We have inherited "Poppy" a beautiful working Cocker female at a little over 5 months old just after Christmas. Although as a family we have been discussing dog ownership for a while and doing some planning this happened to us out of the blue. You know what they say, "If you want to give God a good laugh, tell him your plans". She's been through two owners already before us who both couldn't cope, so she was a little undisciplined and chaotic, but she is settling down a bit now, as much as puppies settle!
So, our first dog as a family and we are total newbies. I came by this forum in my mad panic getting as much info as I could over the holiday as I'm on the steep and sharp learning journey. Over the last couple of weeks, I've totally fallen in love and besotted with her. I do appreciate though that good intentions alone won't cut it. I've gotten some basic training underway with a local trainer and have an assessment session with a gun dog trainer this week. The local trainer says she is "a gem" and the training and assessment is more about us/me as it is her. After reading some of the puppy ownership stories here, I really think we have landed on our feet, she has a great temperament, loves everyone, socialises well, eminently teachable. Of course, she needs the physical and mental exercise typical of her breed, but she seems to have already got the hang of training me to make sure I supply those needs. She has what I call her "mad moments" I see it as her just telling me "Dad, I'm your priority right now" as long as I stay connected to her and focused, do some regular hide and seek in the garden those "moments" seem to be getting fewer.
So, I intend to post some journey milestones here and also will no doubt have times when some advice from those with experience will be very welcome.
Pete