Hi all...

Looking for advice (surprise!)

We are playing foster parents for a week to a relative's 6 month old springer spaniel puppy called Oscar.

Omigosh, how exhausted am I!

He was bought (rescued, really) about 6 or 7 weeks ago from a family who were unable to cope with him. As lovely as he is, there are a few things I would like some advice on. I hope to own a dog sometime in the future myself, but although I'm a doggie-novice, I am seeking some real constructive info here...please!

He does respond to his name, but on walks, he rarely returns when called. I can run about with him (like on the beach today) and he'll follow, chase, cavort with me/my partner, but whilst he has a lovely (albeit bonkers) nature, he comes across as a bit obstinate.

When on the lead, he pulls...a lot. What's the best approach here? We only have him for a week but since he's walked at 6am, 11am, 6pm and 10pm, I can make a start, surely.

We went out for about 2 hours this afternoon, and he relieved himself on the carpet (wee). I'm the first to understand about needing the toilet, fine...and he IS in a strange place...is this acceptable at his age or is there something we can do to assist the toilet-training process?

That's it for now...I know I sound extremely naive, but this is as much a learning curve for us as it is for Oscar.

Answers on a postcard, please!

hi ther i am an owner of two springer spaniels and two labradors. I had a similar experience with my esp on the lead the qucikest and easyiest way i found to control this was that you should leave the leash slack and each time you feel the dog start pulling stop and stand still being careful not to put to much pressure on the lead the dog should then eventually stop when he does gently start to wind the lead around your hand again not to much pressure and not to fast bringing him walking back towards you untill he is paralell by your side once he is let the leash slack again and continue walking. You will more than likely have to do this quite a few times but sure enough the little lad will soon pick up the idear hope this helps you as it did me good luck .
ld1

re. the coming back off the lead thing. It might be that he doesn't really know you so it might be best to keep him on the lead when out and about. 6 month is a funny ages for dogs, they start to get minds of their own and can be a bit too brave!