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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To want this dog?!

22 replies

Covet1 · 30/12/2017 11:11

Backstory, I have 3 dogs, a Border Collie & 2 Staffies, E, B & F. For the majority of my life, I have wanted a blue roan cocker spaniel but have never got one because it is very hard to find one with suitability for our family as they are fairly rare anyway.
A neighbour of my brothers was gifted a blue roan cocker spaniel by her parents. She is struggling to take care of him and has decided she does not want him. My brother interjected and mentioned I might like the puppy.

OP posts:
hesterton · 30/12/2017 11:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Covet1 · 30/12/2017 11:13

Oh no it posted!! Anyway I don't know whether I would be supporting Christmas puppies if I take the dog and it's making me uneasy becase I would love the dog but hate the practice.

OP posts:
twiney · 30/12/2017 11:14

Do it

Original poster
Covet1 · 30/12/2017 11:15

She wants him gone so I doubt it because if I gave him back I don't believe she would take him.

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 30/12/2017 11:15

YANBU to want it but I guess it depends if you have the time and energy for another dog. I have a 5 month old cocker spaniel puppy and he is extremely hard work more so than I ever could have imagined. How old is the dog - if he's not a puppy then it may be ok. I think you need to be absolutely certain you can make it work as it wouldn't be fair on him to have to be re-homed again. My puppy and my older dog are still not getting on fabulously after 4 months of being in the same home so I can't imagine the dynamics that might go on with 4 dogs !

Original poster
Covet1 · 30/12/2017 11:18

He is only a puppy but I have dog sitted a house of 5 dogs for a month before (including mine) and my dogs have always been friendly. I think I will probe her/DB to allow me into taking the dog for a test run although knowing her she will probably charge me!

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 30/12/2017 11:18

I have seen a cocker spaniels for re-homing site on facebook. If he is that rare then there would be plenty of takers I'm sure.

bendywindy · 30/12/2017 11:19

we had a BR cocker spaniel and he was a bloody nightmare. the most strong willed, self serving dog i've ever encountered!

Nikephorus · 30/12/2017 11:19

Could you try taking it out for a walk with yours or something - see if they get along in a neutral environment? That way if it's an obvious no you'd know now.

Nikephorus · 30/12/2017 11:19

Crosspost...

Original poster
Covet1 · 30/12/2017 11:23

He's not particularly rare to other people but is to us because it is hard to find BR's in rescues that aren't unsuitable for children. And yes, I know that BR's are particularly strong willed and have researched them for years but after rehoming the most naughty collie, I'm up for another challenge after two lovely placid Staffs.

OP posts:
WombatStewForTea · 30/12/2017 11:56

I've got a blue roan cocker who is the most loving dog and will make a great family pet as do most cockers. He is very attached to us but we don't have kids yet and it will take some work to make sure he will cope when we do.

That said is there something specific about blue roan cockers you think makes them less suitable? The majority of rescues round here will not rehome to families with kids under 5. That's all dogs not just a certain breed.

Veronicat · 30/12/2017 12:10

I'd go for it. You are an experienced dog owner and he's young enough for you to train up. I have four dogs (down from six) now.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/12/2017 12:23

Oh this makes me Angry

I know you really covet this dog and it sounds like you've reasearched the breed , the temper and its ability to fit in with your lifestyle and household.

But its an easy , guilt salving get-out for the owner. She was 'gifted' the dog by her parents Hmm . Did she want a dog or did they decide to get her one? Why this high energy breed in particular?

Is she a child or grown adult? If she's a child then its the parents responsibility to look after him.

You need to let her know in no uncertain terms that if you take this dog he'll have a home for life and you will do your best by him.
But you're not some mopping up agent just there to take her cast off.

If she says "No" or she wants money for him (I have seen too many Gumtree adverts where they want " £40 to ensure a good home"...... well you paid ££ and that worked out well didn't it -not) point her in the direction of a Rescue where there will be a waiting list , or his breeder may take him back (but I doubt they'd refund)

Animals are not disposable and there are others in this chain who need to take a good look at themselves !

But if you want him and you can do well by him, go for it!

Original poster
Covet1 · 30/12/2017 12:25

Oh no it's just that as a general, I have struggled to find BR's in rescue. We have planned a walk for hopefully tomorrow!

OP posts:
SweetLathyrus · 30/12/2017 12:27

Cockers are fabulous, loving, smart (if you are training them to do something they want to do, but not as smart as collies), and bloody-minded. Four dogs is a lot, but I would have to go for it because I worry about rejected pups being advertised on Gumtree or Facebook, and there have been a spate of thefts targeting Cockers that have been used as bait for dog fights.

If you are an experienced owner - which you sound like - they are great little dogs, and blue roans are beautiful (But not as beautiful as my chocolate WCS, obviously). If you don't think you can take it, encourage her to hand it over to Cocker Rescue/CAESSR.

Tinselistacky · 30/12/2017 12:30

We went from 3-4 ddogs!! No bother at all!! Go for it!!

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 30/12/2017 12:32

Hope they get on well Covet and she doesn't get the £ signs in her eyes .

(And that she doesn't get another animal gifted or otherwise that she just 'wants rid of' )

MaitlandGirl · 30/12/2017 12:51

My parents had a blue roan and she was ‘the’ dog - you know the one that you always compare other dogs to. She was a gorgeous dog with a lovely temperament. Sadly we lost her when she was 12 :(

If the puppy is from a decent breeder has the owner checked if they will take him back? I know with all the breeders I know they would be very upset not to be given first refusal and to find out one of their pups had been rehomed to someone else.

silkpyjamasallday · 30/12/2017 13:20

Go for it OP, I'd take it as a sign that it's meant to be. Not a huge jump going from 3 dogs to 4. They are such beautiful dogs too...

MinorRSole · 30/12/2017 14:04

We have 4. Of course it can be hard work but it depends on your view of 'work'. I enjoy it, my cat loving friend would hate it. I would take the pup, the sooner the better - we did one introductory walk with each new addition (all rescues). It was enough for us to see if they would get on and they did/still do

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 02/01/2018 19:12

Did they work out as a group?
Have you got him?
Are you right now up to your elbows in BRCS hair?

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