Advice on buying a puppy

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cl40
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Advice on buying a puppy

Post by cl40 » Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:25 pm

We’ve got to the stage as a family we’re we’ve decided to add a dog to the clan. Could anybody advise the best way of buying one, recommended breeders etc? We’re thinking of getting a cocker poo.

We’re fully aware of the responsibilities a dog brings this is why we’ve waited so long, waiting for the kids to grow up a bit so we have more time for the dog.

Claretitus
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Claretitus » Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:32 pm

Good luck cl40. We had a Labradoodle, a black dog called Cole, as he was as black as coal as a puppy. We had to have him put to sleep 3 weeks ago, as he had liver cancer. He was a lovely dog, gentle and mild mannered, loved being around people, and he leaves a big void in our lives. Just glad that 3 months on Furlough meant we spent lots of time with him in his last weeks. Take out a good level of pet insurance, worth it in the long run.
Enjoy your dog.
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Aclaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Aclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:33 pm

Cocker poos are good with kids, we have a Springer Spaniel, she just loves playing with the grandchildren.

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by ClaretTony » Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:36 pm

Aclaret wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:33 pm
Cocker poos are good with kids, we have a Springer Spaniel, she just loves playing with the grandchildren.
You won’t get a minute’s rest with a springer.

lakedistrictclaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by lakedistrictclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:44 pm

I'd be inclined to leave it a few months.

Since lockdown, prices for puppies have trebled or quadrupled. A few months ago you could pick up a pedigree cocker spaniel for about £800. Now, they' re advertised at £2500 - £3000.
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Aclaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Aclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:49 pm

ClaretTony wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:36 pm
You won’t get a minute’s rest with a springer.
You're right Tony, although she's getting on now and slowed a little. Wouldn't swap her for the world.

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by ClaretTony » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:01 pm

Aclaret wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:49 pm
You're right Tony, although she's getting on now and slowed a little. Wouldn't swap her for the world.
My brother had one - I think she got close to 15 and had just about started to slow down

Claretitus
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Claretitus » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:01 pm

Also, try to buy from a breeder, and research the breeder, check them out.

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Claretitus » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:02 pm

My niece is getting a Springerdoodle from Clitheroe in 2 weeks. Lovely looking dog.

depechedingle
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by depechedingle » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:06 pm

Check out Kennel Club list of breeders if your prepared to wait, though not sure for a cockapoo on there.

Pets at home have a decent looking website.

We got a Jack Russell puppy 4 weeks ago, he's now nearing 12 weeks old and has had his vaccinations and has been allowed out since Wednesday.

Good luck with the search and take your time with it, some silly prices being quoted as well.
Last edited by depechedingle on Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Herts Clarets
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Herts Clarets » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:06 pm

Labradoodle. Cockerpoo. Springerdoodle. They were known as mongrels, crossbreeds or Heinz 57 when I was younger....
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Fenwick
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Fenwick » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:07 pm

As said above go for a kennel club registered breeder. It will cost more but there's a lot of shameless puppy sellers out there, especially at the moment. Prices are inflated but that's just the way it is. A good seller will basically interview you to see if you are worthy of buying their puppy before money is even mentioned
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Jakubclaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Jakubclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:09 pm

Take 1 treat in your pocket to the whelping pen & insist upon analysing every puppy's personality whilst extracting the treat from your pocket & the puppy that's most patient I select, it's usually last to the runt of the litter.

Bigvince
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Bigvince » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:12 pm

When I was a kid cocker poo’s and labradoodles would have been mongrels!!
Retrievers, labradors, whippets all great with kids, spaniels can be a bit mad and full on!
For pure intelligence you can’t beat border collies but they need a lot of exercise and can walk all day.
All the best in picking the dog for you, the only regret you’ll have in being a dog owner is when you lose them!!!

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by UnderSeige » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:14 pm

Aclaret wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:33 pm
Cocker poos are good with kids, we have a Springer Spaniel, she just loves playing with the grandchildren.
I know someone who bought a cocker spaniel. 99% of the time it was very friendly. However, two or three times a week it would turn either him or his wife for no apparent reason. His wife had to have stitches in her hand when it bit her one time.

He contacted the breeder who had sold him the dog. The breeder informed him that a small number of cocker spaniels have a syndrome known as 'cocker spaniel rage'. The dog was then put down.

https://www.doglistener.co.uk/aggressio ... rage.shtml

Get a dog that is friendly with children. Not a dog with loads of energy and potentially pent up aggression. I wouldn't buy one at all if it will have to be left on it's own in the house all day - especially a high energy dog.

Burnley1989
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Burnley1989 » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:17 pm

lakedistrictclaret wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:44 pm
I'd be inclined to leave it a few months.

Since lockdown, prices for puppies have trebled or quadrupled. A few months ago you could pick up a pedigree cocker spaniel for about £800. Now, they' re advertised at £2500 - £3000.
That’s true, my sister was quoted £2500 for a cockerpoo (not sure how it’s spelt)

KLClaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by KLClaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:22 pm

There's thousands of retired greyhounds that need a home. Best family pet by far and they don't need loads of exercise, I've had 2 and they were the easiest dogs I've known. I know it won't be a puppy but please give it a thought.
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by conyoviejo » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:23 pm

cl40 wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 5:25 pm
We’ve got to the stage as a family we’re we’ve decided to add a dog to the clan. Could anybody advise the best way of buying one, recommended breeders etc? We’re thinking of getting a cocker poo.

We’re fully aware of the responsibilities a dog brings this is why we’ve waited so long, waiting for the kids to grow up a bit so we have more time for the dog.
You could always look after a guide dog puppy.Everything is paid for(food insurance ,vet fees etc.) you can take them on the train ,bus ,supermarkets and most other places ..you have them from around eight weeks old until they are between 1 year and 15 months old,then they go for proper guide dog training and you then have the option of taking another one on if you want to.. I've had the satisfaction of looking after countless ones over the years ,knowing that they are going to be working with a blind/partially sighted person.. Check out the guide dogs for the blind web site if you are interested,I can recommend it. 8-)
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cl40
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by cl40 » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:25 pm

Thanks for the advice everyone, looks like we’ll have to wait a while as I don’t fancy spending £2,500. Happy to pay for a puppy from a proper breeder but not at the current inflated prices. Hopefully we’ll have the dog for up to 15 years so waiting a few months won’t hurt.

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by huw.Y.WattfromWare » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:26 pm

The daughter is buying a cavachon from a breeder. Born a few days ago but they have to wait 9 weeks before collection. The litter is 9 and they are going to view them all and let the dog choose them.
The sister-in-law has a giant labradoodle. It’s Shetland pony size but she has lost over a stone walking the beast. Lovely dog though but could pull your arm out of its socket.

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Jakubclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:28 pm

KLClaret wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:22 pm
There's thousands of retired greyhounds that need a home. Best family pet by far and they don't need loads of exercise, I've had 2 and they were the easiest dogs I've known. I know it won't be a puppy but please give it a thought.
I agree wholeheartedly, but with a toddler running loose & unintentionally becoming too friendly & trying to kiss the dog or getting too close to the face will be a quick snap whilst the dog is trying to sleep, that kind of dog will do everything possible to shy away from that though, it'd need close supervision.

warksclaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by warksclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:29 pm

When you do buy follow Fenwick's advice and buy off a Kennel Club registered breeder, and also that the dog has been checked out by their vet. We bought a Jack Russell rough coated puppy that was beautiful, but it turned out to be a breeding farm. Took it straight round to our vet on the way home and they discovered a heart murmer. I took it straight back to the seller (broke our heart)and looked out for a KC registered breeder and now have a lovely Cairn/Norfolk cross dog who is adorable and fit.Good luck with your search

Aclaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Aclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:36 pm

UnderSeige wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:14 pm
I know someone who bought a cocker spaniel. 99% of the time it was very friendly. However, two or three times a week it would turn either him or his wife for no apparent reason. His wife had to have stitches in her hand when it bit her one time.

He contacted the breeder who had sold him the dog. The breeder informed him that a small number of cocker spaniels have a syndrome known as 'cocker spaniel rage'. The dog was then put down.

https://www.doglistener.co.uk/aggressio ... rage.shtml

Get a dog that is friendly with children. Not a dog with loads of energy and potentially pent up aggression. I wouldn't buy one at all if it will have to be left on it's own in the house all day - especially a high energy dog.
Can't speak on Cocker Spaniels but our Springer approaching 13 years old has never shown any sort of aggression whatsoever. She has grown up with the grandchildren.

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Bosscat » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:39 pm

Burnley1989 wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:17 pm
That’s true, my sister was quoted £2500 for a cockerpoo (not sure how it’s spelt)
I think its spelt....

Two Thousand Five Hundred Pounds

😉

lakedistrictclaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by lakedistrictclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:43 pm

" Cocker Spaniel Rage" is very rare, and only occurs in solid colour dogs, i.e. black or golden. Cockers of more than one colour are fine.

I got mine from the Pets4Homes website. Perfectly reputable, as long as you insist on seeing the mother of the puppies when you go to look. Most of the adverts on there are from private homes rather than kennels.

I'm sure prices will fall back to normal before too long.

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Beryl66 » Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:47 pm

We have had 6 cocker spaniels over the years and all have been great with our children and grandchildren. There have been a few issues with 'cocker rage' but to my knowledge it is the solid colours who are more prone to this and apart from the first we have always had parti coloured ones. On choosing a pup - always go to a breeder and definitely see Mum and preferably the father as well. If you are on FB, it's worth joining a group interested in that breed as you will get really good advice about the breeders to go/not go to. Our found our youngest dog through a Cocker Spaniel group.

Firthy
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Firthy » Sun Jun 21, 2020 7:02 pm

Personally I'm not one for these cross designer dogs. I'm a bit of a purist with dogs. I had cocker spaniels and they can be highly strung. I had to have one put down at 6 years old because it developed red rage.

I currently have 3 Tibetan Terriers and they are the best dogs we've ever had. Hardly moult, nice size, intelligent, friendly and great family dogs.
Last edited by Firthy on Sun Jun 21, 2020 7:36 pm, edited 2 times in total.

huw.Y.WattfromWare
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by huw.Y.WattfromWare » Sun Jun 21, 2020 7:19 pm

Mrs. Huw bears the scars from being bitten by her fathers greyhound. Going off the earlier post this just proves that dogs are like humans; they are all different.

Herts Clarets
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Herts Clarets » Sun Jun 21, 2020 7:30 pm

We have a Staffy. Not great with other dogs as he is frightened of them. In fact he is frightened of his own shadow. But with people I would trust him to the end of the earth. My in laws have his 2 sisters and my brother in law the mum and dad. No sign of aggression in any of the 5. Each to their own but I would have another Staffy without a second thought.

MACCA
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by MACCA » Sun Jun 21, 2020 7:33 pm

Ive been hearing a lot recently about *Black Labs Matter, maybe look into them?

*Other colours of Labrador are available
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bfcjg
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by bfcjg » Sun Jun 21, 2020 7:45 pm

Reputable breeder , check recommendations.

icu81b4
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by icu81b4 » Sun Jun 21, 2020 7:56 pm

Get a Whippet, they have two speeds go and stop, they don't need hours and hours of exercise every day and when they are at home they curl up and sleep, very gentle and quiet dogs.

KLClaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by KLClaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:14 pm

Whippets=small greyhounds

Buxtonclaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Buxtonclaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:14 pm

Go to a dogs home and get one from there.
All ages.
All breeds.

I've always had mixed breeds.
Vets bills are usually less than breed dogs too.

And once you've looked around a dogs home, you'll be glad you got one from there too.
A lot of wonderful animals looking for a good home.

ClaretDiver
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by ClaretDiver » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:16 pm

Herts Clarets wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:06 pm
Labradoodle. Cockerpoo. Springerdoodle. They were known as mongrels, crossbreeds or Heinz 57 when I was younger....
Exactly....and they all come with their own problems because of the crossbreeding....nothing wrong with a rescue!

Zlatan
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Zlatan » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:17 pm

Please don’t buy from a breeder, there’s plenty of dogs needing homes in rescue centres. If you go there and they deem you not suitable, take that as a message that you are not meant to have a dog

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by UnderSeige » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:19 pm

Aclaret wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:36 pm
Can't speak on Cocker Spaniels but our Springer approaching 13 years old has never shown any sort of aggression whatsoever. She has grown up with the grandchildren.
I believe that it only affects a very small percentage of cocker spaniels. Most will be OK. There's loads of links on google about it. Just google 'cocker spaniel rage'.

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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by UnderSeige » Sun Jun 21, 2020 8:20 pm

lakedistrictclaret wrote:
Sun Jun 21, 2020 6:43 pm
" Cocker Spaniel Rage" is very rare, and only occurs in solid colour dogs, i.e. black or golden. Cockers of more than one colour are fine.

I got mine from the Pets4Homes website. Perfectly reputable, as long as you insist on seeing the mother of the puppies when you go to look. Most of the adverts on there are from private homes rather than kennels.

I'm sure prices will fall back to normal before too long.
Yes the neighbours was a golden one.

KLClaret
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by KLClaret » Sun Jun 21, 2020 9:58 pm

I'm with Zlatan.Please don't buy from a breeder

KateR
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by KateR » Mon Jun 22, 2020 6:53 pm

when we ended up buying a dog/puppy our son asked for a Sherman Leopard.

Hubby asked us to write down individually what we wanted and why, lot's of website on dog recommendations, he checked numerous with the thoughts written, and announced we were getting a standard poodle, black, very specific, he stated that out of 10 sites the poodle was number one recommendation on nine sites and a Lab number two, the other site was reversed.

My son and I argued no for a while and have to say was before any knowledge around the doodles, (which two friends of ours have and we dog sit when they go back to the UK) upshot was we bought a black standard poodle, which our son named Guinness, an absolutely fabulous dog and sorely missed.

Lot's to consider, big/small, sheds hair or not, guard dog or child friendly, but easy I think to input your main requirements on sites and come out with what is nearest to your choice of dog/puppy. lot's of sites:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/p ... mily-dogs/

DCWat
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by DCWat » Mon Jun 22, 2020 7:08 pm

You won’t find a Cavapoo, Cockapoo or other similar mixed breed on the KC website, only recognised breeds.

The prices since lock down are ridiculous and a lot of scams out there.

I’ve been looking for a while but not paying the silly money being quoted right now.

Hopefully all those buying now are prepared for a lifetime of having a dog and not just during these different times.
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Billy Balfour
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Re: Advice on buying a puppy

Post by Billy Balfour » Mon Jun 22, 2020 7:24 pm

It's sad if people are buying a puppy because of our present circumstances. You know, like buying a puppy because you are currently working from home or buying one during the first lockdown restrictions when you could only exercise locally for an hour a day.

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