Thinking of keeping a dog again.

[Johne]

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Hi all.

Since just after xmas this year I have seriously been thinking of getting a dog again. Not had a dog for close on thirty years now, since I was in my late teens/early twenties. So quite out of experience, but have done a huge amount of research & have tried to avoid rushing in & getting the wrong dog. Have actually been to see three now (different breeds) & for one reason or another have held back from getting either of them, even though I liked them all.

So after doing more research & speaking to various owners & deciding what I hope to get out of owning a dog again. I have decided I would like to get a working type Springer Spaniel, due to eventually getting into training & agility training/competitions. As well as a companion I intend taking to work with me on a regular basis.

I still have a couple of concerns & there are two main ones that people I have spoken to are divided on opinion.

1. I would like the dog to go to come to work with me (i'm self employed) in my van Monday-Friday, most days. Now obviously I realise when the warm weather returns i'm not going to be able to leave him/her in the van unattended & also occasionally when i'm at certain jobs it would mean it would be in the van alone for longer periods, so I would most likely leave him at home on those occasions (fairly rare). Now my worry is that he would spend so much time with me, that he would not settle when I did try to leave him at home alone?

2. I would like him to live out in my garage, which will have a dog flap installed into the back door into the garden, so giving him full time access during the day while i'm at work. My garage is integral, so attached to my kitchen & is accessible via my kitchen door. The garage is fully insulated & heated if required. So my worry here is will the dog settle of an evening after walks & at night whilst were relaxing/sleeping. I will build him a wooden crate type kennel for his bed. I would love the dog to share our house, but my wife is very house proud (& has never been used to having pets in the house before) though I hope in time she will eventually come round once she gets to know the dog. She does actually like dogs & the idea of owning & keeping one, but just can't get her head round the idea of it in the house atm. My sons (both in their early twenties) are really keen on having a dog, so plenty of walks of an evening & weekends.

Appreciate any advice/info... Good or bad.

 

[4PawsandClaws.co.uk]

It's great to see such a diligent owner to be spending so much time on your research. It sounds like you will be a great owner, however I would have some concerns. Firstly does this mean the dog will not be allowed in the house at all? Even if your garage is integral they are still not great at temperature regulation and do fluctuate quite a bit. If you are thinking of getting a puppy this will possibly be an issue. Also in the early months of dog training you need to be keeping an eye out constantly for signs of him/her wanting to use the toilet. The earlier you can spot these and move the dog to an appropriate puppy mat/outside the quicker they will pick this up. Personally, unless you have a working dog I do think a dog should be a part of the household rather than it living in a separate annex away from you. Another worry would be that if your wife is so house proud she may not like the mess/possible destruction of the garage when a young dog is left alone or indeed the hair? Maybe you would be better to come to a compromise by getting a non shedding breed which could then live indoors? To me living in a garage would certainly be more damaging than him/her being left at home some days. As long as you can get home once or more a day to excersise and take out to use the toilet I'm sure they would get used to this routine. Just make sure you start early on I.e have a mixture of taking to work some days then leaving at home on others. I'm also not sure on the van situation. Cars/vans can heat up VERY quickly even on days when it doesn't feel too warm. How long would the dog be left in the van for? Also if you are leaving in the van the dog really needs to be in a secure crate to prevent him/her harming Themselves/ destroying the van.

I'm not trying to put you off my any means and like I said it's great you are doing the research but as with any dog it's a lifetime commitment. What happens if your wife doesn't bond with the dog? There are so many abandoned animals all who start out with owners with good intentions like yourself. Maybe you could borrow a friends dog for a couple of days just to see how you get on with living with a dog? I'm sure somebody would be happy for you to bet sit for a day or so!

I hope this has been of help to you.

 

[Johne]

Hi & firstly thanks for taking the time to reply.

Yes all the same doubts are probably why I have resisted actually getting the dog. And the fact that I remember how attached I was to the dogs we had (Labrador/retriever & German shepherd) when I was younger, that I cant imagine having to rehome one once we have had it for a while, should things not work out.

As I said the garage is fully insulated (it was used as a room to keep reptiles) & can also be heated if required. The dog would be in the van for short spells in between jobs, an hour max, then i'd take it out for a short walk before going to next job. I have thought about getting both, puppy or older dog. Older dog that was house trained & ok with travelling would be easier, but was thinking a puppy would/might get used to a routine better?

 

[4PawsandClaws.co.uk]

There are pros and cons for both. Another thing to bear in mind is that some dogs can be travel sick. I guess if the dog is out with you all day then he/she would find it easier to settle at night but I'm still not sure about the whole garage situation. Also a Springer is a very active dog and you would need to be prepared to spend a good hour or so a day excersising it. Can you commit to that?

Maybe you would be better with a slightly older dog (say over a year) that way you can find out if they are travel sick and the house breaking stage/ chewing stage should be sorted. If you are unsure of a breed there is a great quiz below to take to give you an idea. You can then contact some breed rescuers to see what they have. They will also be able to give you more information about the dogs requirements and your proposed arrangements.

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/findabreed

 

[Stormsone]

Why not contact a local dog rescue and see if you can help walk/exercise some of the inmates, see if your wife would come along and meet a few dogs learn about their histories. I think if she understands a bit more about dogs shes bound to enjoy owing one more from the start.

I was in a similar position to you, I changed the flooring to wood or tiles downstairs to help fight the fur and got a German Shep pup. My girlfriend actually pulled away the first night when he tried to lick her fearing a bite! That was 7 years ago and I'm pleased to say she adores the dog, and wants another. Fur is something that just becomes normal. lol. especially with that breed.

The working breeds need lots of mental stimulation and exercise so if the dog is enclosed a lot it could lead to a frustrated dog. If theres a non shedding breed that you think would be ok in the home have a think about it. I think long term having a dog living in the house with you is going to be a more satisfying experience for everyone, and more chance of success.

 

[Johne]

Ok thanks for the advice/info.

Decided to maybe look into an older dog, possibly a rescue. What about a dog that was used to living outside? I know regards comfort my garage would be like a five star hotel compared to some draughty old kennel.

Being self employed I can take as much of a break as I like really, so an hour walk at lunchtime & another two half hour walks spread out over the course of the day is no problem. Then when home my sons would take turns to walk/exercise him/her. And yes 4Paws&Claws, the travel sickness is really important & is one reason I ruled out one of the dogs I looked at (even though me & my youngest son loved him). He was a five month old Parsons Russell, but hated going in the sellers car.

The thing making me apprehensive about the whole idea, is having spent so much time together during the day. Would this likely result in the dog struggling to cope while on its own in the garage? Really dont want to subject my neighbours to a constantly whining/barking, unhappy dog.

 

[4PawsandClaws.co.uk]

I would probably say you are best looking at an older dog and it would be great to get a rescue. Many rescues have a fair bit of history on the dogs from the previous owners but nothing is 100%. So maybe have a try at a local centre take your wife and see how you get on.

 

[Johne]

Yeah thanks for your help & advice.

 

[gypsysmum]

Firstly I would try to get a calmer breed than a Springer Spaniel. Perhaps a Labrador? Greyhounds and lurchers are also calmer as are hounds like beagles. All breeds, other than some toy breeds, would need a good amount of exercise.

Next I would consider crate training your dog from the start so that the crate is a safe haven where it always feels safe and secure. This could then be used in the van (assuming enough room?) to prevent any damage. Could also be used in the garage, with the door left open, and then, possibly, in the house in the future as your wife, hopefully, comes to bond with the dog.

You are right to worry about the dog over bonding with you if you are together all day. This is why crate training is a good idea as you will have a degree of separation. Also, as you suggest, lots of work on leaving the dog for periods on its own so that it learns to be independent of you. As you will be popping in and out of the van this would help.

The period that worries me is the after work period. Where will the dog be and, if in the garage, will it be for quite a long time? So, perhaps from when you finish work until the next morning? Dogs are social creatures and this long period (I realise you can pop out and see the dog etc) with no social contact might be quite challenging. The dog would know you were quite close and so get upset at not being able to be with you.

Some dogs are very independent and some dogs are very clingy. You don't know what you are going to get. Some dogs like being confined to small spaces and some get very upset if their freedom is restricted.

You are doing all the right things in researching the subject so thoroughly. I think that a lot of rescue societies will not home a dog to a family that is going to kennel the dog outside, no matter how warm and comfortable that kennel may be. They consider that the dog needs companionship. A bit strange, I know, when their dogs are all kennelled with no homes at all but that is their policy.

 

[Johne]

Hi gypsysmum. Thanks for your input & advice.

Well after reading advice on here & from other dog keepers I know, I have decided to forget the idea altogether at the moment. Just seems too many things that can go wrong & not having alternative options, I feel it wouldn't be fair on the dog, my wife or anyone else it might affect if it doesn't work out as I had hoped.

Really gutted as I had a real yearning to own a dog again (nearly to the point of thinking of nothing else for the past few months at least) & although it was a long time ago that I had a dog in my life, I was so looking forward to training the dog & the companionship owning a dog can bring.

Anyway thanks to everyone, it has at least made me possibly avoid making a bad mistake. Hoping one day the situation might change, & I don't mean get rid of the wife (just in case she reads this :flowers: )

All the best.

 

[gypsysmum]

Well done on putting lots of thought into your decision.

If it helps you - I sometimes think that life would be a lot easier without a dog. So many things have to be given up or managed to accommodate a dog's needs. We rarely go anywhere for the day because of the worry of leaving the dog alone all day. We take him with us a lot but that brings its own problems.

Love him to bits but they are a responsibility and a big commitment!

 

[Johne]

What about two dogs? Just thinking if they had company of their own kind? My neighbour has two labs & she works all day, they have access to the garden via a dog flap in the kitchen door & unless anything spooks them we never hear them. When she's home she walks the legs off them & they are very well behaved dogs.

Sorry having a yearning to have a dog moment again & just thinking out loud.

 

[gypsysmum]

All the previous problems are still there whether you have one or two. Many people think that another dog is a sufficient replacement for the attention of their owner. This is not the case. Both dogs will crave your company but, when you are there, have to share it with the other dog.

Two dogs take much more management than one. They both have to learn to listen to commands and they will have individual characters which will make training much harder.

What about doggy day care. There are dedicated places that take in your dog for the day. I would be very careful to make sure they do not take too many dogs and that the dog is properly exercised etc. Perhaps a retired neighbour or relative would do the job. Still not ideal as some dogs would find it confusing. Outgoing characters would cope better than an introverted one.

Retired greyhounds are very good at coping with moving about and staying in different places. They make wonderful, calm, pets and only need twenty minutes exercise twice daily though they will take as much as you like to give them. Many are desperate for a good home, especially the black ones that often get overlooked.

 

[4PawsandClaws.co.uk]

I agree with Gypsysmum. 2 dogs are not always the answer, unless of course you find a shelter wanting to home 2 dogs together who have been used to being left on their own... this may work. If you take all the "this may happen, that may happen" to heart nobody would ever get a dog for fear of changing circumstances. My circumstances are completely different from 7 years ago when i got my lab puppy and luckily she has coped through relationship splits, changing of working hours etc. Luckily she has been fabulous through everything but i have spent a lot of time sorting extra walks etc out for her to keep her happy. I guess my attitude when i got her was that she would be mine for life through whatever circumstances and I still maintain that view...if i was a millionaire or out on the street I would take her with me wherever, she is my baby, my family!

If you can promise to change your circumstances to whatever a dog will need in order to keep it for life i.e ongoing training classes, day care etc then I definitely think that is the attitude to have to be a good owner. All the speculative situations are just that, but they do need thinking about. There are a lot of dogs in kennels awaiting a home including greyhounds as mentioned, many of which are on death row because sometimes shelters are too concerned about providing that "perfect" home. These dogs are in kennels, many outdoor only, they have little comfort, it's a noisy, scary place for many so if you can promise to take a dog for life and do whatever that particular dog requires to be happy and healthy then I think you should rethink and possibly get one. I would recommend talking to your wife though because if she is not with you 100% on this, it's just not worth the risk of the dog having to be moved on again.

 

[Johne]

Monty.zip

Hi to anyone reading this.

Thought I would update my thread.

Well after a few more months of asking advice & researching & looking in person at a few more dogs/pups, I'm happy to say we have a new addition to the family. I had been in regular contact with the breeder for past month or so but was still undecided & hesitant to commit, but the timing was too good to miss this opportunity, as my son is in between jobs (was laid off just after Christmas) & will now be home while we get the pup housetrained & settled. Also come September my wife's hours are changing, so she will only be out for a few hours every morning then & as long as my son & I train him well, she has agreed to walk him if no one is at home. So on Friday at 6.30am my son & I drove up to Lincolnshire & collected eleven week old Springer Spaniel Monty. Now i not only chose this particular pup for his looks (although as you can see he looks gorgeous) but also the way he was being raised & kept. He was born & being kept along with his other seven brothers & sisters & mum in an out building on a farm belonging to the gundog breeder. I thought this would suit my plans better than a dog/pup raised indoors.

Now so far my fear regards noise has been totally unfounded & much to our (& our neighbours) delight & amazement haven't heard a peep out of him once its lights out. He goes straight into his crate (we leave the door open all the time) & we don't hear a thing from him till I go down around 6am. This is how the breeder kept him.

Now the first morning I came down to a right mess & tbh was questioning my sanity, as we struggled all day Saturday to get a routine going. We have now had our second clean & dry night & he seems to have really got the hang of it. Although we are still taking him outside every half hour. What I started doing that seemed to make all the difference, was giving him a treat after going to the toilet outside. This morning when I came down & was getting my coat on, he actually sat by the back door waiting to go out. One thing I have noticed happening though, is that due to knowing he will get a treat for going a poo, he will do a bit in one place, then run back to me or my son, get his treat then go to another spot & finish going, run back & get another treat :- . So getting two treats instead of one? This only happens when going a poo, when weeing he just goes the once, then gets his treat. Is this likely to cause problems house training him in this way? Also he keeps chewing & eating bits of plants in the garden & seems to prefer two particular plants. He actually eats the bits of twig & leaves. I have tried to stop him but its a nightmare. Should I be worrying or is it just a puppy thing? One of the plants is a buddleia (butterfly bush) not sure of the other? He also keeps picking up pieces of gravel & chewing/crunching them. I keep worrying he's going to break a tooth.

 

[4PawsandClaws.co.uk]

Hi,

Unfortunately for some reason I can't see the picture? Can you try to upload another one? When I download it says it cannot find the specified file. Anyway, congratulations on getting your new addition. As with any baby animal, training will take time and you will often find yourself taking a couple of small steps forward then a giant leap back then several more steps forward then a small step back etc. The key here is patience. Dogs are always willing to please and it sounds like you have got the hang of the potty training pretty quickly if he is already waiting at the door to go out, that's pretty good going but again remember it will be a bit of backwards and forwards for the next couple of months before you nail it 100% so just be patient. I wouldn't worry too much about him going twice, I doubt he has trained you so quickly to "hold a bit in" for another treat yet I would say it's probably more him realising he needs to go again. Like babies puppies will often go to the toilet a lot more when younger and will often go about 30 mins to an hour after feeding so bear this in mind for his toilet breaks.

As for eating foreign objects, springers are renowned for eating everything!! So bear this in mind as any large sticks which may splint could damage his throat/ insides or even choke him. I would try to remove any sticks/ stones from the garden that he could potentially eat and instead introduce plenty of chew toys...with the eating in mind make sure they are tough. The rope balls/ knots are good for more boisterous dogs as are the Kong range (these can also be filled with a paste to give when the dog is left as a boredom breaker). Puppies are very much like babies with putting everything in their mouths so just make sure you supervise him. I would get plenty of the anti chew spray that has a very bitter taste and spray it on EVERYTHING that you don't want him to chew inside and out. Prevention is better than cure and this defiantly helped with my lab, she hardly bothered with anything except her own toys after everything else tasted awful!

The only worry I would have with him being out in the garage in during extremes of heat and cold, bear in mind when he was at the breeders home he was surrounded by a very warm mother and some siblings so when the temperature is very cold at night i would consider putting in a chew proof heating implement at least for the first few months.

Let us know how you get on!