. I even consider going for a walk in the village (6 miles away) with the pup when there are school kids on the streets. Mmm, perhaps it's best to ask my wife to do that... older man, not connected to the school as a parent/granddad, with a puppy and small children... That can look awkward.

  23. #23
    Craftsman ELD1970's Avatar
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    Not rushing into this big decision but leaning towards a cocker spaniel. Any advice welcomed on what to look for when making the next step towards buying one?
    Very nervous about all the talk of puppy farms and dodgy breeders...especially as they seem very clever at looking like genuine sellers.


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  24. #24
    Craftsman ELD1970's Avatar
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    Put a deposit down today on this little boy..pick him up in two weeks.




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  25. #25
    Congratulations he really does look a beauty.

  26. #26
    Craftsman ELD1970's Avatar
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    My only advice from what I’ve briefly learnt is buy from the right background and when you find the right dog don’t hang about as the way the market is currently it will be sold before you know it. It’s a crazy year.


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  27. #27
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ELD1970 View Post
    Put a deposit down today on this little boy..pick him up in two weeks.




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    I need him! What a good looking pup. Looks like a cocker loony, it's going to be great!
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  28. #28
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    Make sure you get Pet Insurance from day 1.

    Our Golden Retriever Vets bills this year are approx £5k, and she will need another operation on her leg next year, so that will be another £5k. We have Petplan insurance and that covers £4k per year thankfully...

  29. #29
    Craftsman ELD1970's Avatar
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    100% agree. Any recommendations at all for a good insurer?


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  30. #30
    Quote Originally Posted by ELD1970 View Post
    100% agree. Any recommendations at all for a good insurer?


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    We use Animal friends who have been excellent. Get a lifetime policy and one with a good limit. Our vets say that Petplan, although can be expensive, is the best payer.
    Last edited by awright101; 19th October 2020 at 10:07.

  31. #31
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ELD1970 View Post
    100% agree. Any recommendations at all for a good insurer?


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    Directline
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  32. #32
    Master PreacherCain's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ELD1970 View Post
    100% agree. Any recommendations at all for a good insurer?


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    Touch wood, Petplan have been excellent for us.

  33. #33
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives View Post
    Directline
    should perhaps have said they have always paid out with no quibbles, and Freddie has some allergies which have proved expensive.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  34. #34
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PreacherCain View Post
    Touch wood, Petplan have been excellent for us.
    This too. Not cheap, and a waste of money every year nothing happens to your dog.
    Invaluable the day something does.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  35. #35

    Incoming new dog advice...

    Just to add a different point of view - owning a dog sounds like an absolute nightmare to me, never understood the appeal, they make your house smell and apart from the puppy stage I just don’t find them any cuter or more appealing than a cow or a pig - or any other animal tbh! The weird thing is they seem to love me, possibly as I’m totally indifferent to them? - I should add that I don’t have any sort of ‘issue’ with dogs, I’m the same about cats and any pets really, just don’t get the appeal. I’d describe myself as a wildlife fan, and I get the point of a working dog or for company but neither of those apply for me. And I know people will say ‘you won’t understand until you’ve had one’ - well, that’s fine but I’m happy without one. Just don’t get it at all. Seems to make me very odd in the UK though!
    Last edited by RobDad; 19th October 2020 at 18:10.

  36. #36
    Master SeanST150's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saint-Just View Post
    This too. Not cheap, and a waste of money every year nothing happens to your dog.
    Invaluable the day something does.
    Yep, Petplan here also. The oldest dog has been in for surgery twice. Despite being for the same thing, well kind of, Petplan paid in both cases no issue.

    First instance was he swallowed a medical glove, got stuck in his large intestine. Second, he ate a small rock hard apple from our garden, got stuck in his large intestine.

    Nightmare! But no problem whatsoever with Petplan

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  37. #37
    Master SeanST150's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RobDad View Post
    Just to add a different point of view - owning a dog sounds like an absolute nightmare to me, never understood the appeal, they make your house smell and apart from the puppy stage I just don’t find them any cuter or more appealing than a cow or a pig - or any other animal tbh! The weird thing is they seem to love me, possibly as I’m totally indifferent to them? - I should add that I don’t have any sort of ‘issue’ with dogs, I’m the same about cats and any pets really, just don’t get the appeal. I’d describe myself as a wildlife fan, and I get the point of a working dog or for company but neither of those apply for me. And I know people will say ‘you won’t understand until you’ve had one’ - well, that’s fine but I’m happy without one. Just don’t get it at all. Seems to make me very odd in the UK though!
    Lynch him!

    That's fair, and I was very similar, I felt indifferent about dogs. But these two are now here stinking up the house and I love it!!!

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  38. #38
    Grand Master Saint-Just's Avatar
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    You have a franchise with petplan, I can’t remember if it’s £75 or £100, per condition and per year. In your case my guess is that it was within the year. I had the opposite, November and January so twice the franchise for the same thing. Peanuts compared to what they paid the vet.
    Added bonus: in most vet surgeries you only pay the franchise, they claim direct to petplan. Saves a sometimes scary “loan” to the vet.
    'Against stupidity, the gods themselves struggle in vain' - Schiller.

  39. #39
    After 40 years experience of mostly medium to large dogs that molt, slobber are strong and break doors and other stuff.

    Now i get ones that are small, dont molt, and dont break doors and dont slobber.

    Currently have a Shichon which is a Shih Tzu / Bichon Frise cross.
    Funny little dogs, never seen her growl except when playing tug-a-war or something like that.

  40. #40
    Grand Master thieuster's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by RobDad View Post
    Just to add a different point of view - owning a dog sounds like an absolute nightmare to me, never understood the appeal, they make your house smell and apart from the puppy stage I just don’t find them any cuter or more appealing than a cow or a pig - or any other animal tbh! The weird thing is they seem to love me, possibly as I’m totally indifferent to them? - I should add that I don’t have any sort of ‘issue’ with dogs, I’m the same about cats and any pets really, just don’t get the appeal. I’d describe myself as a wildlife fan, and I get the point of a working dog or for company but neither of those apply for me. And I know people will say ‘you won’t understand until you’ve had one’ - well, that’s fine but I’m happy without one. Just don’t get it at all. Seems to make me very odd in the UK though!
    I have that with cats... Needless to say that the majority in this household wants a cat when we move house. Granted, with all sorts of wildlife (read: mice) around, a cat can be useful. My idea is getting two cats 'outdoor cats' from a shelter. The type of cats that lives on a farm in the barn. Of course, my wife and son want a cat for in the house. I draw the line (and will lose).

    UPDATE: while typing this, I asked my wife "Did you feed the neighbours' cat?" (My neighbours are not at home this week). She'd forgotten to feed him this evening. One point for me: "You want a cat and I(...) need to remember you to feed him? Shame on you!" It will backfire.

    Menno

  41. #41
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    If I knew in April what I know now I wouldn’t have bought her or any other dog. It’s incredibly hard work.

  42. #42
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    We look after stepdaughters Labrador, her husband works shifts so we don’t always have the dog, but he spends a lot of time with us and its fair to say he has two homes. They got him as a puppy and spent plenty of time with him initially, taking him to puppy training and generally doting on him like a child substitute. A typical Labrador, he was easy to train and is very well- behaved, he’s 7 now so he’s even more chilled out than he was earlier. A lovely pet, we’re very attached to him, but I’m still not sure I’d want to own a dog 24/7. They are tying, they bring dirt into the house, they need exercise daily ( even when its raining), and when the weathers wet you end up with the smell of ‘wet dog’ to a greater or lesser extent.

    Ozzie the Labrador is a large dog, he’s large by Lab standards, but fortunately he’s very docile and he was trained well as a pup. I think it’s v. important to train a dog properly from an early stage, a badly behaved dog can be a real nuisance, especially a big dog.

    As dog-minders rather than owners I think we get a good deal, I can recommend it....provided the dog is a good ‘un.

  43. #43
    Grand Master hogthrob's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ELD1970 View Post
    Put a deposit down today on this little boy..pick him up in two weeks.



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    He looks adorable. Did you have any trouble getting the mortgage for him?

  44. #44
    Craftsman ELD1970's Avatar
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    I had to sell a kidney....


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  45. #45
    I love the posts about training and rules.

    Our collie trained us from the start and now we can follow her rules perfectly.

  46. #46
    Good luck with the pup, he looks gorgeous but we’re too old to go through that again.
    It’s been almost 1year since we said goodbye Lucy our last Cocker Spaniel and we’re still coming to terms with the loss, but we’ve decided the time is right to start looking for another four legged family member.
    We’re only interested in rehoming but it’ll be either another Cocker or Cairn Terrier, we had Cairns when I grew up, but it’s almost impossible nowadays as it seems for every rescue there’s hundreds of applicants. Unless of course you want a Lurcher type or Bull Terrier cross.
    Maybe I should post a WTB...

  47. #47
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bigvic View Post
    Good luck with the pup, he looks gorgeous but we’re too old to go through that again.
    It’s been almost 1year since we said goodbye Lucy our last Cocker Spaniel and we’re still coming to terms with the loss, but we’ve decided the time is right to start looking for another four legged family member.
    We’re only interested in rehoming but it’ll be either another Cocker or Cairn Terrier, we had Cairns when I grew up, but it’s almost impossible nowadays as it seems for every rescue there’s hundreds of applicants. Unless of course you want a Lurcher type or Bull Terrier cross.
    Maybe I should post a WTB...
    You could try Spaniel Aid. They are very good.
    Started out with nothing. Still have most of it left.

  48. #48
    Quote Originally Posted by oldoakknives;[URL="[URL
    tel:5566824[/URL]"]5566824[/URL]]You could try Spaniel Aid. They are very good.
    One problem with rehoming charities like Spaniel Aid who are very good is our working hours.
    Wife and I are both part time with a mix of shifts, I walk home (10 mins) every lunch hour so any dog will be left alone just over 4hrs but for only 2 days per week or occasionally 3. It may only be 10mins over the four hours but they are very strict.
    We never left our dogs alone for more than 4 hours before but I worked lates and the missus worked the early so I don’t have any problem with that rule and it’s one of the reasons a puppy is not suitable.

  49. #49
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    owning a dog is hard work but very rewarding. i recently bought a daschund puppy, i can honestly say i was thinking of returning her after the first 3 months as we were struggling with the responsibility of it all, a year on and i couldn’t live without her.
    i agree vet bills can be very expensive so take out pet insurance for sure.


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  50. #50
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    Quote Originally Posted by awright101 View Post
    For me the pros out way the cons. I love ours more than I should. Personally I wouldn’t get a rescue. You might be lucky but pretty much every dog that attacks mine is a rescue so there is extra stress there.
    If you love walking they are great. I even enjoy going out in the rain.
    Spaniels can be manic. We went for a GSD and a cavapoo.



    I was going to say that springers can be absolutely bonkers. A good friend has one and its absolutely nuts, once it gets the scent of something it's completely in the zone and does not listen. As I've said to my friend they really need to get on top of training and also working the dog as they need lots of mental stimulation.

    The above is coming from someone with 2 boxers which are well known for being completely nuts!!!! What would i recommend given I have owned boxers for 23+ years....... a boxer obviously. Quite possibly the most misunderstood breed but they also need an owner / family that ensures they know there place in the family.

    General observations, it'll be much harder than you think initially. Key thing is to be consistent in everything you do, be patient, be kind and keep them mentally stimulated. Lastly, do not over exercise any dog in its first 12-18 months, well worth reading up on exercise in pups / younger dogs.

    Oh, just get a boxer and you'll be fine ;-)

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