Asked to reserve puppy on DOB

[FindusLasagne]

Hi all - we would like a working cocker and the breeder has said the system is that all those in wait list tend to choose a pup on day they’re born (via FaceTime).

Now, I thought it was advised on here that to choose a puppy you should spend time with them (once older obvs, not day one) to see temperament etc.

How does that work if chosen when they are born?

He’s spent the day snuggled by my feet while I wfh. If you do the training early, you have the best family dog full of cheeky personality.

@TeenLifeMum Oh my days, your dog is beautiful 😍

I would definitely be wary of reserving a dog that early. I would want to see the pups with Mum in the environment they are being brought up in. We looked at lots of breeders and found a relatively local one and we were able to visit and see Mum plus sibling from previous litter and the 3 puppies still with them - the other 2 had been reserved so ours was the last unsold puppy in the litter but he trotted straight over to us when we arrived and we just knew he’d fit right in.
Ours is a working cocker who we got just over a year ago he is our first dog but we had family who have spaniels and we did a ton of research to ensure the breed was right for us.
Ours loves a job to do so we’ve found scent training is a great outlet and something we can do at home. We did try agility which I think he will be brilliant at once he matures a little as he was too overwhelmed with all the other dogs being around. Ours loves to be busy but he’s got a brilliant off switch in the house and will just chill. He does pull
on the lead though but we are working on that and he has brilliant recall when off the lead

As an agility trainer who knows MANY WCS that is the exception rather than the norm.

As an owner who lives in a county of many wcs I disagree. Non wcs owners will tell you wcs are nuts, wcs owners will tell you they are intelligent, easy to train and love to bomb around when outside but in the home, they love to chill and cuddle. Ddog is 4 and we’re an active family. He loves paddle boarding and kayaking with us but also loves to snuggle on the sofa.

They’re not nuts they just need lots of engagement and enrichment in order to be level dogs. Most pet homes cannot provide that. I’ve had many through my classes who exhibit problems because of this. I live in a really heavy gun dog area and meet lots of people who regret their choice. My neighbours is well loved but uncontrolled. He regularly escapes and causes havoc. My own dog hates him as he’s jumped on her multiple times when she’s been walking past the house on the lead. My neighbour wanted an active dog. He knew nothing about the breed before being sold him. He does now!

I have friends who take on rehomes.

I have a working terrier who also needs quite a lot in order to be a level and happy dog but I can provide that. I couldn’t a WCS. You need to go in with your eyes firmly open.

@Newpeep this really isn’t my experience and my friends/work colleagues all have spaniels. Most of them seem to have 3. We currently have one but are planning a second. We do lots of enrichment and did agility when he was younger but he’s less interested these days. I’ve no comparison but we expected him to need our time and gave it.