First dog incoming.. What do we need?

[bexVN]

justin220 said:

Excellent thanks all. We've gone for a Pomsky.

The list is very helpful thanks. As expected there were a couple of things I hadn't thought of, so was worth asking. A brush is another!

I'm reading as much as I can. A close work friend also runs a dog walking/caring business so its very knowledgeable about training etc, and has recommended obedience classes also.

Ok, I give in. What is a Pomsky?!! Have you met the parents? And pics please

[Shaw Tarse]

bexVN said:

Ok, I give in. What is a Pomsky?!! Have you met the parents? And pics please

Pomerarian cross Husky?

[bexVN]

Hooli said:

bakerstreet said:

Hooli said:

I disagree with that. Just get one of those straps that clips a harness into the seat belt buckle & a saloon is fine.

I disagree with that. My wife has a 2008 Ford C-Max. We have a 10 month old and a Greyhound. How do you suggest we go somewhere as a family with dog in a saloon?

We have a normal buggy (Baby Jogger Mini City GT). Its not big wheeled, but it does have chunky tyres.

With the dog in the boot, there is no room for the buggy, so buggy goes on the back seat next to baby in the car seat. We obviously sit in the front seats.

The Saab 9-5 (Aero of course!) has a slightly wider boot, but there isn't really room for buggy and dog in the boot, so we do the same thing.

I'd like to get a bigger car at some point, but wife is happy with the C-Max as its small and the spaces at her work car park are quite tight

Obviously depends on the number of dogs & kids you have, but generally people flap & pretend they need huge cars without thinking first.

I have done Bristol to Torbay for an overnight stay with my whippet harnessed in to the front seat, my two kids in the back all fitted in to a Kia Picanto .

When my husband is with us aswell we have to use the focus. Luckily for us we have a smallish whippet so he curls up nicely between the two car seats!! Or he rests his head over my sons seat

[opieoilman]

These are really good for the car.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pet-Dog-Cat-Rabbit-Puppy...

I have a V70, so plenty of space in the boot for 2 jack russells, but a cage like that means I can put other stuff like the pushchair (for the baby, not for the dogs) in with them without worrying about the other stuff banging into them. When my parents have looked after the dogs for us, they borrow the cage and put it in the back of their hatchbacks. Also keeps the hair a bit more under control than a metal cage or dog guard.

As for the crate, I never had one for our dogs, we did make a pen for them to contain them while we were at work, but that didn't last for long. I always thought a cage was a bit cruel for them, but I've seen plenty of dogs that actually like them as they can go in to get peace and quiet. I used to often find my dogs under my desk at home, where it was a bit like a cave for them, a blanket on top of the cage achieves the same kind of thing. My MiL got a cage for her springer puppy when he broke his leg and her other 13 year old dog now goes in there of his own choice for peace and quiet.

Edited by opieoilman on Wednesday 18th November 16:38

[aka_kerrly]

Has pet insurance been mentioned, worth every penny!!

No point waiting until something happens as getting insurance with existing medical conditions is a nightmare/expensive

[justin220]

Shaw Tarse said:

Pomerarian cross Husky?

Correct!

I haven't met the parents no. Should I?

Insurance is first on the list.

I'll have a look into carriers and cages tonight

[moorx]

justin220 said:

I haven't met the parents no. Should I?

Yes, yes, yes - the mother at the very least. That is really 'Puppy Buying 101'.

Where are you getting the pup? You mention 'delivery' - I hope you don't mean that it is being delivered to you without seeing where it has been born/bred?

[Johnnytheboy]

I have a pedigree 11 year old and have never had pet insurance.

My family have had the same breed since the 50s, ditto.

It's not compulsory.

Might I add my voice to those hoping you aren't buying mail order unseen?

[mids]

Autopilot said:

I guess this is subjective and also depends on the dog.

Agreed. It's one of those subjects that I don't want to get drawn into as I've seen how that discussion normally goes. Not sure why but crate training and RAW feeding seem to be two subjects that dog owners can be really fanatical about.

That's why I tried to advise the OP doing a bit of calm research on his own to look into the pros and cons and come to his own conclusion. The two books I mention discuss it and explain in what circumstances it can be helpful but also explain why it doesn't suit everyone.

[Spiffing]

justin220 said:

Correct!

I haven't met the parents no. Should I?

Yes, the mother at the very least. I'm surprised a breeder would allow you to buy a pup without meeting you. When I got mine it really was a two way process with them making sure I was suitable for their puppies. I would get onto then and see the pup in it's home environment asap.

Sadly there are many "breeders" (puppy farms) out there in it for a quick buck and don't care for the pups or the dogs. Do you know if the parents have had any health checks? Just because it is a cross breed doesn't mean they don't need these done in my opinion.

[bexVN]

justin220 said:

Shaw Tarse said:

Pomerarian cross Husky?

Correct!

I haven't met the parents no. Should I?

Insurance is first on the list.

I'll have a look into carriers and cages tonight

This has to be a wind up?? Who would think crossing a Pom and Husky was a good idea! I really hope Mum is the Husky.

I am really worried when you say you haven't met at least the Mum, will you when you at least collect the pup. If not just walk away as it stinks of puppy farm breeding or an illegally imported puppy.

Sorry to sound so negative/ harsh and I really hope I am just over reacting!! but we as pet owners need to take responsibility for how we purchase our puppies to stop these cruel breeding practices and bizarre breed mixes combined with no parents rings alarm bells.

[moorx]

bexVN said:

This has to be a wind up?? Who would think crossing a Pom and Husky was a good idea! I really hope Mum is the Husky.

I am really worried when you say you haven't met at least the Mum, will you when you at least collect the pup. If not just walk away as it stinks of puppy farm breeding or an illegally imported puppy.

Sorry to sound so negative/ harsh and I really hope I am just over reacting!! but we as pet owners need to take responsibility for how we purchase our puppies to stop these cruel breeding practices and bizarre breed mixes combined with no parents rings alarm bells.

^^This. 100%.

Sorry, but I can't believe this dog is coming from a 'responsible breeder'.

I'm wondering what made you choose this mix? Have you researched the traits and needs of both breeds?

You say that you decided against a rescue dog because you didn't know what behaviour you might end up with - but you ask whether you need to meet the pup's parents? How a dog turns out is not all about nuture, nature plays a part too. Meeting the parents will give you an idea of the pup's potential temperament. Unscrupulous breeders won't care about the parents' temperament or health, which may lead to issues down the line, no matter how well you raise your pup.

ETA: If you have any suspicion that this pup might be coming from a Puppy Farm, please take a look at the following websites:

http://www.puppylovecampaigns.org/

https://cariadcampaign.wordpress.com/

Edited by moorx on Thursday 19th November 07:57

[bakerstreet]

I'm also a little perplexed by the Husky Pom mix. I hope the OP is well read on Huskies at least. Not known to be the easiest of breeds for a first timer.

Also agree on what other people say about meeting the breeders and the location. Buying a dog is very much a two way process. Its not uncommon for breeders to turn people away of they aren't right for the dog.

[justin220]

All, thanks for all the replies. Much appreciated. Its good to get some other opinions.

The Pomsky breed has been around for a while. I have put a deposit down, but I am beginning to have doubts. I admit I maybe am being naive somewhat.

The breeder is in Ireland. We have spoken a lot on the phone, and he invited me over, he was keen to get me over but being honest, at the time of the call, I didn't feel there was a need. Questions were asked both ways, and generally felt my mind was at rest. I obviously had a few concerns over whether I would see a puppy at the end of it or not, but again, I have either been suckered in but a very good crook, or it is genuine.

The testemonials on the website are what made my phone mind up, but I appreciate now these could be made up. It all looks very genuine.

I am a bit lost as to what to do next. I could pay a visit over in a few weeks time.

[bexVN]

I'm sorry but this is really really dubious.

I have never heard of a Pomsky and I've been a vet nurse for a long long-time I've heard of many bizarre mixes, ones this extreme are usually accidental!

A Pomerarian is a toy breed dog weighing 4kg at most a Husky is around 20/23kg occasionally bigger or smaller. This is definitely not a good breed mix combo just with size difference alone.


How were you going to pick up/ collect the pup?

Eta, well I've just done the inevitable Google and yep there seem to be quite a few around!! Never met one, but I am horrified to see they can cost 2.5k to buy. IT is a crossbreed, no kc recognition etc, another breed mix that is going to be overbred, unfortunately, due to fashion requests etc (though I am not suggesting this of the OP!) they are cute though .

There seem to be a few for sale in this country rather than going as far away as Ireland.

If you don't see the premises and hope that the bh you meet is actually the Mum (yes unscrupulous breeders use fake 'Mums') then walk away.

If all fits then you are going to have a lot of fun with lively, stubborn (poms are notoriously stubborn, jealous breeds but can be loveable aswell) potentially highly strung (Husky) character, will keep you busy

Edited by bexVN on Thursday 19th November 10:19

[justin220]

Thanks Bex.

The current plan is once all the vacinations, microchips, vet checks are done, to meet them on the south west of scotland and I'll drive home from there. They used to deliver to your door, but no longer do due to travel times? Maximum 8 hours I think he said?

If anyone has a spare 5-10 minutes, I found the website by googling 'Pomsky Kennel'. KBB is one of the first results.

[moorx]

justin220 said:

All, thanks for all the replies. Much appreciated. Its good to get some other opinions.

The Pomsky breed has been around for a while. I have put a deposit down, but I am beginning to have doubts. I admit I maybe am being naive somewhat.

The breeder is in Ireland. We have spoken a lot on the phone, and he invited me over, he was keen to get me over but being honest, at the time of the call, I didn't feel there was a need. Questions were asked both ways, and generally felt my mind was at rest. I obviously had a few concerns over whether I would see a puppy at the end of it or not, but again, I have either been suckered in but a very good crook, or it is genuine.

The testemonials on the website are what made my phone mind up, but I appreciate now these could be made up. It all looks very genuine.

I am a bit lost as to what to do next. I could pay a visit over in a few weeks time.

It's not a breed, it's a crossbreed.

Personally, I would walk away and find a puppy in the UK (there are plenty ) but if you are determined to pursue this then yes, you should see where the pup comes from.

If you're planning on bringing a pup from Ireland, I presume you have also researched the requirements?:

https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/travel-within-t...

[pidsy]

OP i would avoid this like the plague.

get googling on Irish puppy farms - some of the worst breeding practices i have seen. my sister is a VN and ive asked her about Pomskis as a breed - temperamental was the word she used.

[bexVN]

justin220 said:

Thanks Bex.

The current plan is once all the vacinations, microchips, vet checks are done, to meet them on the south west of scotland and I'll drive home from there. They used to deliver to your door, but no longer do due to travel times? Maximum 8 hours I think he said?

If anyone has a spare 5-10 minutes, I found the website by googling 'Pomsky Kennel'. KBB is one of the first results.

I edited my post but you beat me to a reply before I posted

[bexVN]

justin220 said:

Thanks Bex.

The current plan is once all the vacinations, microchips, vet checks are done, to meet them on the south west of scotland and I'll drive home from there. They used to deliver to your door, but no longer do due to travel times? Maximum 8 hours I think he said?

If anyone has a spare 5-10 minutes, I found the website by googling 'Pomsky Kennel'. KBB is one of the first results.

Don't do it, Please please please don't do it, this absolutely the biggest no of all when buying a puppy. Never ever have a puppy delivered, met at services etc. That poor puppy,

Just do some reading up about imported puppies. How puppy farms.operate. Anything like this and I really hope you see where why several replies are warning you off it.