hypnorm

Am excited but nervous too!
OH says that i can have a dog! We have narrowed the Breed down to a working Cocker Spaniel - my BIL has one and she is very good natured.
we looked at labradors, vizlas, rhodesian ridgebacks, spaniels but we dont want something too small or too big.

We have asked BIL to ask his mate if he still breeds cockers. I've looked at prices and it looks like they will be about £400.. we did think about a rescue but i'm not comfortable having a rescue, i know they can be lovely dogs, but you also take the risk of ending up with a nutter!

I have worked with animals all my life, never had a dog, but have rarely been without some form of animal in my life, and at the moment i havent had apet for 2 yrs, i really miss the animals.

My only concern with a dog is when me and mum take ewan out for the day, i cant leave the dog for 6+ hours inside, and often where we take ewan dogs arent allowed and there is no way that i will leave a dog in a car.

Appart from that worry, just about every where we go the dog could come with us, we go to the dorset steam fair, on our own boat, and up to Oh's parents in scotland.

I think i might be able to get a discount on vet treatment at my old works.

We are in no hurry just doing alot of research at the moment, and thinking.
My other thought was to get an out door kennel so 'she' can use the garden but have some where secure.

full of ideas at the moment, My parents think that i would be stupid to have a dog, as i 'have enough to deal with as i have ewan' but i think it would be great for ewan to have a dog. I longed for a dog through out my child hood but was never allowed.. when i dreamed i had a dog it actually hurt when i woke up as i realised i didnt have a dog... How stupid is that!

goldlion

Aww that's great that you're getting a dog. You're putting a lot of thought into it as well, which is very very good.

I think Ewan would love a puppy

I went to the rescue to get my dog and I ended up with a crazy one for sure... he's a handful. As much as I love the idea of saving dogs, not sure I could do it again after this one!

Have fun doing your research! I can't wait until I see pictures when you decide to get one.

Iwantone!!!

thats great newsxxx

hypnorm

My BIL said to OH 'Are you sure they are alot of work' .. we yes.. worked as a veterinary nurse for 10+ years and i have a toddler!! so I think i know a fair bit! will get me out of the house walking, and i would like to try dog agility it looks fun.

elles28

They are alot of work but when you have a child looking after a dog does not seem like such hard work!! We got our pup Max a golden retreiver last July & he is the best dog ever we all love him to bits! Good luck & have fun choosing your new family member xx

Michy

I have 2 working cockers, they are wonderful dogs. Mine need about 2-3 hours off lead walks a day to be calm in the house.

Good luck with your search. The best breeders will have dogs that are KC registered and will have done all the health checks needed.

Let us know how you get on.

marley2580

I'll be honest hun, working cockers are not really a good breed if you've never had a dog before. They really are mental - think collie mental. What about a springer? they are a bit less work but still active and good at the agility. For lots of doggie related info and advice have a look at the forums on www.dogpages.org.uk the people on there have got a huge amount of expertise.

Suz

I think that any dog would be work. I have 2 boxers and they are a hand full. I have never been a huge fan of cocker spanials. I have heard that they are nippers. But these could be different then the ones you are looking at since Im in the US. I think dogs and kids are good for each other. Good luck with finding a pup

hypnorm

What dog would you suggest then?

not meaning to sound funny, but i've dealt with just about every breed of dog possible and i have a fairly good idea of temperaments and work. Although i've not had a dog before, i have done dog physcology courses, been to endless lectures on puppy care and lots of training things, i have read books and books on dog training... i wanted to be a dog trainer initially!

I think any puppy will be hard work, most cockers i have met have been fine, generally it is the black cockers that can have 'Rage syndrome'

I also think alot of temperament is down to the owners to, and if we do get a dog it WILL be trained, and it will know its place.

Most springers i have known have been mental, and some collies have actually been calmer than you think.

We still have a lot of research to do, and to find a reputable breeder, we still may not get a dog this year, as i say we are in no hurry. I could go in the free pages and get any dog and regret it.

marley2580

Actually 'rage' doesn't seem to exist in working cockers. If you really feel that this breed of dog is best for you then go with it but from what I've heard working cockers are at least as mental as most collies. Of course there will always be exceptions to any breed. What exactly are you looking for in a dog?