Puppies

[Rxt156]

The first few months they are with you are soooooo hard but also the most crucial when trying to set the tone for their behaviour for the rest of their life. I’d watch dog training videos on YouTube to get your head around the difficult bits. Mine is almost 3 years old now and my BFF although at the start it is so hard. Especially if it’s your first dog.

Good luck.

 

[jayne2240]

Hi! Just after some advice. We have a six month old Cockapoo and she is genuinely lovely. She has her moments but overall she is lovely natured and well behaved. The problem I’m having at the moment is she is destroying every toy she owns. She had two toy boxes full and she loves to play, but I don’t think she realises her own strength. I’ve tried every type of toy imaginable, kong toys, super strength toys, balls, rope toys, stuffed toys, plastic toys. She is breaking these within 5 minutes. She’s got less than half a toy box left now and I know I need to buy her more, but I just know as soon as we give her them they’re going in the bin and it just feels like I’m wasting my money. Any advice much appreciated!

 

[Maid22]

Looking for some advice, growing up I have had 2 border collies over the years, I took them to classes and trained them and both were loving, obedient dogs so I thought I was pretty experienced with the breed and their quirky ways. Last year we decided to get dog as we are both working from home and felt it was the right time as we have wanted one for years. We adopted another border collie from a friend's brother at 11 months old and sadly he was too damaged, under socialised, and was becoming aggressive. He ended up biting my husband as he tried to stop him attacking a dog when he managed to chew through his lead. He had also shown aggression to others and we felt after speaking to the vet we had no other option than to let him go which was heartbreaking. We only had him for 3 months in the end. I don't want it to put me off getting another dog but we will definitely get a puppy that I can train and socialise from an early age. My dilemma is do I go for another collie, my husband really wants to but last year's experience was so upsetting and I don't know if I want to risk getting another or do I go for a totally different breed. I know it was mainly because of his background before we got him (he was chained up alone in a barn all day) but I'm still not sure. I also know how much of a handful they are especially at the puppy stage. Even working from home, how do you keep an eye on them when you are still working and they want to explore and chew everything? I'm happy to take some annual leave but after that? Is crate training an option with lots of toys and puzzles for an active collie mind?
Sorry for the long post but would appreciate an outside view or recommendations of other active intelligent breeds that are known for their good nature

I've had collies all my life, kudos to you rehoming one and sorry it didn't work out, not sure if I could do that, all of mine have been pups, and they've all been so different temperament wise, too independent, too timid, aggressive, and the one I have now is 4 going on 40!! You've had experience with collies before, if you can give them the time, go for a pup, I've always had bitches, not sure if that's relevant, but they all had issues, that's the trouble with collies, so finicky and sensitive, you really have to understand the breed! but this one is male, so laid back!

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Cockers are the most adorable dogs. Id have one in a heartbeat if it wasnt for the hair

Hence why I have 2 cocker crosses who dont shed but cockers are just gorgeous. Our neighbours had an apricot and white old fella who I adored. He's no longer with us but he had the nicest nature.

 

[Maid22]

I’ve only ever had pups, the last one was a risk and sadly it didn’t pay off. I love collies and if I get another it will be a pup but I’m so torn as I know they can be quirky and sensitive even if you get them at 8 weeks and put time into training and socialisation. I definitely need to give it some more thought before making a decision

You so know the breed when you said sensitive, they are so fickle! Mines just taken all day to eat his bonio, me and oh laughed, it's a collie thing!
Good on you for really thinking about it, when I got the one I have now, the owner would only only let the pups go to folks who have had experience with collies.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Every dog is different and some pups at 10 weeks old (if you collect at 8) wouldnt manage being left for 4 hours but some will be.

Do you only work for 4 hours at a time? If so Id look at getting a dog walker to come in half way through that time to play with pup / let them outside to toilet.

Its not just toilet training thats the issue, many wee pups will still be looking for constant contact 2 weeks after bringing them home and being left for 4 hours is a long time when theyre just a wee baby.

 

[jayne2240]

Has anyone got a second puppy after the first is around a year old. Just found out my boys parents may be having another litter and husband is keen to get one of the pups as would be a full brother. He thinks the older one will help mentor his younger sibling but I’m not so sure. My boy is nearly 8 months and while he’s amazing it’s been hard work and don’t know if I could go through it a second time

We did both ends of the scale! Got our second when our first was 18 months, and then years later when the first died we got our third when the second was 6. Categorically can say the first way was so much easier as first was still a baby herself and more tolerating. My 6 year old is now 7 and the pup is 1 and they’re only now starting to like being around each other. It obviously all depends on the dogs and it’s the same as kids, do you want to get all the babyhood out of the way, or would you rather have one more independent dog and a baby!

 

[strawberrysunshine_x]

Looks like a gentle soul!

Oh he is. He’s the best dog in the world. I’m sad he’s getting old

 

[vanilla cupcakes]

Our cockapoo gets matted SO easily we shave/cut him at home as he had a bad experience with a dog groomer once (she was awful, cut him and made him bleed and he’s petrified since) but he’s getting really matted no matter what we do. Is there some miracle spray I’ve missed or anything? Or does anyone have any tips for grooming at home?

We took our boy for his first groom this week and although he wasn’t matted yet the groomer told us we were using the wrong type of brush for him (we were advised to buy it from pets at home). We’ve ordered one like this and it’s so much easier already, we’re also going to give him liver paste in a tube to keep him still while the other sprays/brushes as the groomer used it and he wasn’t phased by her at all. She recommended we give him it and to make that the only time he gets it so he’ll be more tempted to behave

We went out the other day and bought our Sprocker pup that we are getting on the 8th of next month some cheapo toys

Any advice on toys for teething?

It's been a long time since we've had a pup so assume things have moved on from 10 years ago

These are the best teething toys we’ve bought and they’re £2 from home store and more. He loves them and the quality is really good for the price, a lot of his teething toys have been destroyed but he can’t seem to put a dent in these ones

Can’t believe I’m at the stage of giving tips rather than asking for them

 

[Hamburglar]

This is so reassuring thank you! how long roughly would you say it took them to be comfortable with the crate? I’m happy to stay beside him while he’s in but I hate seeing him look sad in there a lot of the time he’s okay in there but without fail as soon as the door is opened he’s out

You’ve had some brill advice so I won’t add much else but just wanted to say that sometimes it feels like 1 step forward 2 steps back and when that happens you have to go back to basics with regards to treats and praise for doing what you want them to do.

We ditched the crate when ours was about 6 months as ultimately we wanted him to have freedom to roam. He was then in our bed every night and I worried that we were making a rod for our own back till I read the guides in the Facebook group mentioned above about secure attachment, and now he does take himself to his own bed for parts of the night then comes back.

It’s been hot recently so he’s been basically nocturnal keeping us up all night but then I think how uncomfortable it is for us adults and children/babies so no wonder he can’t sleep.

 

[S4buk]

I'm sorry but why would your reaction be to post on Tattle about this and not just ring your vet.

Erm I was asking for advice in case anyone had been through something similar before I rang the vets (as she seemed absolutely fine).

no issues at all, so I’m wondering if she even ate the chocolate or just found the wrapper.

thanks though!

 

[Murphygirl]

We collect our miniature labradoodle on Friday! Anything I absolutely MUST have to prepare myself?! Not owned a dog before, but plenty of cats.

Don’t wear any expensive clothes, those baby shark teeth are sharp and will rip them to shreds. I felt like a bag lady for months!

 

[Rxt156]

So we have decided to get a Puppy. We have two children 10 and 6, and we feel it's the right time to start looking into it. We have a very big garden and access to lots of walks, we're a fairly active family and plan to take a dog with us to the kids football and on weekend walks etc.
We are still deciding whether to go for a labrador, French bulldog or a beagle. Or some sort of cross.
Firstly, any experience of these breeds and the pros and cons? Secondly, any top tips to research beforehand? I've been watching a lot of fenrir canine training on YouTube which I think is good. My husband grew up with dogs and my mum has had one for 6 years so we sort of know what we are getting into.....

How exciting
Beagles have a good nose and will run away if they sniff something (a colleague had one) they also get fat easily.
Research theirs traits etc and see if that works for you/fits your lifestyle

 

[Purple star]

I agree ..Am glad am not on my only …I’ll be honest I wish I found it easier but I don’t ..I do think a lot about getting him a new family ..But feel sad and a failure for doing that ….

 

[AladdinSane]

Gosh puppies are a roller coaster of emotions aren't they?!?! Had what felt like the roughest day yesterday. He wouldn't nap, wouldn't do anything other than want to bite! He ended up sleeping 10 hours overnight and is on his 1st nap of the morning already. It feels like it should be midday not 9:15

I still have days where I struggle but I think we're getting there. We can't leave him alone too long but he is progressing with that too. And we had an incidental cat/dog meeting in the kitchen this morning and there was no barking or hissing from either party! So that's a huge relief!

 

[sistersofpercy]

can I join?
we‘re welcoming a mini sausage in the new year. I’ve always had dogs and done reasonably well with training. I’ve always had terriers who can be stubborn, but current boy is ten so appreciate techniques have probably moved on a bit from that.

I have experience of the breed in so much that my daughter has a 4 year old one who she’s struggled to train, however, daughter isn’t the type to make the dog stand out in the wet and pee so I’m not surprised he won’t do it.

My current old boy really comes out of his shell when my daughters dog visits so I’m hoping he’s going to enjoy his new friend. Took him for a full MOT last week to make sure he was fit and healthy for all the excitement he’s about to get and he is

I confess I have rose tinted glasses on remembering training and puppyhood though….

 

[Monkeymagic85]

would definitely recommend a crate and just think of it as the pups bedroom!

I feel like we’re coming out of the other end now, our pup is 4 months. It’s been an absolute rollercoaster, but tattle is always here!

Definitely second this. Our dog has only ever slept in her cage and when we say go bed, she happily goes to her crate and sleeps till morning. We also have a smaller crate that she still fits (was her puppy cage) and we travel with that or if someone looks after her.

She also doesn't even venture up the stairs as she knows it's a no go! (We had a gate for a while)

Victoria Stillwell it's me or the dog is a good book, Graham's dogs behaving badly on channel 5 is a good watch and there are plenty of dog forums online.

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

Its never been a long process for us at all. We sleep beside from the get go, one was sleeping all night no wakes by night 5 (this was the first one so no doggy siblings) one from about night 12, the other took 5 weeks but was settled in between toilet breaks. Woke up to toilet only, so straight out, no chit chat, back to bed.

Once my dogs are big enough though theyre welcome to come and go as they please, they have a bed in our room and tend to go between that, our bed and the kids rooms. They dont shed hair though so thats what makes it easier.

 

[Maid22]

I've always found bitches alot more sensitive than boys, If I remember my last girl got her first season at 6 months, hope you can overcome it with her.

 

[AladdinSane]

We pick up our puppy tomorrow!!
I'm a mixture of excited, nervous about ruining the status quo we have so far, terrified that I'll be a bad puppy mum and also buzzing cos I've wanted a dog for years.

Honestly the next few months are going to be a crazy ride!