amebel

Thanks for your replies, I have spoken to the breeder, and we will be returning him to them tomorrow. I feel terrible about it all, but its the best for everyone. I know this sounds horribly crude, but should we expect the money we paid for him, or part of it back? He was $650 Thanks for your replies again, you have all been so nice and reassured my judgement that I'm doing the right thing.

Yes, the breeder was aware of our childrens ages. Kind of makes me wonder a bit, as I would never have gotten him if I had have known what was involved, as she would be well aware!

Thanks so much for your quick and kind responses, I thought I'd get flamed! I am definetely in way over my head here. I'm a bit emotional and sleep deprived, as I've been getting up to the puppy every half hour as well as feeding my daughter overnight! To answer some questions- Yes, we got him from a registered breeder. We have only had him for 5 days, and I feel that if we can't tale care of him, it is best to take him back to the breeder while he is young. I have been praising him for being quiet, but it is rare. His crying eventually wakes up the kids, so I tend to give into him and let him in. I know this is only teaching him to continue crying! We would like him to learn to sleep outside eventually, as our yard is very secure and has heaps of room. The crying is what has put us off leaving him out there, as he is much worse if he's outside. I've put newspaper down for him but he still refuses to go on it. I have noticed that he is going back to the same places, so perhaps I need to use a different cleaner. I see a lot of people recommend an enzyme laundry powder? I use Omo, will that work? I really would like to keep him, he is beautiful and has a lovely nature, but I also want what is best for him and for our family!

Hello, We have just gotten a male english cocker spaniel, and he's driving me insane! He is 8.5 weeks old, and I'm starting to wonder if he is suitable for our family. He cries constantly, if I leave the room he cries immediately, and he cries all night. We have had him for 5 nights now, and its not getting better. We had him in a basket next to our bed, but he cried all night. We then put him in the laundry with blankets, a towel given to us by the breeder with his litters scent, a cuddly toy, and water, and he howls no matter what we do. I praise him when he is quiet, and say 'no' firmly when he barks, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. He also refuses to go to the toilet outside, he will only do it on the carpet. At night I spend about 15 minutes in the backyard with him, but he just won't do anything, so I put him back in the laundry, and he starts crying again to go out. He has not done a single wee or poo outside since we got him, only ever on the carpet. I find it very hard to catch him in the act, or watch for the signs, as often I will be breastfeeding my youngest and he wees on the carpet and there's not much I can do about it. In fact he has just had his lunch outside and walked back inside to do a big poo and wee on the carpet. He is also constantly biting my daughters. I know this is normal for a pup, but they both don't like him now because of it. They are both young, 19 months and 3 months old. I can't put the baby on the floor as he chews her feet, and sratches her head. He does the same with my eldest, but this morning he latched onto her hair and wouldn't let go. She now runs away from him, or yells 'no!' at him and hits him. I don't know what to do, I have been crying this morning, as he is so gorgeous and he is meant to be a friend for our children, but I am seriously considering whether this puppy is the best thing for our family (and my sanity). My husband works very long hours, and is basically never at home, so I am doing this pretty muchon my own. I really would appreciate your advice