Today we had a breakthrough

[starshaker]

Firstly i want to say i love my pup to bits and it was a decision i didnt make lightly in getting him.

However this past few months have been hell. I knew it was going to be hard work but nothing could have prepared me for how it was. Merlin is an 8 month old cocker spaniel. He is crazy. He would never sit still for more than 2 seconds, he jumped up, the whined, cried, barked, knocked the kids down, chased the cats and did his business where he fancied. Tonight i was sitting on the sofa and he totters through with his toy, jumps onto the sofa, curls up with his head on my knee and fell asleep. This has never happened before (apart from when he was a tiny puppy). So i have had a very nice evening snuggled on the sofa with a very well behaved pup. I think i love him even more now :)

Before the only time i enjoyed having him was when we were out for a walk. Lets hope this continues

that sounds fab. i don't think anyone could explain how much hard work it is. we've been lucky with our labrador but even then she's been slow to potty train, is over excited when she sees dogs and strangers and pulls dreadfully. when we first go her, she had constant diarrhoea and caused me an immense amount of worry.

But on the other side, she's happy, friendly, normally calm, doesn't bark a lot, and is a bit of a stunner. we've all fallen in love with her despite my dh pretending otherwise.

let's hope this is the start of a positive road. is he a working or a show cocker?

hes a show cocker. Think there is a pic of him on my profile. Last night he was the same and this morning he was even calm when my oldest dd was getting ready for school. It has made such a differance

They seem to detect when you're on your knees, and rapidly switch demeanour Bit like children, really Glad that you're enjoying Merlin after all the hard work you've put it :)

I've been the opposite! Walks have been the awful bits and towards the end of last year it was only gymdog's loveliness in the house that kept me going.

So pleased to read things are going the right way for you, keep going!