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Springer spaniel owners

92 replies

ASpringerEspanya · 12/08/2018 17:51

Am getting my girl in 2 weeks.

Spam with with advice, tips, what to buy (what I don't need to buy) and most importantly photos Grin

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ASpringerEspanya · 15/08/2018 21:15

We just don't have any water around so it's going to be a rarity for her to get to swim.

I'm just not sure. I've fallen in love with her when I met her, her photos, her videos.

But I live in a terrace and the comments about them jumping about all the time gas just made me worry.

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MargaretDribble · 15/08/2018 21:41

Aspringer DD got a two year old Springer when she lived in a 2 bed terrace with just a concrete yard at the back. They both lived to tell the tale.
He did need a lot of walking though.

ASpringerEspanya · 15/08/2018 22:17

I do have an ok size garden. Enough to have a small run in.
But I do walk to school every day so that's 2 hours of walking just there.

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ASpringerEspanya · 15/08/2018 23:45

I bought her these as starter toys, ate they ok?

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parrotonmyshoulder · 16/08/2018 07:00

Mine had lots of kongs as a pup. Very good.
I think I only survived his puppyhood (and DD’s toddlerhood) by crate training. This was really easy as he loved it and it makes toilet training a doddle.

Mine was a rescue pup and I didn’t get him until 14 weeks so I don’t know what had happened to him in those first months.

Mix56 · 16/08/2018 08:29

my boy is a working bird dog, (in season) we live in the country, he largely exercises himself as there is so much room, & irresistible things to spot (lizards)

This morning find him trying to get back in to the property, so he had climbed out (yes, like a fox) or escaped when OH left by the gate. He is pretty insatiable. If we are out or away I always leave my dogs outside.
Springer is so active.
As PP said, if you walk your dog it is likely she will run 10 miles to your 1, but that's if she's off the lead.

LelouchviBritanniacommandsyou · 16/08/2018 08:51

A family I know have a Welsh Springer Spaniel who's a few months old and they absolutely adore her. They've said that they're so pleased with her, she's so good natured and is already well trained. They are definitely big fans of the breed and she is gorgeous :)

parklives · 16/08/2018 08:52

I do think you might be better off with an older dog op. A rescue who is proven to be suitable for you.
I have known (looked after) 3 different working type spaniels and I think they are the best dogs ever, but best if you have a rural setting or live an outdoors life (eg you've got horses etc) the one I know who doesn't have access if this type of life has become neurotic because of lack of good stimulation.

I haven't read the whole thread, by I would advise a rethink op.

missbattenburg · 16/08/2018 09:22

OP, I am sorry if we made you worry and feel a bit bad about that.

Battendog is a springer because, in my eyes, springers are the very best of dogs. If true to breed your dog will be friendly, playful, funny, very cuddly and always 'up for' a walk. Battendog is lying behind me soggy from his morning run. He looks fast asleep and worn out but I am certain that if I grabbed his lead he'd be up and ready to go in a second.

However, the fact that I love the breed doesn't make me blind to it's problems and I honestly think the best way to choose a dog is to be realistic about the challenges that particular dog might bring. Battendog is a show strain springer so, in theory, is calmer and less energetic than his working cousins. Despite that, I still recognise many of the same challenges and the article I linked to, while extreme, still contained enough truth for me to read it nodding my head while thinking of my dog.

He needs stimulation. The minimum is two good, off lead walks per day (1 hour- ish) where he can run about. He does better if we also throw in play times, training times and grooming time in the day too. That's 3-4 hours day total where he is my sole focus. Outside of those times, he is sociable and wants to be with people so is involved in almost everything I am doing. Gardening? Battendog is running around with a plant pot in his mouth. Pegging out the washing? Battendog is trying to steal socks. Ironing Battendog has curled up under the board. Cleaning the car? Battendog is trying to catch the hose water.

That's a lot of time to dedicate to a dog and not everyone wants to do that.

Normal training classes may be fine but I concur that some (many?) trainers don't understand spaniels especially well. That said, I have recently found an excellent trainer (fourth time lucky) who doesn't have extensive spaniel experience but is brilliant at really watching and understanding each dog. That has meant she is able to really study Battendog and give me tips. For example, more than any other trainer, she has understood his need for novelty. I cannot ask him to do the same thing 5 times and give him the same reinforcer. It is not rewarding to him after the 2nd or 3rd time, no matter what it is and food is hardly ever rewarding enough in a distracting environment for him. Instead, last night at class, we rewarded him with a new toy, a different toy, food, the chance to run over and A-frame, a game of chase-me. It makes it hard work for me and I sometimes look longingly at the other dogs in the class who are very food-motivated because they are so easy to focus. But that's not the dog I have.

I do think a love of walking helps with a springer. You mention that you wanted a dog to get you walking? I am really hoping that's because you genuinely love walking but would enjoy it more with a companion. Otherwise, a winter filled with mud and rain followed by a summer of picking grass seeds out of her ears after every walk can become very tedious. Walking isn't the only thing, though. Many springers love sports such as agility so when she's old enough you may find something like that suits you both better?

If you really think this is not the dog for you then now is the time to decide it - before you get her. However, if you go for it keep in mind that the first year or so is the hardest so brace yourself and know that you are not alone. Plenty of us here have faced spaniel-typical challenges and can talk about what has worked for us.

Mix56 · 16/08/2018 09:44

missbattenburg is 100% on the ball (sic), My dolphin/dog, is constantly around whatever I do. which can be exasperating (hanging out sheets on the line for example)
But the most adorable, friendly, gentle, funny soul.
I repeat, they needs training, once trained its interesting how much my springer loves the rules.

ASpringerEspanya · 16/08/2018 10:51

I tried to get a rescue but no one would allow me with kids so I got fed up and put a deposit on a pup.

I think we will be ok. I'm ready for some work.

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BiteyShark · 16/08/2018 10:54

That's good ASpringerEspanya. Often it's just being aware of some of the potential traits and difficulties so you can work with them rather than being confused or panicked when they behave in a certain way.

ASpringerEspanya · 16/08/2018 11:12

I need a life overhaul and I think she can help me achieve it.

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TomHardysNextWife · 16/08/2018 11:42

Any puppy is going to be work, let's be honest, but the rewards of a spaniel make up for the work 10000000 times over. Mine never leaves my side, his faith and loyalty are a constant source of joy and even though there are days when I could kill him for rolling in yet more fox poo Grin I'd never chose another breed of dog.

Just be careful about over-exercising in the first 12 months. I think the rule is 5 minutes of exercise per month in age so be careful with the school runs until your pup is older. I found a backpack really helped for going on long walks - he loved being carried about after a short walk!!
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/general-advice-about-caring-for-your-new-puppy-or-dog/puppy-and-dog-walking/

ASpringerEspanya · 16/08/2018 11:46

Oh Tom, great advice thanks. I didn't even consider it may be too far for her.

Great name btw ;)

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MargaretDribble · 16/08/2018 11:54

Loving reading about these other springers. Best breed ever.

MalloryLaurel · 16/08/2018 11:55

They need plenty of attention. My Springer responds to praise. We use nyla bones for a chew toy as he has a strong jaw. He is naughty when he wants attention. Long walks. Dark, washable paint in the room you bring her in from a walk. Train her to run off lead when she's smallish as they need to track scents and bound around off lead. A figure of eight lead is the best for walking as he pulls like a steam engine. They are the breed most likely to have tummy problems, so I would recommend a grain free hypoallergenic food. They have soft lovely fur but you will want to get it trimmed because it's a magnet for grass seeds and brambles!
They are wonderful dogs. I adore my one.

Springer spaniel owners
MalloryLaurel · 16/08/2018 11:57

Mix56, when I hang out washing on the line, it's the only time he eats the leaves off the bamboo! He's such an attention seeker!

ASpringerEspanya · 16/08/2018 12:28

Hmm. My front door leads straight into my living room. It's a small house. So can't really paint dark.
Also, if I change my mind I will lose my money I think.

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MalloryLaurel · 16/08/2018 13:14

All I meant was you don't have to wipe your walls down as often. But I live in the countryside so even the pavements are muddy. Even in town. We see tractors in town.

MargaretDribble · 16/08/2018 13:17

ASpringerEspana can't deny that mud on the walls might happen, but don't get hung up on it. I think some people have painted a worst case scenario.

flowery · 16/08/2018 13:20

This is Hamish. He’s a (mostly) very chilled-out show springer whose favourite things are a lap to sit on and shoes/sunglasses to nick and then prance around showing off. The first photo is him ‘helping’ unpack boxes of books...

Springer spaniel owners
Springer spaniel owners
Springer spaniel owners
mydogsayswoof · 16/08/2018 13:26

My boy is energetic and a complete knob. He loves his walks, his food, puzzles, toys (never seen a dog love a teddy so much). We have his toys on constant rotation, like a toddler Grin. He will chew things if they're left where he can reach. He pulls my cushions and blankets off the couch. Every. Day.

But he's also so affectionate, he cuddles like a person with his ridiculous legs all over you, is always so happy and you can practically see him smiling. Best dog I've ever had.

Wallywobbles · 16/08/2018 13:33

Funnily enough my easiest dogs have all been springers. My cocker is much too bright for comfort.

You do need to do lots of training. Just a few minutes daily really. Heel, sit, walking nicely on the lead, fetch etc. Recall always been excellent with them all. Can't remember Any chewing issues really either. Lots of fetching dirty underwear from the kids bedrooms or the dirty laundry basket.

They are smelly buggers though. And have very absorbent feet.

Wallywobbles · 16/08/2018 13:34

Funnily enough my easiest dogs have all been springers. My cocker is much too bright for comfort.

You do need to do lots of training. Just a few minutes daily really. Heel, sit, walking nicely on the lead, fetch etc. Recall always been excellent with them all. Can't remember Any chewing issues really either. Lots of fetching dirty underwear from the kids bedrooms or the dirty laundry basket.

They are smelly buggers though. And have very absorbent feet.