New addition to the mad house

lee111s

As if having Lenny, an 8 month springer lad wasn't mental enough, I've just got this little lad. He's a sprocker named Sid and is just too damn cute!





Here there are having their first meal together last night

krlyr

Good luck..you'll probably need it! The photo isn't showing up, but is the new addition also a puppy? If so, I would really stress the need to do lots of individual training with them, teaching them to work independently, also teaching them to be apart from each other. Two puppies at the same time can work, but it can also be a recipe for disaster..it's not just twice the amount of work, because they can bounce off each other and learn naughty habits that they may not pick up individually. Especially as Lenny is going to reach that second spell of naughtiness (and also possibly a second fear stage..so do watch that you don't lapse on his training and socialisation in favour of Sid - http://www.recycler.com/blog/pets/the-second-fear-stage.php)

If Sid isn't a pup..well, they're still both pretty active breeds, so good luck retaining your sanity :rotfl:

lee111s

Yeah sorted the photos now, tried to link from my instagram but doesn't seem the forum liked it!

He is a pup yeah, Lenny is super well behaved and hasn't really had a naughty phase as such. I'll be doing lots of training with them on their own, Lenny is crate trained so will be able to put him in there while teaching new pup some stuff and vice versa!

When Sid is old enough to go outside I'll start taking them out individually to start with and after a week or so start alternating so one day out together, next day on their own, more so that the puppy learns to be without Lenny on the walk and doesn't get too reliant on him.

We started sit training this morning and he's picked it up quickly as expected from a spaniel breed!

I know I'll have my work cut out but I work from home so have plenty time to edcuate both of them. Lenny has been such a dream puppy and really is very well behaved and he just loves to play with others!

krlyr

You know you've jinxed it now, Lenny's going to hit that teenage phase tomorrow :rotfl:

Kikopup does some good videos on teaching more than one dog, which may be worth a watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfRrBH_beX8

I would also take a look at her video on teaching dogs to be left alone - with you working from home, it's especially important to remember to take time out to teach the dogs to be left alone on occasions. Even if you're not a social butterfly, out every weekend, there will be times when you leave the dogs - through choice or through necessity - and having dogs that are relaxed when home alone is a huge perk!

I am jealous though..getting to spend all day with not just one, but two puppies!

lee111s

Thanks I'll take a look! I done loads of research about training before I got Lenny, after about 2 weeks he was fine being left in his crate for a few hours. I go to the gym after work and do have a life too, he's fine on his own, even started leaving his crate open in the kitchen for the past month or so and so far so good. I'm hoping that him being around will also help with Sid being left on hos own. With me being home it gives me plenty opportunity to put him in his crate and leave the rolm for a few minutes and increase the length of time as the days and weeks go on.

I'm pretty serious about training, there's nothing worse than seeing a disobedient dog and I will ensure he's the dog I want him to be by keeping up with the training of both of them

krlyr

Sounds like I'm teaching you to suck eggs then! I have two dogs with various issues so know first-hand how difficult it can be with a pair..one of mine was reactive but improved hugely, then the other got a medical condition causing anxiety and became reactive, which set the second one back a bit..getting there with both of them, slowly now. And the medical condition caused separation anxiety with Kiki, which made it a nightmare trying to do some one-on-one training with Casper as Kiki hated being left behind. Like I say, it can be more than twice the work because issues like that crop up because of the dynamics of having two dogs.

lee111s

Fingers crossed then! Glad to hear your two are getting better

neveranymoney

They are both gorgeous! And I think you are crazy!

meritaten

You have a springer who isn't like a child with ADHD! wow - I had thought they were all like my (now deceased) Meg. an absolutely kind, gentle nutcase!
They are both beautiful OP!

lee111s

Yeah I've been around springers before and Lenny is nothing like what I was expecting. He is so laid back in the house, loves training but he's like a different dog once he gets outside!

The first month or so with Sid will be hectic I'm sure but once he and Lenny settle in together I'm hoping it'll be all fun and games!