Puppy Advice (merged)

hotcookie101

Females are not more likely to get cancer than males-but spaying (removing the ovaries and uterus) when young (ideally pre 1st season or just after) reduces the risk of them getting mammary(breast) cancer later on. Obviously no uterine or ovarian cancer either, also no chance of life-threatening uterine infection called pyometra-only treatment is spaying and likely to cost £2-500 MORE than spaying her as a routine(and risk of death ). castrating male dog removes risk of testicular cancer, reduces risk of prostatic disease, and various other hormone-related diseases.
Would recommend spaying or castrating ANY dog you get, unless you really really want to breed pedigree pooches, in which case you need to read up on all your stuff first of all-backyard breeders are not a good thing.
!!!!!es do NOT need to have a litter before spaying (old wives tale completely) and there are way too many unwanted pets to not be responsible and prevent yours getting pregnant
Spaying will stop the seasons-so no bleeding.
males and females personality wise-I say go see the litter/go to rescue and see what you like

Dennis99

Easy decision - do what I did and get one of each!

Kimberley

Having looked after so many dogs i can say that i find males to be more loyal and will always be by your side, thats what i have found anyway.

SallyUK

Dennis99 wrote: »

Easy decision - do what I did and get one of each!

That's the best suggestion I've read so far, Dennis! lol

Seriously, thanks for all the other replies, I'm a lot happier now.

Sal
x

autismmum

girls are more independant, my b!!ch is always running ahead to explore, where as the boy stays much closer, but remember if you plan to have more dogs the femail will alwys be dominant and so u can only happily have one
b!!ch .

Kimberley

autismmum wrote: »

girls are more independant, my b!!ch is always running ahead to explore, where as the boy stays much closer, but remember if you plan to have more dogs the femail will alwys be dominant and so u can only happily have one
b!!ch .

Thats true, the two i have now the b.i.t.c.h is more dominant over the male

Paparika

Yay today after one traveleze and a ginger biccy and an hour wait, and another ginger biccy as he got in the car, little perry managed a short trip without being sick or salivating at the mouth.

Was a short journey that we have done before but no sickness


Well done Perry :j

melanietaylor

Thought I'd suggest a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. I've pasted a little account 'written' by a Wheaten which might be of interest and relevance . They are very bouncy dogs and need quite a lot of grooming but are very affectionate and great fun. The best place for information is the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier web site.

Story from website about a Wheaten's day out on hols:
'I also got to 'play' with a young person with autism. Kate recognised
that the young lady had specfic needs and asked if she wanted to say
hello. The young lady's Mum said that Charlotte was very scared of
dogs. So as Kate and Mum talked I went over and just leaned against
Charlotte. Charlotte looked at me and rubbed my head and squealed
with joy ( don't worry I'm used to being squealed at, and knew I was
working because I had my scarf on. She then told her Mum I was a dog
and made her look. At which point Mum nearly cried - Charlote it
seems doesn't communicate very often and rarely in words. Kate then
showed Charlotte how I will say hello by waving at people. Then
really showed off because when Charlotte said 'Say, Hello' I waved at
her even, though it wasn't very clear. Eventually we left.
Charlotte's Mum is going to look into Pet's for Therapy after Kate
firmly told her that she couldn't take me home!'

keswez

Hi, Has anyone got any advice. I have a 5 month springer spaniel. I have had her since she was eleven weeks old. She is extremely shy and nervous. I have tried to interact her as much as possible. She is fine as long as another dog or person doesn't come up to her otherwise she backs off and barks. I am worried this could turn to aggression if I don't act fast.

Ruffles_2

Enroll her on some puppy classes where she can interact with other dogs and people in a controlled environment.

A few pointers for now though. When she does start to back off or bark give her something to think about eg. sit with plenty of praise when she does and stops reacting. Whatever you do, don't try and comfort her, shout at her or take her away from whatever she's reacting to as this can esculate the problem.

Have her meet people in a controlled manner, maybe offering her treats so she learns to associate people she doesn't know with positive experiences. Again, with other dogs, do you have any friends/family with dogs that are good with pups so she can learn there's nothing to be fearful of?