Getting a Dog!

littledumplings

I'm going to see two cocker spaniels today that need rehoming, 2 sisters aged 4...I've always wanted a dog (and spaniels are my favourite breed) and now that I'm a lot fitter I'm really looking forward to getting these if the lady likes us...if not, then I'll buy a puppy!

I've never had a dog before - just rabbits, hamsters, goldfish etc. Kinda like the idea of a dog thats already trained etc as I have no experience of this.

All my friends who own a dog are like Yay! All my friends who don't own a dog are like Nay! (too tying, too much work, have to walk them 3 times a day, too expensive etc)

To me, walking them daily is a bonus! And also for my 11 year old - give her an excuse to stop watchng TV and get some exercise. I'm really excited about it!! Waggy tails n stuff!!

I've never heard anyone who had a dog say they regretted it - just throwing this out there for any opinions? comments?

xx

_Mimi_

YAY! Will you take both? I love having two girls, they are so cute playing together, and I don't feel guilty leaving them when I have to work. I still miss them like crazy, but I don't feel guilty.

They can be expensive, that's true. But to me, so worth it!

I agree it will be a very good thing for you daughter. Lots of lessons to be learned from a dog. Enjoy!

hbrittingham

I have always had a dog or dogs. I love it and wouldn't trade having a dog for anything. Right now I have three. I plan my vacations to be where it's dog friendly and where I can take them for long walks, like the beach. Good luck!

Oh, and I wanted to add, if you've never had a dog before and if you work full time, I would suggest not getting a puppy. They are a LOT of work, more than most people imagine. I foster and train puppies and have done so for 7 years, so I have a whole routine set up for when I have a puppy in the house. But if you aren't experienced, I would suggest a dog that's at least a year old.

ironanimal

Cocker's are very lively dogs so regular exercise will be an absolute must. While 3 times a day isn't really necessary, them being able to run regularly will be a great boon for them so try to take the dog out on a long extender when you can, as well as for regular walks.

You'll need to ask whether they're house-trained, leash trained, can walk off the lead, obey commands like sit and down and whether they can do them at distance as well.

With that said, have fun

littledumplings

Yes, I would take them both, she said it would break their hearts to be split up! And they are all trained up, grew up with kids, and good on/off the leash

I live 5 mins fro the beach and a huge park so they'd get lots regular long walks!! Eeeek I'm uber excited! I hope they like us!!

Fingers crossed for us xx

_Mimi_

I have always had a dog or dogs. I love it and wouldn't trade having a dog for anything. Right now I have three. I plan my vacations to be where it's dog friendly and where I can take them for long walks, like the beach. Good luck!

Oh, and I wanted to add, if you've never had a dog before and if you work full time, I would suggest not getting a puppy. They are a LOT of work, more than most people imagine. I foster and train puppies and have done so for 7 years, so I have a whole routine set up for when I have a puppy in the house. But if you aren't experienced, I would suggest a dog that's at least a year old.

LOL We do the same thing with vacations. In fact, we bought a motor home so we never have to leave them behind. We call it their dog house.

hongruss

I would question why they need to be rehomed, will they suffer from separation anxiety if seperated from each other. Choose the less dominant of the pair, this will make it easier to train & assimilate into your home. Try to drop something that makes a sharp noise, see how the dogs react, curious? Fearful? Boisterous?

Are they kennelled at home? Do they have regular chew toys? Are they well cared for?

Nothing will discourage you from your decision BUT REMEMBER there are plenty of good dogs out there, DON'T rush just because these "appear" perfect.

Russ

foxyforce

if you can afford to take care of one. i can only see people saying nay if they are dog haters or are unsure if your finances are in a good place for a pup.

littlelaura

Hope you take both and dont seperate them, I have always had at least 2 dogs and they behave better, they arent as lonely when you are at work, and they are a total joy to watch play and yet always have time for tons of love and affefction for you, walks are the best, two dogs ironically walk better than just one alone, they fall into a nice trot, ( I use to walk 3 or 4 dogs at the same time, super easy). Congrats!!!

Travelfixer

I've always had dogs too, there are good and bad things, they aren't cheap, food, vets, medication don't forget to have them checked yearly for heart worm and have them on medication to prevent it VERY IMPORTANT if you live somewhere that has Mosquitos, but I wouldn't be without mine they love you unconditionally, are always happy to see you and listen to all you problems lol

bazfitness

Personally I'm against the idea of buying a puppy. There's plenty of abandoned dogs or unwanted mongrel puppies that need good homes. Mongrels are actually more often healthier, more intelligent, have less personality disorders, less genetic defects than pure breeds. Just worth bearing in mind anyway.

My dog is a mongrel and she's great fun, has a great personality, more of a pal than my dog. I've let her be a dog as much as reasonably possible rather than train her to death!

I too was wary of getting but I don't regret it. If you like dogs then you won't. Some people are dog lovers and others aren't - guess that's the way of it. If you buy their food in bulk and don't buy the big brand names then dog food is actually cheap.

Hope you have at least a garden for them to run around in.

LooseWheel

Oh you just made me smile. I have a gorgeous black female english cocker spaniel and she's a cutie pie. I have a pic of her on my site. Good stuff being one to rehome some animals too. We just lost our black cat and just not ready to get another yet after this one being the 3rd I've had to be the one to put to sleep due to injuries or medical reasons

Love the doggy, she's a cheeky chop just like the kids. My dog is 3 years old and is the most affectionate little doggy ever. She just about pulls my arms off when we go walking though, so that one is a focus area for us to learn how to cope best. She is a bit of nervous one when on her own so the idea of you being able to get 2 together I think is just fantastic. Would love a second dog so our little Bonny (short for Ebony due to her colour of course) has a buddy when we working full time but have to get permission through the real estate first.

Good luck, pets are a treasure for families and each have their own individual personality that connects and reacts with each family member in a different way that makes you love them even more. Would love the opportunity to get hold of another cocker spaniel for our little girl.

cheers and have fun!

poedunk65

I love dogs. IN fact I am going to look at a dachshund this week.

GemaG

I have three and two of those are spaniels!! They are really hard work but very loving. Make sure you are 100% before taking them on because it wouldnt be fair if they needed rehoming again. Why are they being rehomed? As you have not had dogs before make sure they are right as spaniels can be a nightmare!!!!

KateL1969

As long as you have the time, getting a dog is the best decison in the world! I have a viszla called Florence and she is like my other daughter! She is also my running buddy. I run to the park with her on the lead then let her off while I run round the park. Having a dog forcces me to exercise (especially one with high energy levels) Kate

hanniejong

You said you will take both of them and I am rather pleased to hear that as they would not only miss their previous owner but each other as well. Also having two means they keep each other company while you are at work. I do hope you get them and like a few of the others here I plan my holidays so my dogs (Ihad 3 now down to 2 sadly) can come with me. I rent a holiday house from people I know and the dogs are welcome there or I take my caravan to camping grounds where they are also welcome. Ny dogs eat home cooked as well as bought dog fodd and they are quite healthy.

guamSUPERgirl90

Dogs are great additions to the family, great workout buddies, and very lovable! I have a german shepherd and a chihuahua. I love them to death!!!. Getting a dog has to be something you really want. Otherwise if its something just for the moment, things could get ugly later if your pet gets lack of attention!.

trud72

LUCKY......i SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO want a dog but hubby says no :sad:

leahartmann

I agree, dogs are just the best. I have two siberian husky and they are my children. Yes, you´re much obliged and it´s a lot of work. Make sure to read some about the breed, to know what you´re getting into. They will probably be having a hard time to begin with, but they will love you. And I´m very glad to hear that you will take them both. Can´t imagine mine being seperated, it would break my heart.
Good luck with it. :happy:

taiyola

OMG I'm so excited for you! And for them!

I've had mine for nearly 10 years now since I was 12. He's my World. He's like my son and best friend in one. Definitely the most important person in my life. He's a Jack Russell cross Chihuahua and has a right funny little personality! I got him when he was 11 months and a family were getting rid as they had 5 children and another dog.

If I moved to a house (currently live in a maisonette) then I'd love more dogs, but he's a grumpy little thing and I don't think he'd welcome another dog stealing my attention! He gets picked up by a friend when I'm at work, but I still hate leaving him for the 6 hours until she can get him :frown:

Getting two is a good idea if you're out at work, they'll enjoy the company!

haylz247

never had my own pet but when i was renting a room a few years ago my landlady had 2.
jack russell terrier and a king charles spaniel. both lovely girls. i'm going to have 2 king charles
one day. love them. my partner has 2 dogs as well. i just love dogs.

such great company and fun.... when they aren't fast asleep!

you won't regret it!

taiyola

Also, my dog's never had any proper training (bar toilet training), yet is very well behaved. He lets me know when he wants to go out, and if I'm not home and he has to go, he goes by my toilet LOL

He has a stretchy lead which I prefer as I think it gives him the space to be able to let off some steam, rather than having to walk by my side at my pace. I hate it when I see people yanking their dog (especially puppy) to force them to walk next to them. Dogs have so much energy and I don't think it's fair.

I let him off the lead most of the time, unless I see a scary looking dog ahead or we're near a main road. He knows a lot of words, and he'll stop at the road until I tell him to cross over etc.

The only time he's "naughty" is when I'm trying to get him in the bath or put his coat on for a walk in the rain :laugh:

txlissa62

LUCKY......i SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO want a dog but hubby says no :sad:

Not liking dogs would have been a dealbreaker for me. I knew I married the right man when he said we needed a bigger bed so the dogs would have room, too.

AmeChops

I have 4 Siberian Huskies and do not regret getting any of them!! Our 2 girls we had from pups, the 2 boys we rescued...1 at 10 months old (we're his second home) and the other at 2 years (we're his sixth home!!!).

All I can say is do as much research as you can on the breed you're intending to get and maybe join groups on Facebook, for instance. I wouldn't be without insurance, we've had to call upon it a few times! Also, make sure that everyone in your household is 'reading from the same book' when it comes to training...consistency is vital!

Most importantly though is have fun with them (or he/she) - a dog/s is a part of your family and will give you so much happiness if you're willing to put in the time and effort :-))

sttrinians

I agree, do it. I rescued a dog from the local centre and have not regretted one day of it. Both my husband and I are fitter and healthier and even in torrential rain we walk him everyday. I would suggest that you rescue a dog if you don't take the spaniels. Find out as much as possible before hand, not all dogs that are in rescue centres are there for bad reasons.

GnaBean

We were always "cat people" but last year we rescued 2 Westies. It was an animal hoarding situation, and the owner had to be put in an assisted living facility. Unfortunately one of the dogs we rescued had health issues and passed away after a couple of months, but the other one is alive and well.

We honestly could not imagine our lives without this little guy! I agree, adopting a full grown dog is a great idea for newbies, but there will still be an adjustment period as you all figure out each other's preferences and schedules.

We don't have a fenced in yard, so we take our dog for several walks a day. He loves it, and I enjoy the exercise as well. I can tell a big difference in my leg muscles and my endurance.

muggsmom

Very excited for you! If these two don't work out, please do not buy a puppy! There are millions of fantastic dogs waiting to be adopted.

lifesazoo

Yay!!! I hope it works out. We live on a small farm and have 7 dogs. I'm a dog groomer and former vet tech, so I did a lot of rescue work in the past. I once rescued 15 Cocker Spaniels from a puppy mill (in addition to several other dogs from there). I also used to rescue Cockers from the dog pound. Pets give you a reason to have to be on your toes and more active and that can never be a bad thing. Our newest additions are our chickens and they provide me even more exercise by carrying feed and water to them.

LorinaLynn

I'd also find out exactly why they need a new home... make sure it's not behavioral problems. Having worked in a shelter and for a vet, sometimes Cockers are a bit ... difficult. (And sometimes they're total sweethearts.) If they have issues, it might be a bit of a task for a first time dog owner.

Personally I'm against the idea of buying a puppy. There's plenty of abandoned dogs or unwanted mongrel puppies that need good homes.

Yep. And also plenty of purebreds in shelters and rescues, if you have your heart set on a particular breed. I got mine from a Pekingese rescue on Petfinder. He was only two years old.

If you aren't able to take these girls, please suggest to the owner that she find a reputable breed rescue to help place her dogs.

Azdak

If they are good dogs, it sounds like a great opportunity. There are definitely some benefits to having two dogs the same age and general temperament.

Dogs are work. It's been that having a dog is like having a permanent 2 year old. They require healthcare, grooming, exercise, and training. Too many people, esp those with small children, think of their dogs as toys or household decorations. Or they are too self-indulgent and end up with animals that are overweight and have behavior problems. Dogs are social creatures and need to be with their human companions. It is unfair to have a dog if your work hours mean they will be alone most of the day.

On the other hand, you get companions that accept you uncritically, are always happy to see you. I often think that if partners greeted each other like dogs (minus the butt-sniffing), you'd have a lot fewer divorces.

I would definitely recommend that you get some education or training so that you can handle your dogs in a way that makes them good citizens.

Good luck.

kiminikimkim

I have 2 retired greyhounds aged 2 and 4. They are like puppies who needed to be taught EVERYTHING!

But NO REGRETS! I love seeing their faces as they lay their heads on the foot of the bed.... Waiting to be walked. And the waging tails when I come home everyday. It is just the best feeling in the world!