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Original poster

Thinking of Adopting an Ex-breeding Dam - Any Tips/Advice?

17 replies

PrawnTurnsPink · 11/05/2018 13:29

That's it really.

3 year old show type cocker. I think she has been mainly crated rather than a proper family pet.

I haven't met her yet, but advice welcome.

OP posts:
BiteyShark · 11/05/2018 13:37

I would be thinking I would need very good insurance in case of heath issues.

I would also be concerned about how she reacts generally if she hasn't been bought up as a family pet. You may need to do a lot of socialising and training.

Original poster
PrawnTurnsPink · 11/05/2018 13:38

Thank you, those are on my list.

OP posts:
AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 11/05/2018 14:16

Where is she now - is it a rescue such as Many Tears?

What ongoing support will the rescue offer?

Original poster
PrawnTurnsPink · 11/05/2018 18:20

She's still with the breeder, he's giving up breeding cockers so is rehoming

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BiteyShark · 11/05/2018 18:30

Then I would be even more concerned about how she will fit in as a pet. With good rescues they will have checked her over with a vet, assessed any behavioural issues and should provide ongoing support if anything surfaces later.

You won't have any of that so take nothing as gospel from the owner as he clearly just thinks of her as a commodity Sad

Original poster
PrawnTurnsPink · 11/05/2018 18:35

Well indeed. Am planning to tread very carefully.

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AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 11/05/2018 18:43

Is he asking for money for her? If so I'm afraid that despite your best intentions you'd be supporting puppy farming, and would probably be giving him money to fund the purchase of breeding stock of whichever breed is now more profitable

Unless this is a breeder who is KC registered, only breeding occasionally (etc etc... All the things you'd look for in a breeder when buying a puppy - and from what you've said this isn't the case) then I would steer clear and suggest that he sends his dogs to Many Tears Animal Rescue instead, who specialise in rehoming ex breeding dogs.

Original poster
PrawnTurnsPink · 11/05/2018 18:45

No he isn't asking for any money.

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Original poster
PrawnTurnsPink · 11/05/2018 18:47

And I think they are KC registered, but I get what you're saying

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Ylvamoon · 11/05/2018 19:05

Questions: has she been spayed? - If not, ask when her last season was and consult your vet when best to do it. (... after she has settled in).
Is she currently living in a kennel? If yes, it would be advisable to have a quiet room for her to go to / sleep as she won't be used to the normal household noises. Also, she might have had a kennel friend and not used to being in her own.
Has she been shown? If yes, she should be well socialised and used to lots of different environments - great for you. If not, have a thought about training, exposing her to pet dog life. Maybe find a 1:1 trainer to help you along... or your local dog club they should be able to help.

Lastly, be patient, it takes a lot of time to train a dog.

Original poster
PrawnTurnsPink · 11/05/2018 19:09

Thank you, those are good things to bear in mind.

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Appletreecorner · 11/05/2018 21:26

If you don't rehome her what is the breeders back up plan?

Astrabees · 14/05/2018 16:55

Many Tears re home lots of ex breeding dogs, they usually recommend that there is a steady dog who is used to people and living in a house to show them the ropes.

Loopyloopy · 17/05/2018 09:59

I've taken on ex breeding bitches before, and they have always been the best dogs! If she's been a show dog, she will have solid basic training and socialisation. Ive found them easier to settle in than many other dogs, because if they're from a good breeder, theyve always been well treated, but tend to be thrilled to have a human all to themselves!

SweetCheeks1980 · 18/05/2018 08:04

If she's been used a commodity she may well be a bit fear reactive towards people. We have a pointer who is an ex feral street dog. It takes a lot of patience, as they may be scared of their of their own shadow, and are often very destructive. However, it's lovely to see how thru blossom when they're finally learning to trust.

Have you already got a dog, as insecure dogs really thrive when living with a confident "normal" dog.

You may find that the dog is totally fine and just needs a bit of housetreaining.

Original poster
PrawnTurnsPink · 18/05/2018 11:36

Thank you Loopy and Sweet.

I have met her, and she didn't seem fearful at all, she was straight over for a fuss and cuddle - like Loopy says get the impression she would love having 4 humans all of her own.

We don't have a dog, but I have a close friend who has 2, and is a dog walker, so she will have plenty of opportunities to spend time with other dogs.

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Original poster
PrawnTurnsPink · 12/06/2018 20:44

So she's been home for 2 weeks, and is just wonderful.

Considering her previous life, it's astonishing. She's so friendly, generally very obedient, great with other dogs and is just a joy.

It's lovely to see her learning to do proper dog things like asking and chasing a ball.

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