My wife and I have recently decided to look seriously into getting our first dog. Our current thinking is that a cocker spaniel would be ideal as they are good natured dog. Also as they are a small(ish) dog we foresee no problems with providing more than adequate exercise and housing for one. As my wife works in a college we would like to be able to get our puppy at the beginning of the academic holidays as this would mean that the puppy would not be alone for long at all in at least the first seven weeks or so of us having it.

Clearly we've got literally tons of questions which we will hopefully be asking of the breeder. But the most important first question is whether anyone can inform us of any breeders in Yorkshire (preferably East) where we maybe able to acquire our first puppy.

Hope you can Help.

Nigel Cass.

Nigel

I can certainly give you some contact numbers but it will have to be later when i am back at home, haven't got them with me at work sorry.

Pam n the boys

As Pam is a Yorkshire lass, I'll let her give you the contact numbers for Yorkshire breeders :-)

I would just like to give you a word of warning about your wife spending a lot of time with a puppy for the first 7 weeks or so, then all of a sudden, this attention isn't there when your wife resumes work in September. A lot of people think that spending a lot of time with a puppy to begin with will help it settle but it also means that a puppy will get used to lots of attention & problems can occur when this attention is reduced eg problems with separation anxiety resulting in barking/howling/destructive behaviour. I personally think a puppy needs to get into a routine of being alone for a reasonable period each day (not too long obviously) right from the start - he/she will then find it easier to adapt to your wife's working hours later on (as long as they are not too long of course)

Jane

Thanks Jane :D You also took the words out of my mouth about the 7 weeks attention and then separation.

Nigel - When my boys were babies I took two weeks with them and even during that time we left them alone for half an hour at first and gradually building it up. It's hard but is better for the pup in the end.

As for breeders - If you contact the breed club secretaries:-

Yorkshire Cocker club - Mr D Shields - 01845 577764
Rotherham and District Cocker club - Mr Alan Curry - 01757 708105

They tend to know good breeders who are due to have or already have a litter available. You may well have to go on a waiting list. My Older boys breeder is from the Leeds area - near the airport and breeds good quality dogs - If you let me know which part of Yorkshire you're interested in, I'll mail you privately some direct contact details.
hth

Pam n the boys

Hi Pammy

I read your reply to the couple who want a cocker spaniel who live in Yorkshire. I also live in Leeds and would love to contact a breeder of golden cocker spaniels. Hope you can help.

Shirley - I have replied to your request on another thread.

Pam n co