Cockerpoo Puppy arriving in 10 days - help

[ShallallalAa]

Posting for traffic and advice thanking you all ever so much - we put our names down for a cockapoo puppy from a registered breeder months ago and the puppy will be ready for collection in 2 weeks. We are confident the breeder is reputable and have had personal recommendations for them which we trust. I work from home 80 percent of the time now so confident we can look after the puppy properly long term.
I have never owned a dog before but DP has always had dogs and I am feeling very out of my depth, especially with the arrival during lockdown.
We have visited the breeder and met the parents before the lockdown but we have not met the puppy before lockdown. We have been sent regular videos and all looks lovely and I trust that that the puppy is well and healthy.
DP will pick up puppy by physically distancing from the breeder at handover, taking all the precautions and the breeder is about 5 miles away - I think this would be classed as essential travel wouldnt it?
We are going to pick up essentials from Pets At Home in the next couple of days - crate, toys, bed, pads, food. Anything else? The puppy is on a raw meat diet I understand should we continue this?

What are your top puppy /cockerpoo puppy tips?

What will we do about puppy socialisation?

The puppy arrives microchipped (breeder does it) with first vaccines but we do the next ones - need to find a vet we like I am guessing?

I don't like the sound of crating though - is rhis really the only way?

Our house is quite small - where should the puppy have its own space ideally?

Should I get a shark pet hoover to deal with the hairs?

Thank you!!

I don’t think it’s good to go out now and just “shop” for a puppy, either. But when one has been all booked and paid for... it’s the right thing to go ahead.

I’d think it rather foolish to buy a puppy you’ve never met. The personalities of all puppies in a litter are different and it’s important to choose one that matches your family/what you want from a dog. For example I’d never buy the most dominant or submissive pup from a litter.

I’d also never buy a cockapoo but it’s a bit late for that now!

He is having his first vaccination on 23rd April and I can send you a copy of the dads PRA certificate, the mum hasn’t been tested but we haven’t ever had any health issues with her - so the parents are not fully health tested then? The dad has had an eye check. Is that it?? No genetic testing? Hips? Just because they haven't yet had any problems with the mum, doesn't mean they won't in the future.
Are the parents a pedigree cocker and a pedigree poodle, or are they also a mix? I know next to nothing about spaniels but a fair amount about poodles. I really wouldn't buy a pup from untested parents. I'm sure there are also genetic issues with spaniels too. You need to research these as your pup is clearly from parents where no genetic testing has taken place.
So in other words, this is not a good breeder.

How old is the mum? Lots of genetic conditions/serious health problems don't manifest until middle age or later.

I realise you don't want to know OP but this really isn't an optimum time to get a puppy, you've never even met it or the parents (important step) and the health check information is something you should have already seen before putting down deposits. Has it been sent yet so you can verify it? Or is it just something the breeder says she 'can't show you but isn't. Why is the mother not tested . The comments the breeder is making about that are worrying.

The puppy is going to be distressed regardless, it was bred to be sold so isn't going to enjoy being removed from familiarity and subjected to a long car journey to be plonked in a random house (when there is a lockdown going on ) regardless I'm sorry to say. Puppies rarely travel well.

Whatever is said on here about methods in normal circumstances, it will not be possible to socialise the dog properly, train it outside off a lead if this drags on or get it used to being alone at home in any meaningful way, this will likely cause stress, separation anxiety etc for the dog (and you) later down the line.

Of course the odd person gets lucky with a dog but nothing is going to eradicate the fact that the early training is crucial in the formation of the dogs later strengths and weaknesses. It's going to be hard to effectively train a dog stuck at home in a house full of people and kids. I would not proceed, not least because none of it is essential, shopping, vet outings (the puppy must be checked upon receipt by a vet), meeting with the breeder at your door. It isn't 'derailing' to mention something that IS a part of the process and should factor into decision making for the sake of others at a time when it is crucial and saves lives.

OP, there’s a bit of snapping and snarling on this thread, it looks like some posters believe you need more experience and training to be allowed to get a puppy than you would if you were having a baby!

I don’t have anything much to add that hasn’t already been said other than our dog is now 6 and before getting her I was definitely NOT a dog person and had never owned one either ... I’m probably still not a dog person but shes not just a dog, she’s gorgeous, friendly, and “the favourite “ member of our family for all of us. Enjoy your new arrival! Posting our dog pic too as it’s always fun to see everyone’s furry friends ...

Some sweeeeet pups on here!

It’s classed as essential travel and shopping under current guidelines. Sounds absolutely wonderful, op!!

What a cutie!

Yes i am worried about the lack of health checks for the mum and not sure what to do at all.

Cockerpoos are hard work at the best of times....you are going to struggle in these times I don't know why people are going out buying puppies right now...boredom? I'm guessing slot of dogs are going to rehomed after lockdown.

What the F? I know quite a few LOVELY cocker poos!
I have a Bedlington Terrier but at training classes it's always the Cockerpoos who are so well behaved and happy and get the lessons so quickly!

You sound as negative as they come ( and uninformed) @LolaDarkdestroyer

Thanks for the positive messages. But I certainly don't want to buy a pup who will get poorly from poor breeders

Yes i am worried about the lack of health checks for the mum and not sure what to do at all. It's not just the mum though, the dad hasn't been tested either, only eyes. If you research genetic testing for poodles and spaniels you'll see the potential issues both breeds can have. Also hip testing.

How many litters has the mum had? Are the parents pedigrees or mixed breeds?

I am under the impression from reading about the kinds of dogs suitable for families that cockapoos are a good breed for this? - the problem is that they are not a 'breed'. There is no conformity, so you really don't know what you are getting - the best bits from both breeds, the worst bits from both breeds? Who knows.

Nothing you have described about this set-up sounds good. And that's even before you take into account the difficulties you're going to face getting a pup during the current situation.

I don't like the sound of crating though - is rhis really the only way?

No. Please don’t cage.

wetnoseescapades.com/reasons-not-crate-dog/

themuttyprofessor.co.uk/2017/07/20/crate-debate-crate-not-crate/

www.peta.org/about-peta/why-peta/crating-dogs/

that means they're breeding multiple litters each year.
That doesn’t make them akin to a puppy farm, they are inspected & could have several dogs that have one litter each.

@JazzyTheDog

I don't think that's a responsible post. You sweepingly dismiss lots of quite sensibly expressed reservations, seemingly in the belief your single positive experience means the op should not worry about where she sources her new pet/financial commitment.

@dontgobaconmyheart

Re:
“ The puppy is going to be distressed regardless, it was bred to be sold so isn't going to enjoy being removed from familiarity and subjected to a long car journey to be plonked in a random house (when there is a lockdown going on hmm) regardless I'm sorry to say. Puppies rarely travel well.”

Eh how on earth does anyone get a dog if you are saying they can’t physically remove it from where it was born to their home. Are you mental?!! Yes they might not enjoy the journey but what is the alternative? Did you use some kind of transporter that can move through space and time to put the pup in at it’s home and transport it instantly to its new home??

RE:
Whatever is said on here about methods in normal circumstances, it will not be possible to socialise the dog properly, train it outside off a lead if this drags on or get it used to being alone at home in any meaningful way, this will likely cause stress, separation anxiety etc for the dog (and you) later down the line.

Again what are you on about? Vets are doing vaccinations. Dog can be trained on lead and taken outside as part of daily exercise which is plenty for a puppy. Dog can be trained off lead too if OP has w garden which she does and said she loves rurally so potential for fields too. Dog can be left alone in a different room gradually building up the time to mitigate separation anxiety. What do you mean meaningful? Surely you’re not advocating someone get a puppy and leave it on its own for hours straight away? Dog can be socialised reasonably (bin men, outside shop, car journey to shop, postman, delivery men, children playing outside, YouTube channel with noises for dog such as fireworks thunder. OP has children).

Of course the odd person gets lucky with a dog but nothing is going to eradicate the fact that the early training is crucial in the formation of the dogs later strengths and weaknesses. It's going to be hard to effectively train a dog stuck at home in a house full of people and kids. I would not proceed, not least because none of it is essential, shopping, vet outings (the puppy must be checked upon receipt by a vet), meeting with the breeder at your door. It isn't 'derailing' to mention something that IS a part of the process and should factor into decision making for the sake of others at a time when it is crucial and saves lives.

Re the above the guidelines have stated that it IS included as essential even if you don’t want it to be personally and would rather dogs suffer by not being able to access vaccinations, be socialised into new homes and see the vet? Shopping can easily be done online. amazon have everything you need.

We crate. Mostly so the enormous pup doesn’t eat the house. Done properly it’s a safe space. I once forgot to shut big girl in at night. She cried until I came down and did bedtime properly.
Little pup barks at me if she’s tired and wants her crate.
But then they’re not in there all that much. I don’t work. They shouldn’t be a cage. A safe and quiet retreat to snooze!

Unfortunately these cross breeds are very controversial and you're always going to get a wide disparity of opinions. Every day when I drive the local licenced puppy farm with something like 500 bitches I know how I feel.
Despite all this, you need to make the best decision for you and your family. You have not chosen a good breeder and we're in the midst of a pandemic. Unfortunately these puppies are like gold dust to many people and it will always get a home. Your questions about the testing, vaccinations etc are very significant to this breeder.It could make the difference between them not breeding another litter or doing so much more carefully.

OK so it's quite a roll of the dice

And then 'rehoming' is a euphemism of it doesnt work out OK, is that it, not meaning any malice or rudeness to anyone who has been in the unfortunate position to have to do this

500 bitches that's appalling

@ShallallalAa
Honestly you sound like you really haven’t done your research.
You need to think about grooming and training and walking and how a dog would fit into your lives. My youngest pup is 6 months. We could (pre lockdown) have popped out to lunch but not left her long enough to see a film at the cinema.
Consider breed traits. This cross is of two pretty high energy dogs. What can and can’t you cope with?
Do your research on a breeder. If a pedigree then go through the breed club. Expect to be “interviewed” maybe home checked or even turned down. If they don’t want to ask questions about how you will care for the dog and meet its needs then run! Expect a breeder to want to stay in touch. To expect you to sign a contract to say if anything happens and the dog EVER needs to be rehomed then you need to go back to them.
Ask how many litters. (Shouldn’t be more than 2-3 ideally.) how many dogs do they have? How did they choose the best stud?
And I admit I did a LOT of research but then I have wolfhounds. A giant and powerful breed with potentially awful health issues. I know someone who got one from a dubious breeder. Awful health issues and the dog used to try and literally take her down.

Our cockapoo puppy is 7 months old now so just message me if you want to know anything specific to the breed. We have a stair gate for the stairs as she was going upstairs and eating the kids toys when she was very young and is still partial to a nerf gun bullet and a crate upstairs for bedtime in our room . we used to have a crate downstairs too, but she actually hates being away from us so we just use a nice dog rug/mat thing for downstairs now. Your pup will chew everything though but they are one of the nicest and maddest/energetic dogs I have ever owned - good luck.

Should also say that we use to leave our puppy in her downstairs crate when we Went out and we left her from quite early on. Maybe 30 mins while I did the school run each morning. At 7 months she is happy for a coupe of hours with some toys and treats, but they are quite a needy breed so try and leave the pup for a little while each day so she gets used to it - maybe while you do a quick walk round the block etc

@sleepingpup, I love Bedlingtons! They were actually my first choice of breed when I got into terriers, but my ex didn't like them for some reason, and also wanted something a bit smaller.

They are fabulous dogs, and I've known some that are really lazy, which would suit me now I'm old and arthritic. I couldn't cope with another lakeland, that's for sure. Have you a pic of yours that you could post, please?

This is our JRT, she's 8 weeks now but breeder was always keeping them til at least 9. She's able to have them vaccinated and just trying to confirm chips. We couldn't be more excited and I'm now almost definitely off work til August so the timing isn't terrible. We live in a green area of a busy city so lots of opportunities for socialising

I am under the impression from reading about the kinds of dogs suitable for families that cockapoos are a good breed for this?

With the greatest of respect - this doesn't read like you've done your research.

Cockapoos are not a breed - they're a mix of two working dogs. What mixture you get in your pup is entirely down to chance. You could get a dog that's mostly cocker or one that's mostly poodle, or an even mix of both. You have no idea. Have you read up on the traits of both breeds?

Both breeds are working dogs and require lots of mental stimulation as well as physical. An hours walk on a lead is not enough - they need to get off and sniff, explore, hunt and swim. I'm a dog walker and have several spaniels on my books - they all get at least two hours off-lead each day so they can run and, well, be spaniels. Poodles again are working dogs and are bred to swim and hunt.

Do you really have the time to dedicate to a working dog? Can you guarantee you have two hours each day to dedicate to your dog for the next 12+ years? Come rain or shine, no matter how tired you or your DC are - these are not dogs that can happily miss their regular walks.