What one thing would you tell a prospective dog owner?

[parakitaMol.]

Cocker Spaniels. Cocker Crosses

Understand the breed, understand the genetics

This is a great vid chat on Cockers by Jane Arden,
(trainer) - would urge anyone who is getting one (or has a young one) to watch.

https://www.facebook.com/Smartpupbox/videos/443429...

[Ranger 6]

parakitaMol. said:

Ranger 6 said:

Also, the trainer aspect. We had training with the dogs trust for the first six months, he's now disobedient at times (2.5 yrs old) and we're having to re-train to some extent.

Training is never 'done' or 'finished'. You will always have to practise and rehearse skills to top them up or they will fade.

If your dog is being 'disobedient' then I would suggest perhaps it's not understanding what you're asking or the way you are asking it or perhaps the original training had little gaps that need filling in

Is there something specific that's happening that you'd like to resolve? Happy to try to help if you are happy to explain on here.

Many thanks for the guidance and kind offer - I’ll start another thread rather than hijacking this one.

[biggbn]

You will have to redefine joy and happiness...oh, and frustration...

[Pit Pony]

One word.

Don't.

[Pit Pony]

Amused2death said:

Remember that the joy it brings you through the years is inversely proportional to the sadness you will feel when you say goodbye for the final time.

(Yes, I know I'm a cheerful sod)

I was relieved. 2 years of gradually worsening heart problems, and joint problems costing a fortune, and causing lots and lots of stress.
Cavalier

[Pit Pony]

parakitaMol. said:

Get a properly qualified trainer on board before your puppy arrives...... (not a dog walker that your friend knows or a boarding kennel that offers training to make extra money or someone who tells you how great they are on their website but is actually likely to damage your dog).

There is still a ton of bad/awful/dreadful advice and myths out there that you will see trotted out whenever people ask a question on Facebook/Forums/Friends

A good trainer will guide you to prepare your puppy for its arrival and future life and ensure it has the right skills to deal with the things it will encounter.

A good trainer will ensure that any blips are dealt with before they become a problem

A good trainer will be there for all your puppies life stages

A good trainer will explain why the very plausible suggestion you heard on a forum is actually a really BAD idea for your dog.

The trainer we used was the mother of my daughter's friend. One of her other clients was Stevie Gerrard and his wife.

[Ranger 6]

Oh yes, don’t ever let them sleep in your bedroom. You’ll never get them out.

We had ours in a cage to start with, later just a bed. He’s quite happy to lie on the bed at all times of the day and return to his own bed at night.
Some friends took theirs upstairs when it was young and a bit whiney. It now kicks up a real fuss if they try and leave it in the kitchen over night.

[pti]

Patience and repetition. And coffee (for you, not the dog).

[Johnnytheboy]

Do you want to go for a long walk every single day whether it's bad weather or you are tired?

No?

Don't get a dog












Or get a bulldog instead.

[ooid]

rix said:

So what is the one thing that you would tell the likes of me, both with regard to meting a puppy for the first time and the prospect of such a lengthy commitment as first time dog owners?!!

When I was getting my beagle puppy, I've asked around here a few years ago. Almost 99% people said DON'T, as I was living in a flat (London) but to be moved soon. Well, most of the friends here were right but I think if you really like your dog, I think you will make adjustments accordingly. My suggestions, after dealing with a very difficult breed-puppy period;

- Garden with a flat, or house is definitely necessary. Or you would have to make seriously several visits to outside.
- You or your partner (or kids) should be available at home, working from home and etc.. to share the walking and looking after responsibilities.
- Get a local good vet immediately, somewhere close. Puppies gets into all sorts of trouble, so emergency visits might be necessary. Get him/her checked out, make sure that all micro-chips, flea,worming and jabs done.
- Food. Now this is important. I have no idea about "raw" diet, but some find it quite healthy, so make your research. Please chose a good nutritional food for your dog, it mostly depends on the breed as well.Crappy brands, make your puppies more energetic and encourage erratic behaviors. Our beagle puppy was a complete mad dog, we started to see a trainer and her first action was to change the brand of the meal, she calmed down immediately.
- Toilet training. For some breeds, it takes ages, you need patience. Our was not ready until she was 1 year old, really! but now, she is perfect, never does inside.
- Socialisation. Puppies need to socialise as much as possible when they are young. Bring to parks, dog clubs, and make sure that surrounded by friendly dogs, not wild ones. If your puppy has a bad experience with a dog at earlier age, he/she might get difficult in the future.
- Scavenging. Hounds really bad with this. Our beagle hospitalized twice, because of eating some dodgy chicken bones in the park. Be really careful what they eat in the street, and always carry good/delicious treats with you, in case if they pick something up just convince her/him to trade.
- Leaving them alone at home. Well, this really depends on the breed/dog but I personally do not agree that dogs should stay at home more than 4-5 hours. It is a bit cruel. You need to this slowly, incrementally, not suddenly leaving a few hours alone. Ours currently can stay around 5 hours alone, without having any accident.

It is a hard work really but worth it, once they get used to your lifestyle, it will be easier. If you are after hound cocker and etc, try considering a pair actually. We are considering now, as they enjoy their company.

[PistonGuy66]

Dont get a english bull terrier!!!

[r159]

Crate

If your vets do puppy socialising sessions go there, ours loves going to the vets!

Get them used to kennels early on so you don’t get stuck with dog sitters and the like when you go on holiday.

Look forward to having someone who is always happy to see you, regardless of whatever you have (or haven’t) done.

If nothing else, train the dog to recall.

[popeyewhite]

rix said:

So... we are going to view a 'springerdor' puppy (bh) tomorrow as we like the traits of labrador and springer.

Understand the difference between a mongrel and a purebreed, and know that by combining two breeds it can mean a dog inherits the worst traits of both, not just the best.

[rix]

Well she is here... All comments duly noted, except the last - you were too late!

First night out the way yesterday which went OK and seems to be settling in OK as best we can tell. One thing I've definately noticed in doing lots of reading/you-tubing is just how much opinion can vary in how to deal with a puppy. So much contradiction, so much variance - it seems fair to say that there is no 'right' method but hopefully we've gained a few tips along the way.

First job is toilet training - learning to spot the signs and giving plenty of opportunities to do her thing outside - seems to be making some progress but have had a few accidents and sure there will be more.

A pic...

[parakitaMol.]

One thing I've definately noticed in doing lots of reading/you-tubing is just how much opinion can vary in how to deal with a puppy. So much contradiction, so much variance - it seems fair to say that there is no 'right' method but hopefully we've gained a few tips along the way.

A pic...

[/quote]
Congratulations!!! Adorable!

Yes there is and it’s horribly confusing to pet owners. This is why I’ve compiled the wiki.

I think the most important thing to understand is the fundamental difference between punishment /fear based methods and training with positive reinforcement.

If you wrap your head around how dogs learn and why the science has debunked the pack leader rubbish and fear/aversive based tools and methods then you’ll be able to navigate and identify harmful advice pretty well - there’s an article in the Wiki

If there’s anything you need help with that’s not on the list please ask

Enjoy your pup

[ooid]

parakitaMol. said:

I think the most important thing to understand is the fundamental difference between punishment /fear based methods and training with positive reinforcement.

Couldn’t agree more. That punishment techniques are complete rubbish, causing distress and angry emotions to animals.

You should see my beagle running so fast inside as soon as she poops in the garden before sleep to get her reward carrot

[parakitaMol.]

ooid said:

parakitaMol. said:

I think the most important thing to understand is the fundamental difference between punishment /fear based methods and training with positive reinforcement.

Couldn’t agree more. That punishment techniques are complete rubbish, causing distress and angry emotions to animals.

You should see my beagle running so fast inside as soon as she poops in the garden before sleep to get her reward carrot

Yes indeed.

The problem with aversive techniques

- it ‘appears’ to work quickly (it will temporarily suppress or interrupt a behaviour). For example spraying a dog with something might temporarily stop it.
(Horray we fixed it and we didn’t have to do that hard boring training)

- it does not teach a new more favourable behaviour
(Your dog learns nothing positive, only that YOU will scare it, not great for relationships).

- it sounds so plausible and easy / you can’t see the damage underneath

- behaviours that are suppressed, generally will resurface in a worse way.... because you haven’t addressed the underlying issues (eg is the dog worried about a thing that’s making him bark).

That’s very simple but hopefully sums it.

The science and understanding of dogs has made huge leaps forward in recent years. Many myths and out of date advice remains.

This is why I’m so passionate about providing sound and up to date advice that will not harm a dog physically or emotionally.

I always recommend using an APDT trainer because even though the industry isn’t regulated, this membership organisation has the highest standards of assessment and adherence to positive methods.

Stay off YouTube! There’s too much utter crap on there and you won’t know what’s good/bad. Be very wary of asking advice on FB or Forums (there is only ONE I know where the advice is moderated by qualified trainers).

The best gift you can give your dog (and yourself) for life is quality training and advice. It always astounds me that people don’t value well qualified professionals! Don’t buy cheap (or free), it’s a false economy! Like trying to avoid the cost of a plumber to fix a gas leak at home using YouTube, string and duct tape.

[blinkythefish]

Sterillium said:

Get "whole life" pet insurance, rather than the cheaper version where your pet can only have the same (or, in some cases, even just vaguely similar...) condition once.

My vet's bills for the last four years, with two dogs, is approaching £15,000.

This. Ours have had to have kidney removed, follow up chemotherapy and orthopedic surgery on a fractured leg. This has run to just shy of 10k in the last 7 months. Also, be aware it is easy to exceed the insurance max, so you could still end up with some sizeable bills.

[AJB88]

Socialise your dog with other dogs, people, noises etc.

Seems to be a hell of a lot of un socialised dogs out there right now! owners scared to let their dogs interact with other dogs.

[spanner10]

AJB88 said:

Socialise your dog with other dogs, people, noises etc.

Seems to be a hell of a lot of un socialised dogs out there right now! owners scared to let their dogs interact with other dogs.

This . Start by carrying her so she sees and hears traffic, builders, men in Hi Vis, people in general of all ages,sizes, uniforms etc ( attracted like magic to a pup anyway ).

I see you have a lead on her so get her used to walking on the lead in the garden so when she can go out she is ready to walk rather than stop/start every 2 mins. If you have friends with a vaccinated calm dog you could take her to their garden ( others may disagree but if no other dogs go there I feel the risk is low and benefits high)

Find where you will walk her - park etc and see what sort of dogs are around - one park near me seemed to be the centre for GSDs Ambulls and Mastiffs - other one more Labs, Spaniels Toy breeds, . Practice recall in garden so she can be off the lead in quiet areas as soon as possible ( while you are the centre of her world she will learn to come to you - even if she 'forgets' this in 6 months time ) .

Adult dogs may put her in her place but she needs to learn this- most will tolerate pups. People who pick up their pup whenever a dog approaches rarely seem to have a sociable dog as an adult. I used to see a lady who picked up her adult Boxer when dogs approached- quite odd

Above all enjoy it .

Edited by spanner10 on Saturday 27th March 13:53