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Heyguysswipeup
VIP Member
I foster dogs and we had a cockerpoo. He was gorgeous. I had to take him to the vets and they said that a lot of people get cockerpoos because they’re cute and don’t moult but what they fail to remember is that it’s a mix of 2 very energetic dogs who need a lot of exercise and discipline.
If you have kids, you need to be clear that they can’t wind up the dog cos they will think it’s playtime and may end up nipping the kid and then end up getting rehomed (I have seen this happen too many times).
please think hard about what your lifestyle is like and what sort of dog is suitable to that as opposed to just getting a cute one who is an energetic breed Cos you will be in for a shock and the last thing we want is another dog needing to be rehomed.
Sorry if that is blunt, I hope you don’t take it the wrong way but I have seen too many dogs go into fostering and it bugs me!
If you have kids, you need to be clear that they can’t wind up the dog cos they will think it’s playtime and may end up nipping the kid and then end up getting rehomed (I have seen this happen too many times).
please think hard about what your lifestyle is like and what sort of dog is suitable to that as opposed to just getting a cute one who is an energetic breed Cos you will be in for a shock and the last thing we want is another dog needing to be rehomed.
Sorry if that is blunt, I hope you don’t take it the wrong way but I have seen too many dogs go into fostering and it bugs me!
Heyguysswipeup
VIP Member
No worries, all I did was look at what dog charities are in my area and contacted them to say I was interested in fostering. I live in the south and foster with a local charity as opposed to a nationally recognised one. They came and did a house check and asked what sort of dogs I’d be happy to have (I work full time and have a dog myself so I said that they would need to get on with other dogs and can be left alone for a few hours) and that was it! I’ve fostered 5 dogs in about 15 months. Some have stayed with us for 5 Weeks, some only 2.. depends on how long they need to socialise/train for. I haven’t had a foster dog since just before lockdown as it’s quiet atm but whenever they have one that comes in which is suitable for me they just let me know and will drop them off to me! All I have to pay for is their food (vet bills are covered/beds and bowls provided). I love doing it x
edited to add: all 5 dogs I have fostered have come to me through no fault of their own, most of the time it was that their owner was too lazy to look after them although we do sometimes get ones in when the owners life circumstances change x
Platypusfattypus
VIP Member
Get one!!!!
My tips
Be prepared to have a wait for one. I waited months for the right one. But he's beautifully natured dog and very healthy so. I'm glad I did.
Find out what breed and size you want, each type has their own personalities and traits.
Make sure you find a good breeder. There are a few Facebook groups I joined, and I found a breeder through them. A good breeder is vital with dachshunds, they can have a lot of health issues so you need someone who is experienced and has health checks for the parents.
Avoid the rare colours an double dapple, these are usually puppy farmed for profit and come overpriced and with health issues.
They are hounds, not toy dogs so need a good deal of exercise. They also can have a prey drive. Mine does live alongside our cat and rabbits but he will chase them (though runs off of they turn round and face up to him). They are very prone to back problems so it's important they don't get fat.
If you want a rescue then make sure it's a breed specific rescue as they can give you the best advice.
They love to dig
They become attached to one person. My dog is great with the kids and likes cuddling up to them but I'm his human. He is an amazing dog and I wouldn't be without him.
We have a 1 year old female cockapoo. I'll admit the first year was hard as she was so hyperactive and couldn't see things getting better but just after her 1st birthday she's calmed down alot and things have picked up and she's quite chilled and cuddly now. Cockapoo's are very sociable and love to be around people although that does have it's downfall as they can get separation anxiety so you have to build up leaving them alone. They tend to have lots of energy that they get from the spaniel side so need a decent run each day, we tend to a morning and evening walk to tire her out. Poodle's are prone to allergies and can be allergic to certain meats and grains so it's just something to think about when picking food. There's a great page on fb called cockapoo owners club which is full of advice so highly recommend joining. Price point, we've paid £975 last March however since lockdown they have rocketed so anything more that £1500 and you're getting ripped off, also don't get sucked in for paying extra for a certain colours as their fur 90% will go lighter/darker in colour. When we bought our girl she was sandy blonde and she has now changed into a light red colour after her adult coat came through. Over all getting a cockapoo was one of the best thing I did, she's full of personality and can be quite sassy but is the most loving dog we've had. Good luck on your puppy search, they bring so much joy into your life. Ps sorry thing was so long haha
Sozhun
VIP Member
One thing to bear in mind with any kind of '...poo' breed is the upkeep. They need regular grooming, usually every 6 weeks at £30+ and this is ESSENTIAL. Their coat can really build up and cause matting and other skin issues if not maintained. They can be very prone to ear infections due to having hairy ear canals. You should definitely have a good insurance premium with any dog but especially these breeds.
Also, be aware of the difference between F1 pups and F2, F3 etc as they can really vary!
Also, be aware of the difference between F1 pups and F2, F3 etc as they can really vary!
toffeejelly
Well-known member
Not always this easy unfortunately. I tried to adopt before I got my puppy and the rules were so strict. They weren't interested if you didn't have another dog, or if you worked etc. Even if you had arrangements in place for the puppy during the day so it wasn't alone etc.
Lunamoon22
VIP Member
Lots of questions is good! It’s important to do all the research you can before committing xAre they good with kids?
Are they a lot of work?
I’ve heard cockapoo’s get sick a lot how’s your dog just I don’t want a dog that is a very sickly breed?
Does your dog bark much?
sorry so many questions
Raininvain
VIP Member
Whatever you do, don't leave it by itself outside for a minute and get your house alarmed as well. Dog theft is massive and loads of dogs have been stolen recently.
Have you thought as well how your going to manage with it if your working? You dont want to come home and find the settee gone and a pile of foam left on the floor.
Have you thought as well how your going to manage with it if your working? You dont want to come home and find the settee gone and a pile of foam left on the floor.
Poppykisses87
Active member
I got my cockapoo pup about 7 weeks ago. I was “warned” by my other friends with them about their separation anxiety. I do spend a lot of time indoors anyway as I WFH but he is literally my shadow EVERYWHERE. According to my partner, he waits by the front door until I’ve come home and that can last a couple of hours so he is very determined. I’ve had staffies all my life who absolutely adore human company but never had the issue with SA with them so this is a new learning curve for me and can be a typical trait with them.
He is an absolute lovely and sweet dog. He has a lot more energy than I anticipated (cocker side), is very curious and needs a lot of mental stimulation. Hunting for treats / snuffle Mat games are over in a few minutes. Although he learns very quickly which is a plus! He isn’t overly snuggly but likes to lean on me when playing.
They are such a lovely breed, everyone will want to talk to you when you’re with them, they are meant to be good for 1st time dog owners but I hear Cavapoos are suppose to be slightly easier.
Good luck! X
He is an absolute lovely and sweet dog. He has a lot more energy than I anticipated (cocker side), is very curious and needs a lot of mental stimulation. Hunting for treats / snuffle Mat games are over in a few minutes. Although he learns very quickly which is a plus! He isn’t overly snuggly but likes to lean on me when playing.
They are such a lovely breed, everyone will want to talk to you when you’re with them, they are meant to be good for 1st time dog owners but I hear Cavapoos are suppose to be slightly easier.
Good luck! X
Platypusfattypus
VIP Member
They do come up but not often. The Facebook groups usually share posts about rescue onesCan you get many rescue sausage dogs? its usually all staffie's
Scotty1976
Chatty Member
Please consider vet bills we have our girls insurance for life but she is only 9 months and has been diagnosed with elbow dysplasia our insurance would maybe cover more scans physio and medication .We are going to have to surrender her to a rescue and rehab charity .i am devastated that I can't give her all she needs but because I love her so much I have to do what's best for her we lost a dog to brain tumour at only 15 weeks I thought my wee girl would be my forever dog I'm scared she will feel lonely and abandoned 
She is so friendly and loving .I'm so pissed off with Jack Monroe using sick animals for likes and validation and we are having to give our baby away to save her .I'm crying every day and trying to cuddle her as much as possible because soon she won't be ours 
She is so friendly and loving .I'm so pissed off with Jack Monroe using sick animals for likes and validation and we are having to give our baby away to save her .I'm crying every day and trying to cuddle her as much as possible because soon she won't be ours Hope you don’t mind me asking but how did you get into dog fostering? Sounds like it would be a really rewarding thing to do!
Raininvain
VIP Member
My friend had 2 longhaired miniature dachshunds and they were so nice I was shocked, like big cats, they were so loving and kind. What they lacked in size though they made up for in barking, they are so loud and bark all the time.
They are prone to back issues like the lady above says, you cant let them be jumping off the settee etc, otherwise you'll be 2 grand down at the vets. Really do you research about the breeder though.They are expensive dogs and theres a lot of puppy farmers out there.
They are prone to back issues like the lady above says, you cant let them be jumping off the settee etc, otherwise you'll be 2 grand down at the vets. Really do you research about the breeder though.They are expensive dogs and theres a lot of puppy farmers out there.
cleaningupthecrap
VIP Member
What do you mean about breeding from home? As opposed to what?
You need to look at the traits of the parent dog breeds in a crossbreed to see if their dominant qualities fit with your needs.
We have a miniature Labradoodle because we wanted to get a dog that would have a better chance of getting on with cats, be family orientated and good-natured. Of course, there was no guarantee that the dog we bought would definitely fit these qualities, so we also had to be prepared to put in the work with him. No matter what anyone tells you, a puppy is hard work, almost like having a baby back in the house! You need to be prepared for this and make sure that you are taking your puppy to either training classes or somewhere he or she can socialise safely with other dogs.
You need to look at the traits of the parent dog breeds in a crossbreed to see if their dominant qualities fit with your needs.
We have a miniature Labradoodle because we wanted to get a dog that would have a better chance of getting on with cats, be family orientated and good-natured. Of course, there was no guarantee that the dog we bought would definitely fit these qualities, so we also had to be prepared to put in the work with him. No matter what anyone tells you, a puppy is hard work, almost like having a baby back in the house! You need to be prepared for this and make sure that you are taking your puppy to either training classes or somewhere he or she can socialise safely with other dogs.
This isn't always suitable for everyone, but that being said, there are worries that there are going to be a lot of young dogs bought during lockdown placed with the Dogs Trust etc... because people hadn't considered the true cost / what to do with the dog when they return to work / etc. so it might be worth considering this option
toffeejelly
Well-known member
He is a dream with kids, and people in general in all honesty. He is a very sociable dog but I socialised him from the day I got him with playdates in gardens and things.
He was hard work at the start, due to toilet training and being in about everything but I have noticed a HUGE difference in him the last few weeks especially now we can go out walks. He has been a dream so I've been very lucky but I have read other people struggling. It just depends.
Touch wood, he has been completely fine.
He barks when he is playing but that's it.
If you have been thinking about it for a while and really want one, then I would recommend just to go for it. They really are amazing companions and my dog has brought me so much joy since I've had him.
He was hard work at the start, due to toilet training and being in about everything but I have noticed a HUGE difference in him the last few weeks especially now we can go out walks. He has been a dream so I've been very lucky but I have read other people struggling. It just depends.
Touch wood, he has been completely fine.
He barks when he is playing but that's it.
If you have been thinking about it for a while and really want one, then I would recommend just to go for it. They really are amazing companions and my dog has brought me so much joy since I've had him.
coconochanel
VIP Member
I want a sausage dog. Any tips?
Platypusfattypus
VIP Member
I would make sure you buy from someone who knows what they are doing in breeding dogs. Are the puppies health checked? There's a false belief that cross breeds are healthier then purebred but sometimes they can be more likely to have poor health traits from each breed their parents are. Does the breeder have previous customers who are willing to talk to you. Are the dogs socialised well, living in the home etc.
CrimeJunkie
Well-known member
I've noticed the prices for dogs are crazily high at the moment! I think it may be due to lockdown and people not breeding dogs as much/puppies being in high demand