What would you do?

doodledo_2

Just after some opinions really, no wrong or right answer.

We have the chance of getting a springer spaniel puppy from a family friend.

The dilemma is its going to cost us £200, I think this is a good price though.

So weighing up the pros and cons I am undecided. My heart is telling me to do it though lol.

Pros

- We have always wanted one
- Exercise for all the family - as an overweight mum I need it lol
- I think it would be a fantastic addition to our family and a "friend" for my 3 year old.

Cons

- all I can think of as ever is the money side. The original outlay might not be too bad as mum has said she will give us some towards it as an early xmas pressie but then there is the monthly upkeep which to be honest I have no idea what it would be.

My heart is saying go for it. We can afford it as we both work full time but we would need to maybe rejig things a bit. An obvious way to cover it would be me to not buy so many takeaways lol.

All I keep thinking is of family trips out with the dog and getting us all some much needed exercise, seeing my little girl running round playing ball etc

So what would you do?

Lucy1982_2

Have you had a look at how much pet insurance is going to cost? Food doesn't have to be expensive, and dried food can be bought in large bags and lasts for a while, and there are often offers on pet food.

But has a former springer owner... get one they are fab!

pania

hey hon, all i'd say is look at the parents. have they ever had hip problems? if no then you'd prob be safe but if yes then steer clear and get one from a breeder that has parents with tested hip and eye scores. Although more common in the larger breeds hip dysplasia can occur in small dogs (my mums westie had it as we didn't know enough then to check) and that is the single most expensive thing your new pup may throw at you unless you check uit out first.
Springers are amazing versatile fantastic little dogs to have, they are absolute exocet missiles but give them some work to do, even hiding a treat under 4 cups and they love it! mental stimulation is sometimes just as tiring for them as physical exercise.
As a pub they will nip and mouth until they learn not to. is your daughter old enough to understand that?
If so then go for it!!! and if you ever want any free training give me a yell, i'm after some case studies for my course in september!!!!
xxx

pania

pub??????????? sorry i meant PUP!!!

doodledo_2

Thanks Lucy.

Just looked via Quidco and ranges from £6 - £11 a month dependent on cover and with a £20 cashback. So not too bad.

misspoppy

I'm sorry but I can't see any good reason why anyone should pay £200 for a dog, there are so many rescue dogs and cats that need homes. We are currently getting a cat from cats protection, she will be neutered, vacinated and micro chipped and all they ask for is a £50 donation.
You will be paying £200 and will need to pay for all of those costs on top and puppies destroy things can you afford to pay to replace things? My puppy ate wall paper, furniture, carpet tiles, lino and dug into the concrete in the kitchen, she then started on the kitchen doors. You both work full time so who will keep the puppy occupied during the day? My puppy was only left alone between 8am and 2pm and she still did all that and there was some damage every day for about 6 months.

Think hard.

doodledo_2

Pania thanks for the advice much appreciated I know you are a lady in the know when it comes to dogs.

I am pretty sure they don't have any issues as I know the dogs already but I will definately ask those questions. I know both the parents too which is helpful and know both of them are well looked after family dogs not just breeding machines.

I may well take you up on that training offer.

My little girl is 3.5 so I think she will understand fingers crossed. She understood about my new niece and having to wait whilst it was in my SIL tummy etc. She is quite astute so I am hoping if we explain everything to her she will be ok.

She is a pretty tough child as well and very rough and tumble so I can't see any problems with her being scared of the dog if it is a bit lively.

We are fortunate too that me and hubby work alternating shifts so will always be someone at home with it as well.

count_rostov

If you both work full time, would the puppy be by itself a lot? House training is soooooo difficult at the best of times and even more so if you're not around to be consistent.

doodledo_2

misspoppy wrote: »

I'm sorry but I can't see any good reason why anyone should pay £200 for a dog, there are so many rescue dogs and cats that need homes. We are currently getting a cat from cats protection, she will be neutered, vacinated and micro chipped and all they ask for is a £50 donation.
You will be paying £200 and will need to pay for all of those costs on top and puppies destroy things can you afford to pay to replace things? My puppy ate wall paper, furniture, carpet tiles, lino and dug into the concrete in the kitchen, she then started on the kitchen doors. You both work full time so who will keep the puppy occupied during the day? My puppy was only left alone between 8am and 2pm and she still did all that and there was some damage every day for about 6 months.

Think hard.

Thanks for your comments.

There is always someone at home we both work full time for the police alternating shifts so whilst one works one is at home so it would never be on its own.

If we ever need to go out as a family the dog will either come or my parents will have it so this would never be an issue.

I totally understand your comments regarding a rescue dog and as someone who had three previous rescue dogs when growing up I can see both sides of the coin.

We bought a rescue dog as a puppy, we didn't know his breed, we didn't know his history. We were told he was a labrador, well he grew up and was a irish wolfhound cross, he was so big I used to be able to ride on his back.

He had many issues and ended up on doggy prozac for his whole life. He didn't like men and caused my parents many issues.

Do I want to take this risk with a 3.5 year old child, basically no I don't. I want to have a dog I know 100% where it came from, its parentage and one I can nuture from a pup to be an asset to my family.

misspoppy

Hi
I just wanted to say that puppies are distructive and costly so think hard. I'm not going to get into a disucssion about my puppy I was just using her as an example.

Following my experience I won't have another puppy I loved that dog to death and she grew up into a lovey dog and didn't distroy things after about 14 months but its challenging and if money is tight its something to think about.

dottyanne

Hi doodledoo, i think it might be worth going for, we have a dog and shes nearly 6 now, she was s bit destructive as a pup but like you say theres someone to cover that, between you and OH so that shouldnt be too much of a problem.

Let us know what you decide - i cant resist puppies - they are soo cute!!! :-)