Hi - sorry to disturb you all on New Years Eve, We have been looking in to getting either a cocker or a daschie for about 2 years now and have a couple of breeders to meet in the New Year, but last night a friend of a neighbour asked if we would be interested in taking on a 5 year old cocker bitch - unspayed/no litters. Her owners were bored with her and wanted a new dog!!! and this friend had taken her on but didn't really want a loving cuddly dog which is apparently waht this dog is like, anyway she is coming around with her at 1 o'clock today - with a view to just leaving her with us, basically it has been said that she will be put down if we don't take her - but what should we look out for - should she be confident or nervous when she comes in, would you take her on? anything we should know? anything we should ask? bearing in mind this person has had her for the grand time of 2 weeks!
I must also mention that I have a toddler in the house and obviously he is my number 1 priority, anything I should look out for there?

Please help us.
Many thanks

Belle, Barny & Oliver
XXx

Hi Belle:)
Just want to offer my support and to wish you the best of luck with her!!
How callous that the owners got bored and wanted a new dog
I really hope it works out for the poor girl, It will be lovely for her to be able to settle.
Do you know much about her history? Regarding contact with children etc?
I had cockers growing up and they were fantastic with kids.
Fiona on here has a black cocker called Holly who is great with hers. But I assume its wether or not they are used to them.
There are loads of really knowledgable cocker owners/breeders (Fiona, Jane, Natasha etc) on here who will be along soon to give you more advice.
Wish you the very best
Ali :)

It has been said that she is fine with kids, but would they just say that to get rid of her?

I grew up with cockers and setters and they have all been fine, except for bikes one of ours absolutely hated bikes and their riders - we never knew why but have a sneaking suspicion it had a lot to do with my brother?!

Thanks for your support will let you know how it goes.

The issue of money has also reared its ugly head - we think it is because she realised we were seriously interested so noe the poor love has a price on her head which seems a bit odd if she was going to be put down - I thought that cost about £40? but now we are paying £50 for her and I am hoping she comes with a bed and bowls etc although I can cobble something together if not - but post christmas is not the most financially sound month of the year it must be said!! never mind.

Any thoughts on the best insurers?

Many thanks

Belle, Barny & Oliver
XXx

Belle
If you go into search in the top right corner and type in INSURANCE, it will bring up loads of threads covering insurance.
I am with Pet Plan, who cover for life and was recommended by my vet. There are many other good ones though so its worth shopping around. :)
Ali:)

I hope it works oput and yopu have a nice companion.

I would keep the appointments with the breeders to visit, but point out your not wanting a puppy just yet, but in a few months or a years time. You will then be able to see people called, find breeders you are happy with, and put your name down for a pup from a future litter. Most breedrs plan their breeding well (years in some cases) in advance!

A puppy will be company for your new dog once she is settled, and if she is well mannered will be a great ally in bringing up the pup.

I always felt guilty if I was out for the day when I only had one dog, but once I had two I was happier as they had each others company on the occasions I wasn't there, and I didn't feel I had to leave family gatherings earlier, as the poor dog was alone to long.

I hasten to add I don't regularly leave my dogs for prolonged perionds. :D

Hi Belle,
First and foremost GOOD LUCK with the impending arrival.  I insure my puppy with marks and Spencers Pet, there is no excess on the policy (they have paid me out in full on at least three occasions) and my premium is apx £11 per month.  If you go on the M & S website click on the link for M & S pet and there you will find a telephone number to call them and have a chat with one of their insurance advisors.   I wish you all the very best with your spaniel, we are thrilled to bits with ours and hes 14 months now and hes great with our kids.  Hope it goes well for you, they are a lovely, friendly breed and one i would recommend.

Impending? :D

original post 31/12/02

Wow, Belle, I've heard of that happening, but never met anyone (not you, them) who is actually that shallow to just give up a wonderful pet just like that!!!! :( :(

If she is a sweet cuddlebums, go for it :) Will she have her own bed? If she's already crate trained, I wouldn't worry about your toddler that much.
Give her some space and time away from him to get used to the new situation. Don't let your child get too grabby with her. (S/he'll be very interested about her). Don't leave him alone with her..until he matures into an much older child.

*Always allow the dog the freedom and the option to withdraw from your child.
*Her eating area and food should be somewhere separate, so she can eat in peace.
*No disturbing her when she's sleeping or wanting to rest.

To me, those three issues are the real biggies, imo, on where dogs and kids have most problems of safety and happy living.

But there's a lot of people on here that can advise you with dealing with kids and Cockers from living with both :) :)

Worse comes to worse, please just take her in, confine her, and then contact Cocker Rescue. I'm sure that someone can give you the individual/ tel number for your region.
Personally, I love and prefer the older dogs to 'puppies' that everyone wants :rolleyes: :) They can be really 'grateful' to you and make the best companions for the rest of their lives. Of course, there is an 'adjustment' period to figure out your habits and how she fits into them.
best wishes and I hope things work out for her-- the puir dearie :(
regards,
toodles

Hi - Ditto to what toodles just said:( How callous. I was approached about a Springer last summer, someone just stopped the car, came over and because I was with a friend we had 7 dogs with us, asked if we rehomed dogs, as she wanted to get rid of her springer, only she'd got a staff now! As it happened I did know someone who was looking for another springer, and I took her number. She arranged to meet the prospective owner in the park and just handed over her 18month old bitch and walked away! Beyond belief! I would get as much info as possible, even if you can get the original owners telephone number and have a chat about the dog, if she isn't for you, at least she will have a chance to be rehomed by someone else via Cocker rescue. Good luck with her. let us know how you get on. Julie:)

what always worries me is that they will go on to get another dog and do the same thing in a few years time!

I hope she is as sweet as is made out as she does sound perfect - but hopefully not too good to be true?

My mum took on a great dane last year he was only 2 and had already had something like 6 homes, and one of them was in a 2nd floor flat noe he has the run of a huge garden and lots of country walks and deer to chase - never catches!! - but he is so jealous of my son and paws him to the floor when no-one is watching, he can be terribly unpredictable and that is what concerns me - I know you can never trust any dog fully.

Oliver absolutely adores dogs and will make me cross the road to see one, se he will think he is in heaven to have one of his own!

Will let you know how it all goes

Many thanks

Belle, Barny and Oliver
XXx

Just want to add my support and encouragement - hope everything works out well for you, your family and this delightful sounding young dog. It sounds like she deserves a really good home.

Best wishes

Joyce

Hi Belle

The poor little thing :( People like this really make me MAD :( Cocker Spaniels are the most wonderful gentle dogs even if they have been mistreated and neglected. I have three and wouldn't dream of parting with any of them !!

Take her in by all means and if you find that she isn't for you the contact Cocker Rescue - The National Co-ordinators are Reg & Eileen Pain Tel: 0121 453 3215. They are a very popular breed which is why some find themselves in Rescue, they will easily find her a new home if she isn't right for you.

See how you get on and how she takes to you and your toddler ........ I'll be keeping everything crossed for you and her and hope that she lands on her feet with you and your family.

Do let us know how things go ...... We will expect a report later today even if it is New Years Eve ....... As mentioned by AliC there are a lot of us Cocker Folk on here and JaneS will be able to give you more info.

Dessie

What a sad story :-( My concerns here are that you have a toddler - Cockers are great with kids if they have been brought up with them but if this 5 year old has never experienced small children close up, then she may be frightened of your child & fear can cause a dog to growl & snap. You can't take it as read that she is good with kids just because the person wanting rid of her in this callous way says so. You would need to monitor the situation very carefully & never, ever leave your child alone unsupervised with the Cocker. Bear in mind also that this poor dog has been passed from pillar to post - her whole world has been turned upside down in the last couple of weeks. If you are not sure that this bitch is right for you, then far better to contact Cocker Rescue for help rather than take this bitch & a few weeks down the line, find out she is not the dog for you (although she sounds a sweetie to me). If you are anywhere in the S of England, give Cynthia White a ring - she is a v experienced Cocker Rescue representative & will help if she can (Tel 01929 552863) If you are in the North, let me know where & I can give you some other contacts.

Jane

I think I will know instinctively when we meet if she is right - and if not I have made a note of the telephone number - is that ok for South West I am Wiltshire.

Apparently she comes with all her papers so I should be able to trace some deatails from there? I'm sure the original breeder may like to know what has happened in case this person is after another cocker?

Many thanks for all your support and advice - I now have butterflies in anticiuapation and have burned the porridge!!!!

Thanks again

Belle, Barny & Oliver
XXx

Hi Belle

Yes Cynthia is the person to contact if you are in Wilts. Let me know if you need any help tracing the breeder - if I had bred this poor girl, I would want to be the first person contacted for help but sadly many Cockers come from commercial breeders & puppy farmers who don't give a damn & wouldn't want to know what happens to the pups they breed

Good luck

Jane

(PS My email addy is shenmore@clara.co.uk)

I'm certain the original breeder would definitely appreciate you taking her in as opposed to her being put down in the next couple of days :( :( :(

I wouldn't worry about the same situation as the Great Dane --- Huge difference in size, temperment, and maturity --- did I mention the size difference????? ;) :)

And don't worry about it being New Year or New Year's Eve on here. Many of us already have announced our homebodiness for the holiday ;) :D :D
best wishes and let us know how things go. I'm doing the waiting with bated breath and eagerness for you :P :P ;) :D
toodles

Meeee toooo Sara.

Do keep us posted Belle ........

Dessie :D :D

Hope it turns out well for everybody Good Luck
Anne

If she comes with her papers contact the breeder whatever you decide. If they are a good breeder they will be thankful to know where she is, and will warn others about her ex owners, the jungle telegraph works well among breders. Also a good breeder will happily take her back to rehome if she isn't right for you.

That is assuming she came from a good breeder and not one of the puppy farms, or those who forget them the moment they walk out the door.

lets all hope that when they go for their "new" dog that the breeders/owners see right through them :D

Personally I'd say take her :) As Ali says i've got a 12mth old Cocker and three children under 7 and she's an absolute delight with the little one. There have been teething problems but that's usually down to the children not leaving her alone!!

As you've only got one child it'll be a lot easier to keep him away from the dog when she needs peace and quiet - we work on the rule if she's lying down - leave her alone.

Good luck and I really hope things work out well for you.

Fiona
x x x

PS - don't forget to let us know what's happening as there's usually someone around who can help :)

I have to say that my three aren't around children but when they meet them they are like putty in their hands. My youngest (14 months) even had a little boy take him in junior handling a couple of weeks ago and was really good with him. My eldest just sits and lets them fuss him :D :D

I had to post, it broke my heart, I hope things go well for you, and she finally has someone that appreciates her for life not just when it suits them.....very best wishes

Morning Lynsey and how are things going with you this morning, anything developing from the contacts I gave you.

Do keep us posted.

Dessie :D :D

well it was a little soon yesteray after the news I had to make definate plans but I did ring some breeders and took lots of notes which we are discussing, thanks for all your help.

Your welcome and take care :D :D

Dessie can you email me again I have lost your email address, with everything yesterday I deleted some mails and erm well made a boo boo and deleted yours before saving address..

Hi Belle,
I think everybody else has said everything alread :) but I just wanted to add my support.

I have a rescue dog (not a spaniel). Sadly, he had been mistreated but 19 months later you'd never know and the total happiness and satisfaction I get from seeing him be the way he should've been from the start is amazing :D :D :D Because he was so scared to begin with a family would've been too much for him but hopefully the little cocker won't have been mistreated, maybe just a little neglected if people were bored with her.

It sounds as if you'll know yourself when you meet her. I would expect she could be feeling a bit lost at the moment so I would give her a lot of space and try to be calm round about her. It sounds like the new owners maybe just rushed out and bought her before Xmas or are just skint after Xmas so they see a way of getting a bit of cash till payday because I dread to think what kind of dog they want if they don't want a "loving cuddly dog" :)

Try and find out what they've been feeding her and keep it the same to start with just to try and not change everything she knows all at once. Good luck and keep us posted. If you're meeting her at 1 o'clock, we'll expect a report on here by about 2pm :D :D
Dot

Dot
<<,If you're meeting her at 1 o'clock, we'll expect a report on here by about 2pm>>>

Lol :D I want to hear by 1.05pm !!!! :D

yes I will coming back on comp at different intervals to see if there is any news..

Your not the only ones Lynsey and AliC ............ I haven't really logged off this morning, good job I'm at work or my phone bill would be horrendous ...

Dessie :D

Off to do some work now honest :D

C'mon
Its nearly 2pm :D

Yeah and I'm finishing work soon as well :D :D

Good job really as I'm on the vino already .... hahahahaha

Hi all!!!!!!

We have just all been on a very long very wet walk and are in need of a bath!!!

She is fabulous and we will be keeping her, we will be going to the local petshop in a while to be fitted for a collar, halti bed etc and as long as she has a bath and a clip she will look perfect too!!!!

Will post more later

Belle, Barny, Oliver & Molly
XXxx

EXCELLENT News!!!!!!
I'm so chuffed for ye. :) Good thing you got her dirty....first thing I seem to do when I bring a dog home is to bathe her!!! It's happened every single time and seems to help bond, perhaps :rolleyes: :P :)

Congrats and if you have any questions, be sure to post, pronto :) :)
Happy New Year to you all!!!!
toodles

Great Belle!! Really pleased for you
Anne :-D

Hi - i was pleased to read it turned out for the best - hope it does long term 2! We had 2 cockers bought 11yrs & 10.5yrs ago.Sadly neither of them are with us now. The first dog we bought we had from a pup - he was black and FULL of character, we rescued our other dog (golden) - who too was Full of character and both so much fun - true cockers!! Sadly the black dog - bit our daughters face when she was 16 months old - he was 4.5yrs old.We didn't have any indication this would happen as he was a lovely fun dog and she wasn't even playing with him - just walking past - but we obviously knew he was an animal so had brought our daughter up to treat the dogs with respect and leave them alone when they were lying down etc. The accident happened whilst on holiday and right in front of us too! So we had to have him rehomed - and were torn with devestation- we lost our dog and our daughter is scarred for life. Sadly too we had to rehome our other dog 4.5yrs ago as he just didn't get on on his own and got worse everyday. He went to live with a family member who had a Springer who he got on very well with (she sadly died of old age just before christmas), and became his old self again - which was fantastic all round. (They are now looking for another springer!) We were very happy to see him so happy - but very sad because we had lost both dogs. Our children are now 8.5 and 4.5yrs. the younger is quite apprensive with animals even though he has lots of 'exposure' - the older - our daughter loves all animals and has great respect for them - esp dogs and rabbits. I think it is good to bring children up in a home with pets - as long as they are encouraged to treat the animal properly. We are in a dilema about another dog - my hubbie thinks we let our dogs down because we had to rehome them both and shouldn't have another one. We have rabbits and have done for years - had a stab at breeding recently which went well - they are great animals too! Any way have garbled on long enough - enjoy your spaniel - she will be grateful to u for giving her a loving home. Best regards Juleslim

Thank goodness you were ready and willing to take her home, poor little thing. Hope she settles in ok and has a wonderful life with you. :-)

Original Post is 3 years old ;)

Well spotted, Cheryl! Only I was about to wax long and lyrical about the joys of owning a cocker spaniel. Which I think I won't now! ;)