Advice on getting new puppy

[Mustard]

If you like cockapoos, then look at getting a miniature poodle from an approved KC breeder. They are very intelligent and loving and you can clip them whichever way you like - they don't have to be in a show clip. There is a reason that there are so many poodle crosses now, because of the supposed hypoallergenic factor, but there is no guarantee that any puppies will have a poodle coat. You will have to budget for regular grooming for any dog with a poodle, doodle oodle coat.

 

[Emsy]

Great thread. Anyone have experience with mini dachshunds?

 

[GossipMongoose]

I don’t know about the trainability/stubbornness first hand but from what I’ve read/heard terriers can be stubborn little beggars

 

[Orange Creme]

I don’t know about the trainability/stubbornness first hand but from what I’ve read/heard terriers can be stubborn little beggars

Yep Ive just been on champdogs and fell in love with the first listing it's a good website that is

 

[TescoSainsburys]

Terriers have BIG personalities... that’s all I’m saying.

 

[eeyoredebbie]

I agree with PPs training and socialisation are key. We had some time off work in the first couple of weeks. Puppy classes were good as are exploring new places and meeting lots of new people and other dogs. Taking out on main roads on a lead and playing videos of fireworks, trains etc are all good practice in the early months

 

[Rose91]

Terriers have BIG personalities... that’s all I’m saying.

So do hounds

P.s we will be wanting pictures of whatever puppy you get

 

[Wetmyplants]

I saw a cavachon last week but I suspected it was a puppy farm so walked away, I'm seeing a cockapoo this time

Love cockapoos! There’s no way you won’t be coming home a new puppy in tow

 

[GossipMongoose]

Yep Ive just been on champdogs and fell in love with the first listing it's a good website that is

It is pretty reliable but make sure you double check everything the breeder tells you. Give them a ring and have a chat, ask them questions. Make sure you see all the health paperwork (some of the test results can be verified online with the Kennel Club). Google the breeder, are they involved in the dog world? Are there good mentions? Bad mentions? Street view/google maps the property too, big sheds/outbuildings on the property are a red flag for me.

 

[Sp20191]

Yes I think it was. But I'm glad you said it too, you know when you want someone else to agree. I'm waiting to decide whether to put down a deposit xx

Puppies get into all sorts of dirt/wee etc, i forever had to bath my cockapoo when he was tiny they can get smelly especially if they have a longer less curly coat x

 

[Orange Creme]

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 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.

 

[Orange Creme]

Yep I know which health tests the parents need to have but I will definitely check what the paper should be like as I was wondering how to spot fakes. I haven't chosen a breed because its trendy I'm not that shallow.

Hmmm I'm not worried about my clothes but I really dont want my kids to be negatively affected

 

[Orange Creme]

I would say you absolutely need to be at home with them as much as possible for your own mental well being as well as theirs. Once they are through the puppy stage it will be much easier x

Yes I work from home so will be home 24/7 apart from school runs. That's one of the reasons I'd like a dog as it gets a it lonely on my own x

 

[Jaeme]

Yep I know which health tests the parents need to have but I will definitely check what the paper should be like as I was wondering how to spot fakes. I haven't chosen a breed because its trendy I'm not that shallow.

Hmmm I'm not worried about my clothes but I really dont want my kids to be negatively affected

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

 

[Apple In My Pie]

Congratulations! I’ve never been a puppy person (too jumpy and Yappy for me!) but my sister has got a puppy recently a little black Labrador who is, honestly, brilliant. Cried for a few nights but settled in well and doesn’t really have toilet accidents. When my sister is at work she has a baby monitor type thing where she can watch what the puppy is doing and speak to her which she says really Helps both her and puppy - if you’re WFH it’s probably not a big a deal for you but still possible!
You will likely get a bit of the puppy blues and that moment of ‘what have i done‘ but it will pass and I’m sure you’ll have a lifelong pal. Whenever I see my sister’s puppy she has so much love to give - it’s wonderful

 

[TescoSainsburys]

Are you planning on crate training? It’s a good idea and also will give the puppy and your children some down time/separate spaces.

 

[Orange Creme]

Thank you all so much, I am now in search of a Border terrier pup but still happy for any advice

 

[bubbletea123]

We got a puppy two years ago. My SO took two weeks off work to help, I wasn't working at the time so that was great.

We had a pen set up in the office with linoleum underneath so that if he had accidents, it wasn't on the hardwood. He slept there as a puppy until he was housetrained, about 9 months old - where we could really trust him. He had a crate with cosy blankets and he loved it. He isn't allowed to sleep in our bed. As much as we love him, we are the ones in charge and he does not get the run of the house. He also isn't allowed on our expensive sofas. Obviously, that comes down to each individual owner as to if they want to be as strict. We take a lot of pride in our furniture so that is why. He has plenty of comfy memory foam beds to lie on. Haha.

When it came to house training, we literally took him out to the bathroom every 30 minutes, in the beginning, this resulted in minimal accidents. He never pooped in the house as a puppy, something people often have issues with. (He's pooped once as an adult but it was an upset stomach). It is really hard work but consistency is key. If he pees in the house, don't yell at him as he won't know what he did wrong, especially if you see it long after he did it. Instead, as soon as it happens or as soon as you see it, take him outside and make sure he pees there. They understand it fairly quickly BUT it takes a while for them to be able to hold a full bladder.

We never had any issue with him chewing furniture, etc. If he went to bite us, we would distract him with a bone or a toy, and he forgot about it.

He went through a phase of barking, and it was clear he was just testing the boundaries. We would ignore it. He then stopped as he wasn't getting attention for it.

We do not have pet insurance for him. We looked into it but because of his breed, it was going to cost more for his insurance than ours which is insane. He has had some medical procedures which we paid for out of pocket, and they would not have been covered anyway. Again, up to each individual owner though.

 

[Orange Creme]

Are you planning on crate training? It’s a good idea and also will give the puppy and your children some down time/separate spaces.

Yes I will be crate training. Somewhere for the pup to have it's own quiet den.

 

[spiderpig]

Thank you!

I’ve heard about the Kong toys I didn’t know if they were a bit of a fad or not but I’ll definitely pick one up this afternoon

I thought they may be a fad too until I got her one. Just find awkward things to put in there to keep them busy, mash is a good one x