So there I was....
Discussion
...just getting ready to light my bonfire this morning (friday) and then the wife rings to ask if I know anyone who would like a five month old Springer Spaniel pup. A curiously itchy feeling came over me as I don't know anyone else who would. We left it at that. 1 Hour later she rings back to say that 'Jake' has now found a home - phew car crash scenario avoided. 1 Hour later and the pup has not been re-homed as he was brought back for wee-ing on the carpet (and other reasons not to do with him). 2pm I am walking this pup round the local park in Petworth and he is a really nice boy, bright, intelligent, nicely marked and docked tail (essential for working Spaniels). 4pm I ring my boss and ask if it would be ok to have another dog (tied house goes with my job so only fair to ask) -she agrees. 7pm ring up to say we would like to have him, 7.30pm the pup is sitting in our kitchen trying to get used to all the new smells, my two Spaniels, three cats and of course strange adults. After a number of accidents, plenty of games and some miserable behaviour from Paddy the younger of my two (well he's not the bottom dog anymore) we have made it through the evening. I have just walked them in the dark around the field, off the lead and he has been as good as gold. As I write he is whinning in his cage which he has never had before and we are hopeful of at least two hours sleep. Will post pics tomorrow when I get them - if we survive!!! Oh and did I tell you about the kitten that walked into my wifes shop four weeks ago and has now taken over or Woody the chick that was handed to my stepdaughter and now lives in a run within the chicken run because he is so small!! Tomorrow we will be opening a new animal shelter NOOOOOTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!
3 Springers 
We took on a rescue springer also aged 5 months old and I sometimes wonder if another would be a good idea as a companion for him. He's 2.5 yrs old now - nutty as ever and enormous fun (just posted a couple of pics on the dog thread).
Sad to see so many needing homes, so well done and good luck!
We took on a rescue springer also aged 5 months old and I sometimes wonder if another would be a good idea as a companion for him. He's 2.5 yrs old now - nutty as ever and enormous fun (just posted a couple of pics on the dog thread).
Sad to see so many needing homes, so well done and good luck!
There was much more to returning the pup than pee but yes it was lucky for him and us. Day one proper has gone something like - Started barking at 6.15 which we guess is when his previous owners got up. Left him and he went back to sleep till 7.15. Ok its time to get up now anyway. Walk, breakfast, lots of growling from the other two though not malicious just pecking order type stuff. Put him into cage while we went to town and then a good long walk of the lead on the common. Visitors, wee on carpet, poo on carpet, more walks, into cage for the night with five minutes or so of crying and now he has settled down.
From what we can gather he has been left all day and then spoilt rotten in the evening and so doesn't know how to settle down in the house. They said he was house trained but he doesn't know about asking to go outside. These can be sorted with the right diet which he has taken to already and a calm atmosphere and training. These will take a little time and then we will have three calm dogs and the house can return to 'normal'. Two good things today - he is already responding to clicker training which is great, next stop the whistle! And for half an hour this afternoon he played with our younger dog - proper puppy playing without maliciousness. Last night the younger dog spent all evening growling at him because he has been the youngest and bottom of the pile.
If you are thinking of getting a second Springer I would say go for it as they aren'y really that much extra work and they will keep each other company. The hardest bit is the first week as they set their own ground rules. The growling and wee accidents are part of it, just act calmly and authoritatively.
Oh and as for sheep and goats - positively a bbbbaaaaaaaaad idea lol
From what we can gather he has been left all day and then spoilt rotten in the evening and so doesn't know how to settle down in the house. They said he was house trained but he doesn't know about asking to go outside. These can be sorted with the right diet which he has taken to already and a calm atmosphere and training. These will take a little time and then we will have three calm dogs and the house can return to 'normal'. Two good things today - he is already responding to clicker training which is great, next stop the whistle! And for half an hour this afternoon he played with our younger dog - proper puppy playing without maliciousness. Last night the younger dog spent all evening growling at him because he has been the youngest and bottom of the pile.
If you are thinking of getting a second Springer I would say go for it as they aren'y really that much extra work and they will keep each other company. The hardest bit is the first week as they set their own ground rules. The growling and wee accidents are part of it, just act calmly and authoritatively.
Oh and as for sheep and goats - positively a bbbbaaaaaaaaad idea lol
The reaction from all of our children when asked 'guess what' is 'oh god you've got another animal'. Says it all really. By the way the Camels could come in handy this christmas what with hiring out for school nativity plays and what have you!
Of course you will need three for the kings. I think you had better go back out and get another.
Of course you will need three for the kings. I think you had better go back out and get another.racing green said:
The reaction from all of our children when asked 'guess what' is 'oh god you've got another animal'. Says it all really. By the way the Camels could come in handy this christmas what with hiring out for school nativity plays and what have you! Of course you will need three for the kings. I think you had better go back out and get another.
Oh it's easy to find three camels in the UK, three wise men however are a challenge... Of course you will need three for the kings. I think you had better go back out and get another.Just a quick one to bring this house in order - the pup in question from this morning. Jake seems to have settled in nicely and has spent the last two full days at work with me in the garden. Tired at night, no more accidents, eating well and interacting nicely with the other two. He does have a naughty streak though and that will have to be watched.
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