Springer Spaniels

[Prin]

Congrats on the potential puppy. I agree with everything said so far here... Two pups would have been insane.. They're so much work- the peeing, the chewing, the bad manners, the mischief, the nocturnal behavior...

Originally Posted by DRN

Finally, I confess I've never crate-trained a dog in my 50+ years of dog ownership. We put our puppies in a restricted, puppy-safe and house-safe area until they are socialized and making progress in toilet training.

Me too (only more like 20+ years of ownership...).

As for future dogs, males mix with anybody (as long as they're neutered...). It's the females that are less accomodating. Two females, IMO, are harder than two males, or a male and a female (what I have).

[Weedle]

Hi hi!

First off, sorry for not replying to posts, I only have limited access to the internet (When I can get to my parents house!!)

Thanks to OntarioGreys who suggested that book, it's top banana!! Learning a lot through it.

Thanks to everyone who has suggested that Male/Male or Male/Female is more advisable than Female/Female (this is what my "friend" has aged 7 months and 10 weeks. She had to take the little one to the vets yesterday, the older bitch mauled her )

Will definately be taking that into account!!

Also, thanks to DRN for the advice about not getting a new pup and moving out at the same time. Had thought about that, but it was good to hear someone echoing my thoughts!!

Thanks again,

Weedle

[Weedle]

Just another quick question!!

As I'm currently single, will a male dog be accepting of a boyfried??

I've heard that they can get quite possesive if he thinks another male is moving in??

Thanks,

Weedle

[LavenderRott]

If you do your job right, then you should be fine.

Your job, btw, is to train and socialize your pup to be a canine good citizen. By taking your pup as many places as possible, meeting as many people as possible - these things will help to ensure a friendly dog.

While waiting for your puppy, you should look around and see if you can find a good trainer. I have never heard anyone say that they have regretted taking a dog to a class, but I have heard plenty of stories of things that have happened because the dog never had those classes.

[Weedle]

Thats ok then!

I knew about early socialisation and taking him as many places as possible, I have asked a local vet to send me a list of some "Puppy Parties" and where they are held and I know an animal behaviourist personally so she's going to give me times of classes

Thanks for that!!

Weedle

[Prin]

I agree with LavenderRott. The more men you allow your doggy to fall in love with (like brothers, friends, uncles, etc) the easier he or she will attach to a boyfriend.

[LavenderRott]

Don't forget - your pup needs to meet men with beards, bald men, men who wear hats, people in wheelchairs, etc. The more different types of people your dog meets - the better off you will both be!

[Weedle]

What about a bald man, with a beard, wearing a hat...IN a wheelchair?? lol

Dillon will be the best socialised puppy in the whole of the UK!!