Patterdale Terriers *UPDATE*

catlou

If I was you I would do some direct fishing if you think there is a possibility that she is not moving that there is some other reason she is "getting rid".

Maybe just ask her outright - tell her you are happy to take the dog but would like to know all about it good & BAD??

or

In a round about way if something comes up in conversation you could jokingly say so that's why you aren't keeping the dog and see her reaction.

As for the housetraining my pup was a nightmare and still having accidents until about 9 months, we did everything you are supposed to but he just didn't seem to get it he would have a wee outside and then do one inside 15 minutes later? We never quite figured how it all was going so wrong......

BUT I'm glad to say he's fine now so maybe some dogs just take a LOT longer to get it!? Although he so was quick at learning other things - It's still a mystery really!!

Hope it all goes ok!

EmptyPockets

An update for you:

The meeting went ahead as planned. When we arrived and knocked on the door, there was no barking, no trying to get through the door and eat us, which I took as an early success

Once we were inside he appeared from in the bedroom. The way he greeted us as total strangers I will never forget. Ran over to us wagging his tail furiously, licked us and kissed us, demanded a belly-scratch, cuddled up to us - it was honestly the most affectionate display I've ever seen from a dog.

We did a lot of fishing and I asked tons of questions. It turns out that the woman has been through a relationship break-up, which is why she has to move. She has children and simply can't afford to wait and wait until a house comes up where she can keep a dog. We asked where she will be moving to and she told us - I didn't once get the impression that she was lying to us. He's vaccinated and he's microchipped.

Anyway... to cut a long story short... We're going to have him :eek:

He couldn't have looked any happier or healthier, I was completely impressed. He certainly needs to be taught some manners and he needs to know who the boss is, but I'm confident that we will do well by him. He's a massive bundle of energy and I'm looking forward to channeling that energy in a more productive way for him. Last night we went and bought a crate. She said he's been in a crate a few times and didn't bat an eye to it. The crate will mainly be for car travelling so we can take him to some of the massive parks around us. Tonight we're going to get him a few bits, like the treat ball mentioned by GonzoAston.

Thanks to all of you who offered advice and experience, I took it all onboard. I promise you I did use my head and not my heart lastnight: I told hubby before we went in not to get his hopes up, because if I had any doubts or niggling worries then we wouldn't be going ahead.

We pick him up on Sunday morning.

So... what do you think?

Caffca

EmptyPockets wrote: »

So... what do you think?

Absolutely fantastic. :j


Sounds like she was a genuine owner in a genuinely difficult situation trying to do the best by her family and dog.

The dog sounds lovely and am certain with some consistent training that you and OH are no doubt capable of he will be a joy for you both.

Good luck to all 3 of you. I am sure you are going to have a great time together and the fun and laughter he brings back to your home will more than make up for the odd hiccup you have settling him in and getting his training up to scratch.

EmptyPockets

Caffca wrote: »

Absolutely fantastic. :j


Sounds like she was a genuine owner in a genuinely difficult situation trying to do the best by her family and dog.

The dog sounds lovely and am certain with some consistent training that you and OH are no doubt capable of he will be a joy for you both.

Good luck to all 3 of you. I am sure you are going to have a great time together and the fun and laughter he brings back to your home will more than make up for the odd hiccup you have settling him in and getting his training up to scratch.

Thanks very much! I do admit to being quite nervous, but only for all the right reasons. We both want to give this lad a great life, just like our Suki had. I hope she will be looking down on us and smiling.

meerkat2007

EmptyPockets wrote: »

Thanks very much! I do admit to being quite nervous, but only for all the right reasons. We both want to give this lad a great life, just like our Suki had. I hope she will be looking down on us and smiling.

I'm absolutely sure she will . Fabulous news, I'm so pleased for you and the dog!

Caffca

Being nervous is good - it means you think and care about what you are doing.

I am sure Suki will approve. She wouldn't want you to live your life without a canine companion as she knows how much love you have to give to a dog and the only way she could be disappointed would be if you didn't share that love.

On Sunday (at a pinch might allow Monday), I expect to see pictures of new pup and a blow by blow account of how he is settling in. Have a feeling that it's going to be more chaotic than when I brought my two home - within 15 minutes of arrival, they had inspected the back yard, ground floor, met the cat and were both fast asleep on the sofa!

EmptyPockets

I'll post pictures, promise

hethmar

Wonderful news, sounds a lovely friendly dog for you As you are happy to do a lot of exercise, may be you should look at an agility or fly ball club for you all to join?

Whats his name by the way.

Im sure your girl will be wagging her little tail that you are giving your love to a dog that needs it, just as you did for her xxx


Oh when you get him, get his microchip papers from her - you will have to change the address on the data base wont you and his vaccination card. You may want to get a long training lead for him aswell (not the retractable ones, a proper training one).

EmptyPockets

hethmar wrote: »

Wonderful news, sounds a lovely friendly dog for you As you are happy to do a lot of exercise, may be you should look at an agility or fly ball club for you all to join?

Whats his name by the way.

Im sure your girl will be wagging her little tail that you are giving your love to a dog that needs it, just as you did for her xxx

Thank you hethmar. I am going to look into agility or similar to see what is available in our area, don't know where to start though as it's not something we've ever paid much attention to (never needed/wanted to).

He has a really cool name, well we think it's cool, but I'll save it for the introductions - will post pictures on Sunday and let you know then :cool: !!

EmptyPockets

I have asked her to have his vaccination card ready for when we pick him up. I think she said to hubby at one point that she had lost the microchip paperwork, but we both live close to the vet where it was done so I have given her all of our details and asked if she will pop in and get them changed. If she doesn't do it before Sunday, and we haven't got the papers, how do we go about changing the details once we have him..?