Needings Some Help

[Elsha_UK_AU]

I bought a 13 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel back in late January from a breeder. She'd intended to show him but he'd not taken to it and he'd had one failed placing with a buyer who ended up being allergic to his long hair (very old lady). We had originally wanted 2 pups (as we work, we thought 2 would keep each other company) and we just love the breed. Anyway we decided to buy him. He is very timid, shy and is frightened of some people - mainly young children, especially if they raise their voices around him. That being said, he was house trained, got used to us very quickly and is now devoted to us and he is a cuddler We will however have to take him to see a behavourist and take him to training classes as he does not understand commands such as "Sit" "Stay" etc.

Last weekend our 10 week pup (same breed) came home. At first they didn't get on and sometimes the pup terrorises the older dog...but right now they are chasing eachother round the back garden for a stuffed elephant

Anyway, I wouldn't discount an older dog - even with the challenges I face with mine, he is at the end of the day past the whole housebreaking, chewing everything stage and every day with him is just lovely :D

Susan

[dee lee]

Sounds like a great decision!

We adopted our dog last year when she was nearly 3. She has slotted into our lives perfectly and I wouldn't hesitate to get an older dog again!

Much easier than a pup if you get a well socialised stable dog.

[sandgrubber]

As a breeder, I rarely part with an older dog without shedding a tear. But if you keep keeping a puppy, you end out with too many dogs, and some of them would be happier being in a one or two dog family and getting lots of attention.

I think it's a good idea to make sure you can do a 'try out' . . . and return the dog after a week or two if you and the adopted dog don't work out. In my experience, adoptions work well and the trial period is merely a safety valve for both the breeder and the adopter. If the try-out option is available, I think a lot of people would be happier with adopting an older dog than a young pup.

[persephone]

Sounding as if it may be the right thing for you both

[jess live die]

Sounding as if it may be the right thing for you both

i agree

im so excited now have to wait waiting is so hard

[iggy mum]

I have an iggy and just over two weeks ago I adopted a little minpin X chi girl from Blacktown Pound. She is 20 months old and I had no clue if she would take to my iggy or my two cats. Nor did I have any idea of what training, if any, she had. It turns out that in the two weeks I've had her, she is now potty trained and is going on demand [no accidents after the first few days], she has learnt sit, off, out, wait [for dinner or treats], no, good girl, come but we are still having a little trouble with stay and drop. Hopefully this will come together soon. She is now not chasing/growling at the cats, not barking at all, but may still have a cry/little bark if left alone for a short time, and we'll be working on that. She and my iggy have become great friends, still not playing much but they do curl up to sleep together, only clashes are with bones but that is getting better too. So as far as I'm concerned my little rescue girl has been a complete success and a total delight. I can't believe that not one person showed any interest in her at all whilst she was in the pound as she is such an affectionate and placid girl just wanting to please All I can say is thank Dog I saved her.

Anyway, your new doggie sound just perfect for you and I'm sure you are doing the right thing by adopting him. Piccies please as soon as you bring him home. Congratulations and good luck.

Edited March 22, 2010 by iggy mum

[iggy mum]

Duplicate post in error - sorry

Edited March 22, 2010 by iggy mum

[iggy mum]

Another duplicate post in error, damn computers tricking me lol!!!

Edited March 22, 2010 by iggy mum