Puppies #2

[Pineapplexpress]

I have wanted a dog my whole life and never understood people who didn’t want dogs and now look after someone’s for them occasionally as I mainly WFH and I think it has put me off getting a dog of my own. The commitment is huge and life changing and I miss the dog so much when it goes back home but have definitely thought twice whether I’ll ever get my own due to the demand and commitment and upheaval!

I was desperate for mine and thought I had a really good idea of how hard it would be - I was deluded. I cried almost daily for about three weeks and on occasion still think I can't cope. My life is really well suited to getting a dog too, very little commitment or other responsibilities, lots of time and decent household income.
I got a high energy, high intelligence breed. In hindsight I should've realised I'm not half as active as I thought I was and not half as commited to training as I thought I was. An older less active breed would've suited me much better.
I am putting the time into the training and the exercise but it's often more because it's a duty rather than because I want to do it.

Also of course I've never spent so much money.

I love mine and he makes me smile and laugh every day, but god I'd love to just get in bed at night when I wanted rather than run through bedtime routine and wander the garden in the dark in my dressing gown saying 'weewee'

 

[Tide'sout]

Well, I can't believe Little Girl is a year old now, so I guess no longer technically a puppy. It's been a learning curve and this thread has been a great help to a total novice like I was, so thank you everyone. I wouldn't change a thing, but sure don't miss those needle sharp baby teeth and 2am trips to the garden

The sock and slipper thief is recovering well after being spayed and I am looking forward to many more adventures together

 

[Former_Antelopee]

Hey - little bit off-topic given current discussions. If you haven't already, download the Biscuit app. It basically pays you to walk your dog.

All you do is start the app before your walk and remember to finish it when you get back - or if you're like me half a day later

It only requires you to walk your dog 3 times a week to get 50 "biscuits", each walk you receive 25 "biscuits". I am currently sitting at 40 minutes walking, but this can be split however you want. One big walk, or smaller shorter walks.

You get bonus points for putting in their vaccination details, flea and worm treatments etc. These biscuits earn you points that can be used to buy vouchers for the likes of Tesco, Amazon or even conservation donations.

I've attached the link to the website for you to check it out - Biscuit | Get rewarded for walking your dog | Biscuit (biscuitpetcare.com)

I am in no way affiliated with the app, I know the above probably sounds like it. Just thought some of you might find it useful. Quite good if it's getting to the end of the month and things are a bit tight. A friend done all their shopping for Christmas dinner using all the points they'd earned!

I've been using it since Feb and got at least £60 worth of vouchers so far

 

[Rodneytrotter]

Hi all, I'm going to be bringing a new puppy home at the end of November . It's been a looong time since I have had a puppy (over 20 years) and things have changed a lot so I feel like I'm going to be brand new at it! I remember last time I kept wondering why I had destroyed my life by getting a puppy it worked out okay in the end though but miss my girl so much

 

[Rodneytrotter]

I think if you saw them on pets at home you can click on their profile and see show many adverts they've posted before?

I'll try and have a look! The big red flag was she said she has another bitch which will be pregnant next month.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

I'm a bit confused about the way of doing things when buying pups. I thought you should visit and see with mum and meet the breeder before putting down a deposit? But some breeders are asking for a deposit to reserve without me seeing it first. I was going to visit a pup the other day but the breeder reserved it for someone who paid a deposit even though they hadn't visited.

I messaged a breeder this morning who came recommended and she has a litter due in Feb. She said I could pay a deposit and visit when they are 4 weeks old. Is that the way things are done?

Some highly sought after breeders will take a deposit to stay on their list which is when redeemable when a pup becomes available that suits your needs when temperament evaluation is done.

I wouldnt pay a deposit for a pup that is born but you havent yet visited. Some will do it to prove intent I guess as they dont want everyone and anyone coming around. I think with Pets at Home your deposit is protected potentially but check that out.

 

[N0sey.P4rker]

I've been using it since Feb and got at least £60 worth of vouchers so far

I've been using it since around January and have over 4000 points, but yet to convert them yet! Think I'm gonna try and keep them for later in the year.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Re castration. We have a rescue from 5 weeks old, 6 months old now. A giant of a dog. We were told they would call us back at 9 months to neuter him and it was part of the agreement we signed when adopting him, but our own vet said they're is no way they would neuter him until he was 2 years old. Because of his size. Any thoughts/ experience of this?

Absolutely wait until fully grown / matured.

There is absolutely no benefit to doing it early whereas there are cons. Especially with boy dogs, no harm in waiting.

You cant undo something once its done.

My vet advises not to neuter males now unless you are having specific problems which would be solved. My males have always been entire, no marking, humping or anything of the like.

Realise with a rehome contract youl need to do it though but Id delay with a larger breed. 6 months old is too young.

 

[Curly]

Why do I keep looking at puppies for my puppy 🫣

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

I bought some cheap blankets from B&M yesterday. We used re-useable puppy pads with her so have put one in the middle of the folded blanket to try and stop it from seeping through. I've ordered some doggy pants for her, as she likes to sleep under the covers for some of the night, and then on the top for the rest.

We are friendly with the breeder who has mum, and she said to let her eat anything she wants , so bought a lot of eggs with my shopping!
I have noticed she's been a lot more cuddlier and looking for reassurance.

Definately going to keep her on her lead during this time. We went out with her sister last night and she snapped at her when she started to sniff - apparently that's a good sign? She managed to get a run around with her for a little while, as it was late and secluded.

Definitely keep her on lead Id also only take her out very early / late on at night until the season is fully over. There is always the risk an intact male could get to her, even with you there to prevent.

Even the best trained male dog will throw caution to the wind if he can sniff a female in heat.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Not to be negative but it is a HUGE commitment.
After a 10 hour shift you need to come home and see to your child but the dog also needs lots of attention. Walked, fed etc. I imagine working long shifts and being on own with a child a dog will be stressful.
I work part time from home and I still get stressed BUT there is no other feeling than having a dog to love.

I agree with this. I have two dogs, with 2 adults (and 2 kids) at home and they are still a huge time drain.

Depending on age of the child, if they cant be left home alone youl be dragging them out every morning and evening no matter what the weather or temperature. Sometimes it's pissing down and freezing.

I love my dogs but I dont think I'll ever have one again after my two are no longer with us. They are a huge commitment, even things like going for a day out. You can take them but then need to eat outside or find restaurants / cafes which are dog friendly. Or if you go somewhere dogs aren't allowed you need to find someone who will look in on them and let them out to toilet etc.

Youl have people who will say its fine just leave your dog for 8 to 9 hours. Theyl just sleep but when theyre sleeping all night and dont have any company its such a huge amount of time to be alone with noone interacting with them.

Also cost, I have two dogs that require regular grooming and they are raw fed. When you factor in food, grooming, toys, treats, insurance, vet plans. Im about £250 per month.

What my dogs give me back is worth everything I have typed above. They are so loving and affectionate and they provide me so much joy. However I can share the workload with another adult.

I would suggest something like borrow my dog. Its free to join as a borrower and you could get a feel for caring for a dog without the commitment.

 

[Former_Antelopee]

Hello all time for puppies #2

 

[epl000]

Paying a deposit before meeting the pups is a bit of a red flag to me. I would want to meet the breeder and the parent dogs before parting with any money personally.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Why do I keep looking at puppies for my puppy 🫣

Do not do it if you still want another by the time pup is 18m to 2y then go for it.

I have 2 (age gap) and its double the dirt, double the work.

Id never get 2 again.

 

[Kthxbye]

I've just booked some thank you. 5 1hour sessions for £225. I've spent probably about £400 on group classes and don't feel I've learnt much. I'm not that good at remembering what we learnt though as I find it more difficult in the group ones to get him to focus as he just wants to smell the floor so I don't get much practice on what we are learning. Got a group session today and I can't be bothered to go but might as well he definitely won't pass the test next week. I've been busy these past few weeks but my shifts are changing at work which will give me more time to train

That's a good price.
Mine is £650 for 8 2 hour sessions
I found the group classes too stressful, for both me and him. He's a really big dog, even though he's not even a year old yet, and his concentration isn't the best

 

[Former_Antelopee]

We tried this with ours and he gave absolutely no fucks and just wouldn’t eat for days He’s better now but we do have to leave it out for an hour or so some days and he’ll eat when he feels like it

My pup seems like this as well. When I first got him I had to use his kibble for training as he wouldn't eat them from the bowl but when training would only eat the kibble and wouldn't eat treats.
He likes my parents dogs dry food though

 

[influenzainfluencer]

Said we wouldn’t get a puppy again…. Here we are with a puppy spaniel. What do you all do for teething? Our breeder said to freeze carrots but she just chews them and spits them everywhere

Soak a small towel or blanket and freeze for a couple of hours, twist it and fold in half while its wet so it freezes in a rope shape- they will hopefully chew and enjoy! With my pup you can see her resting it in her mouth and it soothing her gums for a few seconds she is clearly relieved from pain

 

[S4buk]

I used doggy nappies for a bit but I’m the end just let her do her business, as a previous poster said - lots of towels/blankets and damp cloths. Also, absolutely keep her on the lead and walk her at quieter times. Mine is a very confident dog (loves all humans, dogs, kids etc) but I think she found the extra attention from other male dogs really intimidating.

 

[Kthxbye]

I'm having trouble with my puppy now crate guarding, only seems to be when he is tired at the end of the day but obviously don't want it to escalate. I just haven't really found the group classes that helpful, he gets distracted by the smells in the venue easily. Wondering if anyone else has done 1-2-1 sessions and how many you did? They do blocks of 5 so I'm thinking of doing that.

I've just started 1-2-1 sessions with a private trainer. Felt like the people from the group classes didn't have the experience to deal with large breeds and their needs, so found one that specialises in large and giant breeds.
We've had one session so far, and ive found it's been more helpful than all of the group classes we did put together.
Yes it's considerably more expensive than a group setting, but the tailored experience is more than worth it.

 

[Luckycorr13]

Joining the thread as I have a now 2 year old pug (Oct 25) so I'm full of advice.
I'm wishing for a baby but looks unlikely so a second pug seems my goal.for this year. I am just pug daft but have owned collies, greyhounds, the lot.
Does a second pug cause the other jealously? Especially male (1st) and a female (spayed 2nd)
I have done this before but with two males.
Any help please