Collected rescue Springer Spaniel. Ongoing advice needed.

Loopy_Girl

Remember and post a pic up when you get her

elsien

My advice on rescue dogs generally is start as you mean to go on, on the rules front. When I got my dog, I was told that people generally give them a few weeks to settle in, but they've got you sussed within a fortnight and run rings round you forever more. (Although that might just be me and my appalling dog training.:D )
Obviously that doesn't apply if the dog has real problems, but it doesn't hurt them to know where they stand from day one with regards to where they're allowed to go and what they're allowed to do.
Otherwise you seem to be pretty organised, so enjoy!

billieboy_2

Re nappy bags presumably these are for poos? I got 150 doggy bags for £1 from the pound shop the other day.

Good luck with yours - ours (Billie) is eight now and I think he is finally calming down a bit :rotfl: . Still goes off on one occasionally though, chasing ducks in the local lake, etc. He's very affectionate and understands so many words! My only problem with him is he chases squirrels, birds, ducks, rabbits, etc, and has occasionally caught them :eek: . And on occasion, I've had to finish them off :eek: . One other thing, they need loads of exercise which I find great as it's an excuse for me to go out walking (and blackberrying at this time of year:D ). Ahhh, let us see a photo of her when you get her home.

suki1964

Pop socks on show spainel ears is to stop the grass seed - nightmare during the summer

Do you know if shes show or working breed?

If shes show shes going to be needing regular grooming so you will need to get her used to being handled everywhere - including between the toes and they are very sensitive there and hate it. I find that when they are relaxed and settled for a cuddle is the best time, handle firmly but gently - any warning growls then stop where you are, calm her and move to another spot - going back to the area she didnt like touched again in a while. Never stop on a growl,stop on a good bit

Hopefully you have the same food as shes used to already, as pboae has already said - too many changes (esp food) will be too much - introduce new things slowly
Its a spring thing is a fantastic rescource - go join, theres nothing they dont know about spaniels on there

fedupnow

Hi

Lucky you!!!

We have a welsh springer who is almost 3. We have had her since she was tiny.. chucked in a hedge with her brothers and sisters in a bag :mad: .... and I cannot imagine life without her. She is totally adorable.

She is not manic or mad like I thought Spaniels were, she is quiet and loving. She lays at my feet wherever I am and half way up our stairs overnight... she isn't allowed UP stairs so she gets as close as she is allowed.

Very easy to train and just loves to learn more all the time. She watches me working in the kitchen and I swear she is thinking "ok, I can do that, I'll do that next time" lol. She has never chewed anything that hasn't been given to her for that purpose. She was trained through play as food has never been a big motivator....... we used to reward her with a treat and she would appear all pleased to receive it and then just drop it at our feet. Loves fetch. I don't think she would know how to bite anybody. Get's on well with other animals, dogs, cats, horses and even my neighbours rabbit. Haven't risked her with chickens though.

She does have a 3 mile walk every afternoon .... without fail... every day!!! no exceptions whatever the occasion or weather. It's good for me and her.

I've got carried away....... but she is my pride and joy... I love her to bits.

child359

Thanks everyone for the tips and ideas!!!

I was told today to put natural yoghurt in the Kong and freeze it. Then it takes them ages to lick it out and natural yoghurt is good for something (but I can't remember what she said it was good for now!)

I had planned on bathing her the first night so I won't be doing that now!!!

I had asked the rescue centre what food she was on so I could carry it on but they just said " a mixture of both! no particular brand-any really"
I have been told that rescue places just use what they are donated hence why they don't state what food it was!

I have a picture on my mobile so will see if I can get that of and post it on here!

I shall be looking at that website

MrsTinks

Yes it's common for rescues to feed whatever people have donated - i've donated a fair few sacks over the years if it's disagreed with either the dog or the cats tummies...
The yoghurt should be natural LIVE yoghurt but I wouldn't introduce it just yet - basically it's good for their guts but I personally don't bother with it at least not if they don't have a wind problem to start with

Dennis99

I would recommend getting this book:



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Rescue-Dog-About-Re-homing/dp/1874092885

child359

Dennis99 wrote: »

I would recommend getting this book:



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Rescue-Dog-About-Re-homing/dp/1874092885

I have just purchased it, thankyou :A

MRSCARNEY

We have 3 Springers , all currently lying next to me on the settee, I have to keep cleaning the dog hairs out of my laptop :rotfl:

They are fabulous dogs and although they have a reputation for being mad they aren't really.

Springers are very trainable and they are working dogs, They love to retrieve and find things. Make training a game and just do 10 minutes at a time. Once you have trained your dog to come back to you when you call or whistle then the best thing you can do is find a wood or a field where there are lots of bushes, trees and muddy puddles. Springers need to be excercised in an open space with lots of good smells for them to follow.

They are loving and affectionate and just the best dogs in the world. Our 3 are working dogs but they still sleep on the bed with us every night. I can't imagine not having Springers in my life.

Being a rescue dog you may come across various problems but with time and patience and lots of love and reassurance I am sure you can overcome them all.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with your new four legged friend. I get so much pleasure from our dogs just watching them running around the woods or along the beach with their tails wagging and their nose to the ground.