Advice on getting new puppy

[TescoSainsburys]

If you get a cross bred (or any other dog) make sure all necessary eye, hip etc tests have been done, as many cross breeds are bred by first time breeders they may not recognise the importance of this.

 

[stevienicks]

Please do your research and read up on breeds. So many people buy a breed just for looks snd are then shocked when they have issues because of temperament etc.

 

[Orange Creme]

Just wanted to update that I'm going to see a puppy on monday!

 

[Sp20191]

Be prepared for very little sleep, lots of nipping and generally having your house turned upside down!

We got our first puppy in April, and it was bloody hard work. My parents have had dogs since I was a baby so always been around them, but it’s so different having your own.

The 8 year old got the brunt of the puppy nipping and it was pretty bad, his arms were scratched and bitten a lot.

I’m not saying this to put you off but to just prepare yourself, I didn’t realise how hard it was and not sure I’d have coped if my kids were toddlers.

He’s an absolute delight now and it was worth all the stress

 

[Sp20191]

I agree, it's stressful, messy and bloody hard work. Training is hard, but once they pass that stage it's all worth it.

100% worth it! I just wish someone had warned me how hard puppies are...I think babies are easier

 

[Jaeme]

Yes, the health tests will only be traceable through Kennel Club if the tested dog is a recognised registered pedigree (not a cross) and the health tests are part of a recognised scheme (eg BVA/KC hip/elbow scoring). This might be possible if it’s a 1st generation (F1) cross you’re buying (eg pedigree parents being bred to produce a cross litter, rather than 2x cross parents being mates to produce a cross litter).

Though, I’d question why a quality pedigree dog (or dogs) were being crossed in the first place. By ‘quality’, I mean one with very good health scores, temperament and conformation for their breed. Why would a quality, ethical breeder (who generally are seeking to improve the health and temperament of their own breed) choose to cross that out rather than choose a similarly strong mate within their breed to continue to improve the pedigree?

Fully agree, I’m not into cross breeds.
People have been trying to get Labradoodles to be a recognised breed, personally I think they’re an abomination and most in the UK can be traced back to an epileptic dog brought in from Australia (sorry doodle lovers)

 

[GossipMongoose]

If it’s a cross it won’t be KC registered and KC registration alone isn’t a sign of a good breeder as anyone can register - they actually have a yearly affix that people can use if they don’t have their own kennel. E.g. last years was Kenaiteen, not sure what this years is but it will start with Ken

Yes, the health tests will only be traceable through Kennel Club if the tested dog is a recognised registered pedigree (not a cross) and the health tests are part of a recognised scheme (eg BVA/KC hip/elbow scoring). This might be possible if it’s a 1st generation (F1) cross you’re buying (eg pedigree parents being bred to produce a cross litter, rather than 2x cross parents being mates to produce a cross litter).

Though, I’d question why a quality pedigree dog (or dogs) were being crossed in the first place. By ‘quality’, I mean one with very good health scores, temperament and conformation for their breed. Why would a quality, ethical breeder (who generally are seeking to improve the health and temperament of their own breed) choose to cross that out rather than choose a similarly strong mate within their breed to continue to improve the pedigree?

 

[Wetmyplants]

Yes that's what I'm doing at the moment. I know what you're saying but I'm not the type to buy an animal for its looks. I'm considering a small terrier such as a border terrier as that's what I grew up with. I'm giving myself about 12 months to research and learn etc.

We got a border terrier puppy in may when my kids were 2 & 3 and she’s been great.

There were times were I nearly lost my mind with the nipping when she had her puppy teeth (she liked to hang on to clothing so we have lots of things with holes in now) but other than that she’s been brilliant.

We were lucky in that she slept in her crate with no crying from the day we bought her home. She was house trained within about 3 weeks and is wonderful with the children, infect I think she thinks she is one, I often catch her taking herself down the slide or running about on the trampoline!

Good luck x

 

[Rose91]

And don’t get two! Even if you feel the puppy may be lonely without a brother/sister, they won’t be. It would be very irresponsible of the breeder to advocate this.

If you do get a cockerpoo get it use to going to the groomers at a young age. A family friend is a groomer and she says so many doodle mixes come in and are matted/nervous because they’ve never been before and the easiest thing is to clip them and start over again

 

[Bec3007]

I’ve grown up around them and had several myself (from puppy and rescued). I’ll start with the one I had from a puppy. She was amazing to say the least. Toilet trained extremely quickly with no fuss, training took a bit longer because she was quite strong willed, however I’ve known other puppies to just ‘get it’. Always got along with other dogs and we introduced a kitten, rabbit and hamster into the mix and within a day or 2 she was completely fine with all. Never aggressive towards anyone or anything, only barked to scare the birds away Extremely loyal, more to towards me as her owner but also other family. Health wise no issues (I know genetics can play a part). In her life we had her at the vet maybe 4-5 times, when she was spayed, 2 puppy vaccinations (I’ve never done boosters) having a few teeth out and for arthritis in her later years. We had her with us almost 14 years, she really mellowed around 8 and that’s when she spent more time relaxing instead of bouncing around everywhere.

Onto rescue staffies - I’ve fostered 3 and rescued 1. You will need a lot of time and patience if you plan to do it this way. Every single one I’ve had has come with issues and rightly so. Some have been surrendered and suffered major separation anxiety and some were ‘dog aggressive’ because of past abuse but totally fine in the house. It was like having 2 different dogs. You really need to know your stuff and be confident to help those kind of dogs. Having my staffie mentioned above helped one staffie we rescued. Wouldn’t recommend if you have children maybe under 10? I’m not a rescue but I know kids are like flies to shit around dogs.

Overall I don’t have a bad word to say. Maybe that’s because I’ve spent my whole life around them but I wouldn’t go for any another breed. They’re not bad dogs, they’re just sadly raised by all the wrong people.

 

[Itsallaboutmememe]

My sons just bought one (he was an abused rescue)
I admit my first reaction was ‘oh god-a staffie!i wouldn’t trust j (my son) to look after my pet carrot-what’s he gonna be like with a dog that’s pure muscle?what if the dog turns on him-with jaws like that it would kill him!’
Then I met him
He’s 4 stone (still a pup) of soppy/daft/loopy sweetness
He’s lazy,just lays about snoozing until his lead comes out and then he’s off!
Best dog ever to be fair
And they adore kids/humans (and in rocs case-other dogs
Watching him tumble around a field with a friends dog was just pure delight
I’d have one in a heartbeat if I could

 

[spiderpig]

Be prepared for lots of accidents, barking at absolutely nothing and some sleepless nights once they are out of that stage it's wonderful! We actually have 2 puppies (5 days apart in age) it was incredibly hard at first but I wouldn't change it for the world. Just be stern with what you do / don't want them to do and they will be fine. Lots of toys to keep them stimulated x

 

[TescoSainsburys]

Definitely don’t get two you need it to bond with you so you can train it, if you buy two it’s bond will be stronger with its kennel mate.
poodles and spaniels are both intelligent, high energy dogs which may not be the best choice for first time owners.
also it’s not true that cross breeds don’t have the health concerns of pedigrees, they can inherit issues from both breeds.

 

[Jaeme]

Thank you all so much! How many weeks would you say that first stage of toilet training training and sleepless nights lasts?

How long is a piece of string. Depends on the breed & their trainability.

Some tips for bringing the puppy home;
We give them a smallish cardboard box for their first bed in case they destroy it (I have labradors so it's a big-ish small box), with a blanket in the box and a hotwater blanket and ticking clock underneath the blanket. This helps them cope with being separated from the litter where they'd sleep in a pile together.

Socialisation is really important. Even when they're not able to go for walks yet, have them meet new people at your house, carry them outside etc, there's lots of good info online now.

And if you're buying a specific breed, do your research on the breed & breeder, make sure they have the relevant health testing done

 

[Kikini Bamalam]

For when you finally choose your pup, this website is very helpful. I used it when I got my westie, alongside his puppy training classes
http://www.thepuppyplan.com/ It gives a week by week plan of how to introduce them to new experiences.
Good luck with your doggo

 

[Sp20191]

Please do your research and read up on breeds. So many people buy a breed just for looks snd are then shocked when they have issues because of temperament etc.

Yes this! We did so so much research before we decided on a breed. Also factor in pet insurance, grooming (we pay £35 every 6 weeks for our dog!) food, vaccination, flea, worms etc, they are definitely not cheap x

 

[TescoSainsburys]

@Rose91 I’ve spaniels, they too have BIG personalities

 

[stevienicks]

Yes that's what I'm doing at the moment. I know what you're saying but I'm not the type to buy an animal for its looks. I'm considering a small terrier such as a border terrier as that's what I grew up with. I'm giving myself about 12 months to research and learn etc.

Border Terriers are lovely! Good luck with everything. I’m sure it won’t take you long to find your furever friend

 

[Duck1234]

This thread is very helpful. Glad I’ve found it.
I know there’s lots of mixed opinions on mixed breeds but we have recently reserved a cockerpoo. He is 3 weeks old, so we will collect him in 8 weeks. We did our research & know the breeder to be very professional. We have a friend who has got her dog from the same breeder so she came highly recommended.
I know it will be hard work in the beginning but thinking long term, I think our dog will be the perfect addition to our family.
thanks to all who have shared your knowledge regarding training.

 

[whatweallthink]

I pick up my first puppy tomorrow! He’s a little Bichon Frise, some of these tips are really helpful.

is there any toys/chews that anyone would highly recommend?