Thinking about getting a Cocker Spaniel

[Fruityflapjack]

Hello all. My DH and I are in discussions about getting a dog. I thought I would run our thoughts past MN to see if there is anything else we need to think about.

We currently have a cat, he is very adaptable and lives between us and our two NDN (his choice!) We would get advice on integrating cat and puppy and would ensure cat has a safe place in house etc.

We have a 1yo DD who is great with the cat as we have been very clear with her about how to treat him.

There would be a maximum of 2 days a week when no one would be at home for more than 10 hours. Our NDN love dogs and sadly lost theirs a few years ago. They are more than happy to walk dog/let out for wee's etc on those days.

My cousin is more than happy to dog sit for holidays and weekends away.

No problem daily walking as we have fields next to our house. We like to spend our weekends out and about in the countryside, NT properties/parks etc so dog would come too.

I had a cocker when I was growing up. We got her when I was one and she was my pal growing up until we lost her when she was 13. I just love them I love the temperament and I think they are fabulous family dogs. I've always wanted a dog of my own but wanted to wait until the time was right. We realised the other day that that time is possibly now.

We will hopefully be able to find puppy training classes and plan to put money aside for annual jabs etc. (not sure if insurance is worth it?)

Is there anything else we should consider, any glaringly obvious issues in our plans?

Thank you

[hmc]

Personally I wouldn't have a dog and leave it on its own for 10 hours twice per week, I think that's very wrong, sorry. I won't leave a dog alone for longer than 4 hours - there have been occasions when we have been absent for longer (say 6 hours) but then I pay my dog walker to come in and give them (I have two dogs) a long, tiring walk half way through.

I think 10 hours is way too long - even if you pay a dog walker to come and walk them twice over that period. I realise some people do it, but doesn't make it right.

[quineandloons]

Try contacting a local breed rescue, a good one will spend a long time finding the right dog for you, one known to be ok with kids, doesn't mind being left, etc. They'll usually foster dogs so have a much better picture of each one, and are there for follow up advice too.

[Fruityflapjack]

Thank you quine I have done exactly that

[quineandloons]

Great! Our next dog will definitely come from a breed rescue, I've heard lots of positive stories. Good luck!

[starshaker]

Cockers are lovely. Maybe sign up to cockersonline. You will get all the info you need about cockers, good and bad.
It is doable with kids. We got ours when my twins were just about a year old and we are adding another in a few months.
I would try and see about somebody coming in on the days you are away for long periods. doggy daycare seems to be popping up all over the place so i would imagine you would find something. I would recommend that you take some time off work so that the puppy isnt brought home then instantly left.

[Fruityflapjack]

That's very helpful Star, thank you. I will look for that website

I'm not back in work until September and no holidays abroad planned after a week away next month so I will be home every day until then.

I have been in contact with a local ish spaniel rescue and am just waiting for them to get back to me.

[hmc]

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