What one thing would you tell a prospective dog owner?
Discussion
We have been seriously considering a dog for quite some time. Covid reignited the idea as both me and my partner have been wfh for the last year...
The world has changed and it looks like at least one of us can be at home each day in the post-covid normality, which obviously opens up the possibility somewhat!
Neither of us have owned a dog as adults but my partner has done growing up and her mum currently has a springer which we both know well.
So... we are going to view a 'springerdor' puppy (b
h) tomorrow as we like the traits of labrador and springer. They are being sold from a private family home and I believe the last of the litter still available. It's first generation and we will be able to see the mother. Both parents KC reg. Very aware that it will need plenty of attention and exercise - we are semi rural and have a decent size garden. Yes we would be paying a high cost, yes we have considered rescued (none around and seemingly very bespoke requirements for those that are!)
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?!!
The world has changed and it looks like at least one of us can be at home each day in the post-covid normality, which obviously opens up the possibility somewhat!
Neither of us have owned a dog as adults but my partner has done growing up and her mum currently has a springer which we both know well.
So... we are going to view a 'springerdor' puppy (b
h) tomorrow as we like the traits of labrador and springer. They are being sold from a private family home and I believe the last of the litter still available. It's first generation and we will be able to see the mother. Both parents KC reg. Very aware that it will need plenty of attention and exercise - we are semi rural and have a decent size garden. Yes we would be paying a high cost, yes we have considered rescued (none around and seemingly very bespoke requirements for those that are!) 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?!!
Great comments here thank you and thankfully nothing that seems to be too surprising or shocking!
Went to see 'our' puppy yesterday and all seemed well. Sire is a local stud, KC reg lab, and Dam, who we saw, is a the family pet, a 3 year old KC reg springer and this is her first litter. No health screening or hip scores tested re the lab sire and the KC estimated scores are slightly above average (I asume these are based on lineage) with an estimated hip score of 13.5 (combined) compared to an average of 12. Would this put you off? I asume it being a springer/lab cross this would be of less concern than if a pure lab?
Our pup seemed health enough from what we saw, lively enough but relatively calm and not one of the more boisterous of the litter. I think we are going to commit to it (obviously hideously expensive but demand is what it is). Pup appeared healthy to my untrained eye and will be vet checked and chipped before released. Anything I may have missed or should check?
Went to see 'our' puppy yesterday and all seemed well. Sire is a local stud, KC reg lab, and Dam, who we saw, is a the family pet, a 3 year old KC reg springer and this is her first litter. No health screening or hip scores tested re the lab sire and the KC estimated scores are slightly above average (I asume these are based on lineage) with an estimated hip score of 13.5 (combined) compared to an average of 12. Would this put you off? I asume it being a springer/lab cross this would be of less concern than if a pure lab?
Our pup seemed health enough from what we saw, lively enough but relatively calm and not one of the more boisterous of the litter. I think we are going to commit to it (obviously hideously expensive but demand is what it is). Pup appeared healthy to my untrained eye and will be vet checked and chipped before released. Anything I may have missed or should check?
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...
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...
More useful stuff, thanks! We have the benefit of a large garden so getting her out in that on a loose lead is fun and interesting for her - she does like to want to chew on grass tho which I'm not sure would be too good for her gut!
We are currently trying to instil some toilet training - poos are always forewarned and have been successfully deposited in the garden. Pees are less reliable, and even taking her out regularly after food/play/sleep has still given a few accidents indoors. Trying to avoid puppy pads - but any tips?
She has gaining some good recognition of her name (assoicated with some recall/reward) but not attempted any form of proper lead walking skills or 'come' recall - I'm not sure whether it is better to concentrate on one skill (toilet training!) and whether to do more on recall/lead just yet may be overwhelming/ineffective?!
We are currently trying to instil some toilet training - poos are always forewarned and have been successfully deposited in the garden. Pees are less reliable, and even taking her out regularly after food/play/sleep has still given a few accidents indoors. Trying to avoid puppy pads - but any tips?
She has gaining some good recognition of her name (assoicated with some recall/reward) but not attempted any form of proper lead walking skills or 'come' recall - I'm not sure whether it is better to concentrate on one skill (toilet training!) and whether to do more on recall/lead just yet may be overwhelming/ineffective?!
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