Should I/could I own a cocker?

[Nicola]

I lived in Edinburgh until recently and used the fantabberlous Jo for daycare for my 3 monsters. I trust her absolutely with them, she's even looking after Alfie and Tilly just now while I'm travelling for a couple of months as well  

The only thing that sprang to my mind in reading your post is that do you know what you'll be doing once you've finished your PhD? My ex OH was a PhD student at Heriot-Watt and I know how much flexibility he had but once he started working it was a completely different story so that may be something to bear in mind.

With my 3 I've got them all at different ages, personally I'm not a huge fan of the small puppy phase and am happy enough to skip that part! Alfie, my first, is the only one I got at 8 weeks; Tilly was a rescue and was 2 years old (and extremely well trained) when I got her and Rodaidh came from a breeder at 6 months. Rescues can be fantastic if it's something you'd consider. With my 3 it definitely isn't the case that Alfie is more bonded to me because I've had him from 8 weeks.

I know what you mean about being desperate for a dog though, I was at uni in Edinburgh as well and I had to wait for the 4 years of my degree and then another year while I got settled into my job and was able to negotiate some flexi time, buy a house with a garden and afford daycare etc. and it was awful at the time but it was worth the wait in the end  

[joanne_v]

Have given Roslyn the name of another daycare centre  Cazzie that one is out in East Lothian so doubt they come into the city.

Thats a shame it looks brilliant 

They were in the news recently because one of their dogs hanged itself while left alone....

[Jan/Billy]

You are far far better going by personal recommendation when choosing any kind of dog care IMO 

[Beth]

Have given Roslyn the name of another daycare centre  Cazzie that one is out in East Lothian so doubt they come into the city.

Thats a shame it looks brilliant 

They were in the news recently because one of their dogs hanged itself while left alone....

I was thinking the same. They could pay me and i wouldn't leave Jarvis in their care.

[Cazzie]

Have given Roslyn the name of another daycare centre  Cazzie that one is out in East Lothian so doubt they come into the city.

Thats a shame it looks brilliant 

They were in the news recently because one of their dogs hanged itself while left alone....

CRIPES   Was it that one   Good lordy, just as well you knew, well I wouldnt be using them then  

[Roslyn McConnell]

Luckily I have already been offered a post very similar to what I'm doing now once I finish (in three years time!seems so far!) so the hours will be the same, most of the people who do statistical genetics work from home so thats quite good I suppose!

Oh I'm so confused, I just want to do wants best for the dog. My last dog was so prefect and easy to train- he could load the washing machine, alert my gran to the gas being left on, was so gentle with the nursery kids and one 4 year old who hadn't said a word in years patted him on the head and said 'gud dug'.....I think that meant 'good dog'! I know that I could bring another puppy up to that standard and it would benefit both me and allot of kids but would it benefit the dog?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.......I just don't know! I would be home Friday to Monday, and could only comfortably afford doggy daycare once a week so thats still two days being left on its own.

It's just sooooooo unfair, I wish I was rich or a housewife in the 50s!!!!
Oh I want to cry, I'll never get my puppy!!!

if anyone has a job opening for a 24year old with a degree and masters in human gentics and would allow me to bring a puppy to the office or work from home-please let me know!!!!

xRx

[Beth]

Why not look into a dog walker instead of doggy daycare, if you could do that for the 3 days i reckon you'd be okay.... you sound like you could give a cocker a wonderful life.

[sabrino]

I agree with Beth. We have a dog walker for Milo, mostly due to there being no daycare whatsoever in the area I live in. Although its not as ideal as daycare, shes great, he adores her and it breaks the time up for him. As far as I can tell he just sleeps the rest of the time. 

[The Woolys]

I think as long as you know that you will have the same flexible hours in the future then i can't see any problems.  You sound like you are able to give a cocker a very happy life, in fact if i become a cocker can i come and live with you lol

As everyone has said though, a dog walker would be ideal and would solve the days when you can't be there 24/7

[Roslyn McConnell]

Thanks everyone, you really put my mind at rest!

Now all I have to do is doggie-proof my house, find a breeder I like, wait for a litter and then be picked by a puppy!

My spaniel obession is getting out of control........I actually stalked someone with a cocker yesterday, I sooooo wanted to pet it but they were too fast for me! :005:Sorry if your are out there man with the golden cocker spaniel in Edinburgh stockbridge last night!!!! He was quite goodlooking to , if only I didnt already have a bf...........................

xRx

[september]

I would sell my OH for my cocker too!! 

He knows he is now second best!!