The family are currently getting very excited about going to see some Cockapoo puppies this weekend with the intention that we might be taking one home!

It will be the first dog in the family - albeit both me and Mrs worm have both grown up around dogs.

We are a bit reluctant as I occasioanlly travel with work and Mrs Worm works part time (3 days) so puppy care for the first few months might be a problem, but we are all keen and think now is the right time.

The children (age 9, 7 & 3) are very excited!

Are we mad? or do you think it will be worth it? Do you dog lovers out their have any tips and tricks and advice on dog ownership?

Mrs Worm (being a teacher) runs a very tight regime and wont be taking any nonsence and so what ever the situation we are sure to be following a strict training programme although I am probably going to be a little more relaxed about things. Anyone had puppies recently and can give an indication of how long things take etc Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Been in the same situation , in discussions with the wife

We like going out and about when away in the caravan, and want to get out walking more, so having a dog would be great

But the reason I have put it off is the holidays were we take the kids swimming, then do pizza after, drive back to the caravan, we could be gone for a few hours, which to a puppy will not be ideal

Sort of a catch 22 Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Exactly why we want to do it now... We have a break coming up in April which we will take the puppy and will be good opportunity to take it out and get it socialising otherwise we are going camping this summer and hope he will be a bit more independant by then (I hope)

Still need to think it through properly though!  Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Sound like we're in the same boat

I also keep thinking when away we go to places, farms, fun parks that the kids love but could not spends day doing that with a puppy and kids, but my brother has a dog and doesn't seem to hold stuff back for them , but they had the dog before the kid,

So how do you go from a no dog life to a dogs life, ed if I know  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

My daughters cockapoo, Max, go on you know you want one.

better show the wife Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Ay up Mr Worm
I've raised several puppies. I'm retired so i've able to be with them 24 hours a day. If left alone, they can stressed and house training can take longer. They also start growing teeth and it's not unusual for pups to chew every bit of wood and anything else they can find!!
The brighter and intelligent the breed, the more attention needed as a general rule. Some need constant play and excercise in line with their constant desire to learn.
Some dogs can become very bored left alone and as a result, destructful. This can lead to behavoiur problems later
which is why, sadly, so many are dumped.
Having said that, raising a pup is sheer delight to me. I've bags of time and patience, all owners of pups must have this. And the dog and owner will have a bond from early age unlike any other.

My dogs are BC's, as pups i've never left them alone and as a result they've all shown nothing but affection.

Don't forget pups in their natural environment will be part of a litter 'till they get older and that will be removed.
I've never kept a single dog, they need mates just like us. So i've always had at least two. They learn and play with each other and seem much happier.
If someone was to take you away from the human World to a dog World, how would you feel?

Good luck, but ownership of a pup is both time consuming and responsible.
But the rewards later are wonderful.
I love 'em! Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

Last edited by Pegleg on 17th Jan 2013 10:36 pm. Edited 1 time in total

See they even fit in the front seat!!!!!

I will let you know pinky when I find out!

Pegleg - the frustrating thing is that I work from home most days and travel is usually a rarity it's just the odd occasion when it does happen that we are concerned about. Rest assured we have the patience and the conviction if perhaps not as much time as we would like. We are thinking of crate training him (not sure if that is controversial or not) as we have heard positive things about it. As for the social side we are friends with a cockapoo owner who's dog we are looking to socialise ours with (they could even be brothers as from the same breeder) and we are keen on meeting other dogs. He will also have the cat to play with

The pictures above are very similar actually - it would be a apricot f1 cockapoo

I'm looking forward to having an excuse to go walking!! As I think so are the kids! Freelander 2 TD4 Auto, SE, Narvik Black, Alpaca full leather, Rear Headrest Entertainment System, 6 CD, 18 HSE Wheels, Privicy tints

Capt,
Children are good for dogs. They are both so playful and boisterious and get rid of energy.
Children and pups bond very quickly. They are both learning what they can get away with!
It's us adults that get in the way!! Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

I have never been without a dog/dogs over the years, they have helped keep me healthy (I think) with walks twice a day and with our caravan holidays walking is more of a pleasure for both the dog and me. On my wifes trail walking, Cassie accompanies her many a time and loves it.

Ours will happily stay in the car, caravan or at home for a few hours. Initially we had the usual puppy problems as mentioned but we purposely left her for short periods and rewarded her when we returned if she had behaved. Trouble is now if we go out, she sits by her 'treat' drawer wanting one before we even go but she will quite happily stay at home for us to go out for the evening.

It will be a bit of a learning curve for the puppy but the eventual enjoyment of the bonding between it, you and your family will be worth it.

I might add that in summer/hot weather she never stays in the car (unless to nip into the shops), it was our choice to get her so we will take her with us or not go at all however inconvenient to us.

Travelling in the back of the car was a little strange to her at first, she kept trying to find a way to the front where we were but eventually settled down to accepting the 'boot' as her own space. She now sits with her back to the seats looking out of the back window and leans into corners like a professional .

Max was crate trained, he's about 7 months old now and as yet has not done any damage worth speaking of. he goes to training classes and socialising classes, I always had BCs so was a bit sceptical at first re the intelligence side of things but was completely wrong. He is great around kids and very affectionate. The only downside is the poodle side makes them very good at walking around on their back legs a bit like a meerkat so snaffling food from a table is a doddle for them.

we had our westie for 16 years and when the decision had to be made to put her to sleep, now over a year ago, it was terrible, and to be honest I still haven't got completely over it. ( I know this sounds silly, and I keep telling myself it is )

as a puppy she was reasonably easy to train and soon became a part of the family, joining in nearly everything we did.

sure, she was a wee bit of work ( grooming, etc ) but gave us so much pleasure over her lifetime it was well worth it.

we miss her so much, and still thinking about another one, my view is that a house is not a home without a dog.

I think certain types of dogs can be left on their own in the house for longer periods, and indeed enjoy some time on their own. ( as long as they have a wee bit of freedom, eg kitchen area, etc ) Routine is the key, and if they have a routine re exercise, feeding, etc then they are happier.

personally I don't believe in crating a dog and think this is a shocking practice, but that's my opinion. I believe that as a part of the family your dog should be given the respect and trust given to all members of the family.

Iain

Please pardon my ignorance of doggy things but what is a BC and what is crate training?

Thanks. Ours - 2008 Stornoway Grey HSE Auto
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Ours - 2007 White Bailey Pageant Champagne

Before Pegleg posts, BC=Border Collie fantastic dogs, we have two at the moment and have had six now, also have a Westie to complete the family.