springer spaniels?

potsofmoney_(I_wish)

Hi all,
I've been on here before to ask about getting a rescue dog with kids. My immediate neighbour has got a lovely springer spaniel who she isn't coping with, due to her health problems he doesn't get many walks. I've agreed to exercise him for her as and when and she has been hinting that she wants to rehome him. I know he's good with kids and cats and he is a lovely dog.

I hadn't planned on getting a dog until next year as my twin boys are just two. I wanted to find out more about them as a breed. I thought they could be quite hectic. I imagine their easy to train being traditional working dogs. Any thoughts or advice would be hugely appreciated. I know what a big commitment a dog is and don't want to rush into anything.

On the positive side I'm really looking forward to walking him and getting to know him a bit more that way. There's also the possibility that she may change her mind.

LillyJ

They are lovely dogs in my opinion, but they are very hard work. They need tons of excercise and are generally pretty clever so while they can be easy to train they may run rings around you when you try to discipline them! Though they may have been well trained by the previous owner. I think the normal advice is don't leave any child under 6 alone with a dog, no matter how nice the dog is. However you should introduce your kids to the dog ASAP and see how they all react. You also need to make sure your kids know how to treat pets, as they sometimes don't get that they aren't cuddly toys and that they can't be pulled around or cuddled every time they want to.

yummymsmummy

potsofmoney - I have a 2 yr old daughter, and we have just adopted a retired Greyhound. I'm absolutely certain i made the right choice - he's loving, gentle, enjoys his walks and most importantly, he's great with my little one.

Whichever breed you do go for, be aware that the dog will benefit from its own space to retreat to (we're using safety gates) - as LillyJ said, young children don't always understand that they need time out just like we do!

potsofmoney_(I_wish)

"You also need to make sure your kids know how to treat pets, as they sometimes don't get that they aren't cuddly toys and that they can't be pulled around or cuddled every time they want to."

we've recently rehomed 2 cats for that reason. We have a safety gate where the cats are fed and the boys are not allowed to be with the cats without supervision. They are at that difficult age, and I do think it's going to take a while before they learn. It just worries me that a dog is more dependant on their "pack" than a cat. Our cats have got each other and don't seem to mind that they get the majority of fusses in the evening. when they can go out it will be even better for them. (2 weeks to go!) :j

I don't think the dog has had any training, I did go round tonight to take him out but no one was in.

LillyJ

potsofmoney_(I_wish) wrote: »

"You also need to make sure your kids know how to treat pets, as they sometimes don't get that they aren't cuddly toys and that they can't be pulled around or cuddled every time they want to."

we've recently rehomed 2 cats for that reason. We have a safety gate where the cats are fed and the boys are not allowed to be with the cats without supervision. They are at that difficult age, and I do think it's going to take a while before they learn. It just worries me that a dog is more dependant on their "pack" than a cat. Our cats have got each other and don't seem to mind that they get the majority of fusses in the evening. when they can go out it will be even better for them. (2 weeks to go!) :j

I don't think the dog has had any training, I did go round tonight to take him out but no one was in.

It depends on the dog, with my dog you can pull at him, bear hug him and tug him all you like and he wouldn't snap. My neices who are 3 and 4 grab at him and touch his nose and paws and he just sits there with a grin on his face. It is just his manner. But most dogs I know are not like that, and need time on their own.
My dog also does not suffer from any food agression, you can take away his bowl when he is eating and he will just look at you with sad eyes as if to say "what have I done to deserve that?" But alot of dogs may see a child with a piece of toast for instance as a challenge!

Jummy

We have a 5 month old springer called Bella and she is just BRILLIANT!!
We couldn't have asked for a more loving,loyal and well trained little girlie.
We have an autistic son and Bella is fantastic with him.
My son talks to bella as if she is human and he really loves her too bits.
She loves her walks and is great off the lead but not so good on the lead but we are working on that.
She was toilet trained in a month and sleeps in her crate at night with no problems.
Good luck if you do decide to have the dog.

foreign_correspondent

Yes, springers are normally bouncy, lively high energy dogs, but you are in the best position to assess his temprement and behaviour and see how he is with your kids.

Do teach the kids how to treat him though - not to make sudden moves at him, or grab at him, or to pat him on the head, but to talk to him gently, give him the odd treat, and stroke him on the side till he has got to know them better!

The only thing I would be careful of is that the neighbour is sure about letting you have him, and if she is, and you decide to take him, perhaps getting somthing signed to say she has passed ownership on to you if you are at all worried she may later want to claim him back.
best of luck,
fc x

vickyj

I have a 2 year old springer called Rosie who is fab. I will stress one thing. If ythere is no where local to excercise the dog OFF the lead locally then dont get her. Without the option to run like mad for a bit there is a strong chance your house will become a war zone.
They have really active minds and unless they havesomething to think about al the time they can get destructive.
They are so easy to train with the right classes. Clicker training wors very well with any age group and is available in most areas.
Also you will need to think about insurance springers are too crazy not to have this as getting a broken leg or two is not unusual. insurance for our girly is £8pm with direct line.
Springers are normaly bomb proof with kids. I have a 4yo 8yo &9yo and she is superb with tham all.
HTH
Vicky

vickyj

BTW as poster above said Crate trainins is essential for them.

LittleTinker

I have a Springer girl....Millie

Shes as mad as a hatter.....she loves people and always gets excited when someone comes in. She loves toys and chewys and games to play.

I have never had such an easy to train dog.......recall was so easy!

She has been the least destructive dog I have ever known.

She is brilliant with kids....my granddaughter uses Millie as a soft beanbag lol

and she is great with the cats......one cat regularly gives her massages and another loves to curl up with her and snuggle lol

They arent too big or too small and they dont really bark much (or shouldnt) because the bark has been 'trained' out of them.

Fantastic dogs for yourself and for kids.....I highly recommend

Edit to add: I think a dog is easier to handle the longer they have had to play with their sibblings. I got Millie when she was about 11 weeks old and had had the vital ear nip play that dogs need

Quietgirl

I have a springer, he is a soft as a brush, brilliant with my 6 year old, they are very close she dances with him with his paws on her shoulders. He is crazy tho always looking for mischeif. He is very affectionate and loving. He is less than a year old the only thing which annoys me with him is his appetite, and the way he is always jumping up. I stop him, make him sit and then tell him he's a good boy which makes him jump up again. His nature is very placid.