which dog for me?

bouncydog1

Haven't read all the way through and you may be partly sorted - however as a long-term cocker owner (over 20 years) thought I would give my two pennorth!

Cockers are great little dogs - BUT - they need daily grooming. You also need to keep the hair on their feet trimmed, ears trimmed, make sure that they don't get matts in their armpits etc. etc.

They also need a lot of exercise and generally love mud, water and anything disgusting - rolling on a dead hedgehog was one particularly memorable experience. They will eat anything they can pinch - on one occasion we saw our dog in the garden with what appeared to be membrane hanging from it's bottom - on passing it was discovered it had stolen and eaten a packed of ready packed sausages and the end result was the undigested wrapping!!

However that said they make the most wonderful companions, but you have to be aware that dogs do not sit around and look great - you have to put the work in to get them that way. They also live for many years - one of ours was 14 when he passed away.

You also have to be prepared to be able to meet the costs if your dog gets an unexpected illness - our last girl developed a tumour at the top of her stomach when she was 9 which cost several hundred poounds for the couple of week's treatment from when she first became ill to when we had to have her PTS because there was nothing the vets could do.

That said, going into owning a cocker with your eyes wide open and realistic expectations and being prepared to put the work in, will result in a lifelong companion and all the joys that brings.

flexrider

In respect to the op i have been a dog lover and owner for some time. My favorate type of dogs are mostly small dogs such as Westy dogs(Westland or scottish terrior dog) We own 2 dogs of this breed. will Throw up a picture later of them. But very playful and loyal one of our dogs is called nelly.We have had her trained since she was young to be obiedent and would reccomaned it also because i noticed in a previous post you mentioned about being pulled by the dog in question all round the place,

From my experience when a dog pulls you around it is because it has pent-up energy and needs to be taught who is the alpha-male since most dogs like to follow in pact sometimes. plenty of videos on youtube to see this in action. Long walks and such releives pent up energies and behavioural problems such as boredom.

Anyway reason i mention the westy dogs is because there fantastic dogs. Full of characther and life.

Love our dogs when they stand on two feet up looking at me and i know they do it to play or want attension.

and very playfull with the kids also when my two were young my son used to kick the football about with friends and the dog was the main striker in five a side by stealing the ball from them and running off with it back into our house.very funny times back then. cost alot for footballs to me youngest son for christmas.

Funny dogs we have our two, They seem to talk in their sleep (Well a little grunt but worth it) we sometimes think he is dreaming of a big bone or something,things like that any dog lover would tell you makes the whole experience worth while.

hethmar

Cullumpster wrote: »

[IMG][/img] my Clive

Clive and Margaret [IMG][/img]

Absolutely beautiful photos, many thanks for those. I reckon Clive and Margaret's should be on a calendar, its so lovely xxx

suki1964

bouncyd!!! wrote: »

They also need a lot of exercise and generally love mud, water and anything disgusting - rolling on a dead hedgehog was one particularly memorable experience. They will eat anything they can pinch - on one occasion we saw our dog in the garden with what appeared to be membrane hanging from it's bottom - on passing it was discovered it had stolen and eaten a packed of ready packed sausages and the end result was the undigested wrapping!!

So reminds me of my last lad. Now for years we had been able to trust him in the house and he wouldnt touch a thing - till the night before christmas eve. I had put wee bowls of roses and quality street out around the house then had to pop out delivering gifts for a few hours. Came back - sure enough the wee sod had scoffed the lot - perhaps about a pound of chocolate :eek: Emergency trip to the vet (out of hours - way expensive) where he was given charchol and for two days after he had the most amazing coloured poos ever as out came the wrappers :rotfl:

Luckily he was a big sturdy dog and although he ate a lot of chocolates the vet thought there was very little actual chocolate eaten and he survived

Another time one night we were out walking and he made a dive and grab for something, I stuck me fingers in to get it back cos he wasnt giving it up - and found a sheeps eye :eek: What was worse about that was I lived in London at the time and theres not that many sheep to be seen

Yes grooming is a MUST, esp when the grass is in full seed. Damage grass seed can do to cockers needs to be seen. Now we live here I have this lad clipped clean. Wayyyyyyyy too much cow poo, dead sheep and foxes to be rolled in

Cullumpster

ahh thanks yeah I love that picture, Margaret is older now but they still sleep together in Clives bed at bedtime, he's a big softie, loves loads of attention.

VanMan2007

I would adopt Clive and Margaret!

Or a rescue dog. What if your chosen "prescriptive" dog fails to live up to expectation?

Rescue a dog and love him/her for any faults and failings - you had kids, right? He/she may not have the "attitude" of a pedigree, but it will have gratitude in spades.

If you have the wrong attitude, you will mess up the best dog in the world; if you have the right attitude, you will build the best dog in the world.

I know having retired the decision is all about you: but why not make it a little bit about them?

meritaten

OP - I bet you are confused right now - ALL breeds have their devotees. Can I suggest you go with your gut instinct. Visit some reputable breeders of your favoured breeds - but recognise that dogs have personalities too? the breed characteristics are a good indicatator - but dogs are individuals and you may find that when you actually meet them - they either delight or disappoint.
I wasnt a fan of Westies - but a neighbour over the road had one that was a little gem - everyone loved her - even my OH used to stop and play with her! (the Westie not the nieghbour), I thought she was a one off - then my next door neighbour does doggie day care for her sons two Westies - and I am converted! they are lovely little dogs!

hethmar

My beautiful boys, both rescue dogs:

OnAndUp

Lovely photo hethmar!

Are they looking up at you longingly or did you have food in your hand which would be the case if it was my dog!! :rotfl:

hethmar

I think I had a ball in my hand actually - my son took the photo on his phone camera. But I just wanted to show that all rescue dogs arent mad devil dogs