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The doghouse

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Original poster

Getting an 11 month old dog - advice please

152 replies

Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:14

During our family search for a dog ,we came across an 11 month old cavapoo that has been extensively health checked.

We found him at a home breeders when considering a pup .

He was going to be a stud dog but now she does not need him as she has a pure breed - and this is why we know he is extensively checked and in good health

Breeder issues aside please….

This pup lives with multiple dogs and appears v gentle and chilled .
He has never been on walks but lives in a multi dog house hold and plays in a large garden

The owner took him for his first walk the day before we met him - with another dog and he was hesitant but coped well.

The next day , we went to meet him and walked him near a road . I sat on the floor with him on the grass verge and chatted to him and stroked him as if it was a non issue- again he was fine

When we returned to her home, he sat next to me and put his paw on my leg .

We have decided to bring him home - but are mindful that he has not seen children, been to public places.etc.

Bearing in mind he has missed his early socialisation window, please can we have your practical suggestions to help him transition to our home ?

Am aware he has never been without other dogs- is this a thing to be aware of ? And what can we do specifically to help him settle ?

My ideas in include-
.sleeping near him.
.quiet time at home initially .
some gentle visitors .
. walks near the home - same ones for familiarity .
.introduction to friends dog oriented dog - walks with her for confidence.

I need to introduce him to cafe s and pubs as that is very much part of our family lifestyle.I presume that the idea is to introduce slowly- but if he is anxious- what is the best way to react - treats and reassure or exit .. advice on this and general matter’s would be much appreciated.

OP posts:
GeniuneWorkOfFart · 18/09/2025 22:16

WTF, 11 months old and never been for a walk? What kind of bullshit "breeder" is this? Absolutely disgusting.

He is likely to really struggle as an only dog if he has spent his whole life in the same house with a large dog family. I personally wouldn't take him on for that reason alone.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:20

I know what you mean but we could give him a good life if he settled. I do know of another dog who had never been walked , but who lived in a family.
Anyway , my request was how to help him .

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 18/09/2025 22:20

Er no.
Never been for a walk. So not socialised. Not trained.
And home breeder? Er no.

HangingOver · 18/09/2025 22:21

Bear in mind that much as you might plan for your dog to be a pub and café dog, your dog may have other ideas 😁 I've had mine nearly a year and we can juuuuust about manage to get a takeaway coffee now. He's only 18 months and just finds it far too exciting.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:21

But dont rescues come from a similar background?

OP posts:
Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:25

never been walking, build a strong connection and trust with them by making positive, controlled interactions with new people, places, and sounds. Start by introducing new environments and sights from a distance or within the home to keep the dog under threshold and avoid overwhelming them with anxiety. Focus on positive reinforcement and allowing the dog to approach on their own terms, slowly increasing exposure and positive experiences as they gain confidence.
Build a Strong Foundation First

  1. Create a safe home environment:Before going outside, let the dog become comfortable with you and build trust by hand-feeding and gentle, patient interaction.
  2. Introduce sights and sounds indoors:Expose the dog to household items like empty cereal packets, plastic bottles, and cardboard boxes to get them comfortable with new textures and shapes.
  3. Familiarize
Things like this …
OP posts:
ListenLinda · 18/09/2025 22:26

We took on an 11 month beagle in January, who wasnt walked regularly, breeder kept him from his litter with his mum, so not socialised etc.
we ended up with a dog reactive dog, particularly lead reactivity. While we had reaearched all about the breed before we took him on, the reactivity was quite an eye opener and it’s difficult and hard work at times. We can never take him to dog friendly cafes/pubs, spend our time hoping we dont come face to face with another dog on a walk etc.

we love him and wouldn’t be without him now, but at times i have thougt wtf have we done.

just another perspective OP, be prepared for all possibilties.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:28

ListenLinda
thankyou - he is in a massive group in a big house .

OP posts:
ListenLinda · 18/09/2025 22:31

So he knows dogs he has lived with. It can be a torally different ball game for dogs they don’t know.

just to add, my boy is the most amazing dog in the house, he doesnt bark or howl like is typical of the breed, he just chills and loves a snuggle. But he also has severe separation anxiety, which is also something that can be restrictive.

you have to be prepared to commit the next 10-15 years of your life and plan your life around him/her. Go into it with eyes wide open and have a serious think before commiting.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:33

ListenLinda
Thank you
The breeder says that we can return him if it does not work.

OP posts:
Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:34

ListenLinda
His first walk was with a dog he does not know .

OP posts:
ListenLinda · 18/09/2025 22:35

The fact that this dog hasn’t been walked in 11 months is a bit of a red flag too btw. And they are coming into their teenage years, which is when most dogs get rehomed as owners cant cope with behaviour. It’s a lot to take on OP and everyone in your house needs to be on board.

if you go ahead, then great! 😊 enjoy your pup and post a pic!
but you wouldn’t be unreasonable to walk away.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:44

ListenLinda
why is it a red flag?
From what i saw they play out in the garden and he was meant to be a stud .
He was not regarded as a pet- alien to me obviously - but that is the fact of the matter .

OP posts:
Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 22:49

To be honest - looked at a dog this age because I find puppies overwhelming.
Surely this dog is no different to a rescue ?

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 18/09/2025 22:53

No it isn’t. Because you’re buying a dog and helping to fund their dodgy business. Because you can’t trust them to tell you the truth.

NormaSars · 18/09/2025 22:53

Walk away.

Salvadoridory · 18/09/2025 22:57

The breeder says that we can return him if it does not work

Oh well. You can always return him of you dont like him. Because that is exactly how normal people get a dog, like buying an Emma Mattress. For actual fucks sake please dont get a dog. Any dog. Ever.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 23:02

Salvadoridory

I believe that breeders are supposed to have a contract to return dogs - I thought it was only poor breeders who refuse that ?

OP posts:
Salvadoridory · 18/09/2025 23:07

Yes but they usually make sure its unlikely by being very selective about the homes. But then the real ones dont usually sell off dogs like Mattress seconds so I guess its a fair match.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 23:13

Salvadoridory

Actually I approached her because she breeds typically gentle natured breeds and I have a particular reason to look for this type of dog.
She could have pushed to sell me a v expensive pup. We are not getting him with the view to return him - she is aware of certain anxiety I have around pups and appears to be being supportive by telling me that if it does not work he can be returned… but that would not be done lightly.

OP posts:
Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 23:15

Does anyone have any advice on helping a pup of this age to settle ?

OP posts:
BarkItOff · 18/09/2025 23:17

Don’t touch this dog with a bargepole!

Poorly socialised, likely needs other dog company or will be nervous, a mix of 2 high energy breeds prone to reactivity. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. The breeder has really failed this dog!

Not being a pet is no excuse for neglect. Many breeder’s have stud dogs etc. but they are a pet first and they get all their needs met.

In regards to health tests has he had his hips, patella’s and eyes checked? Because most crap breeders, like this one, do the DNA tests because they are cheap but ignore the more expensive but equally as important tests.

You keep comparing this dog to a rescue but it’s not the same at all. Firstly you are supporting this breeder by giving her money. Secondly rescues have rescue back up and can usually offer training and support with any issues. This breeder isn’t going to do that, she couldn’t be bothered to walk her own dog in 11 months so not a a chance is she taking time to help you.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 23:23

BarkItOff

ok thank you .
since meeting him - I do have videos of him in the car and having walks - ie she has been talking him for walks and car journeys at my request.

OP posts:
Joystir59 · 18/09/2025 23:26

Why would you take on such a problem heavy dog? Why not plough all your energy and hard work and love into raising a puppy from 8 weeks old? My dog will be 2 in December and is an absolute joy. Because she has been raised with care and attention from 8 weeks old. I've had rescues before and nurtured them and trained them and loved them. They have all had persistent problems that never go away. That's what you are electing to take on.

Original poster
Lessworknow · 18/09/2025 23:29

Joystir59

Because I find puppies really really difficult.The disturbed nights mostly!

I believe that cavalier dogs are laid back - gentle breed? so I assumed that he would be gentle and calm?

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