CockersOnline Forum

General => Introductions => Topic started by: KarIng on February 20, 2006, 08:35:44 PM

Title: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 20, 2006, 08:35:44 PM: Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum and just wanted to say hi and tell you all how lucky I am! - I'm getting my cocker tomorrow! We're adopting a failed police dog. They're bringing him tomorrow, I have a choice of two, one's black, one's chocolate, they're both about 6 months old, and I can't wait. I'm waiting for a call tomorrow morning to let me know when to expect them, as it depends on the policeman getting a van, otherwise it may be later in the week. And then I'll be jetting down to Jolley's to stock up on all the stuff I need. I'm not prepared because I only found out about the dogs on Friday and just heard from them this evening.

I'll post a photo (if that's possible?) as soon as he's here and let you know more details.

BTW, I'm Karen, I live with my partner and my daughter, who's four and our three cats. I'm desperately hoping that the cats and dog will get on or at least not fight! Anyone got experience with this problem?

sorry to ramble and thanks for listening.

Karen
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: janejohn on February 20, 2006, 08:48:49 PM: Hi Karen and welcome to COL :blink:

I bet you are soooo excited! Have you had dogs before or will this be your first one like us? We have Sapphire a little blue roan girl who is 11 weeks old. Our old persian cat is slowly getting used to her - but Sapphire just wants to play, play, play!!

Hope you enjoy the site. I've found loads of great information on here and everyone is really nice.

Good luck for tomorrow - let us know how it goes.

Jane

http://photobucket.com/albums/f100/jphilliban/?action=view&current=whichpuppy004.jpg
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 20, 2006, 09:07:10 PM: Hi Jane,

yes, I am incredibly excited. I've wanted a working cocker for a while now as a friend has one and she is just beautiful and gorgeous.

My parents always had dogs when I lived at home, but never a cocker. We did have a springer bitch though, she was gorgeous. I've never really been in a position when I could have a dog since, as I've been working or the children have been too small. But now my daughter is nearly five and I am only working a few hours a day, not even every day and can sometimes take the dog with me, so it's perfect timing for me. I can't wait and really hope he brings them tomorrow. The question is how am I going to decide which I want? I think I'm going to go for the chocolate coloured because I've seen a photo of his dad on the web and apparently he's the spitting image. And his dad won the cocker championship 2006.

Sapphire is beautiful. How is the toilet training going? I'm quite worried about my cats and how thhey'll react. they're all about nine or ten years old, two are quite gutsy and I think will be ok but one is very timid and I'm not sure how he'll react, but fingers crossed it'll be ok.

I have nothing in the house for the dog except an old beanbag which I'm hoping he can sleep on. I'll have to go and buy a lead, bowls, food, etc etc. The policeman recommended keeping him in a cage at night to stop him chewing but I don't think I can do that. What sort of beds and things does everyone have, anything in particular people would recommend?

And how do I post photos, especially a little thumbnail like yours of Sapphire?

Sorry, this is such a long message again ....

Karen
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: speedyjaney on February 20, 2006, 09:56:40 PM: Hi There

Welcome to the forum!

When we brough home both of our puppies our Persian cat was 10 yrs old.

We had rules from the beginning for the dogs, like they were NEVER allowed to chase him, he was ALWAYS right and they got told off if they even irritated him lol.

However they all soon got used to each other and within 1 few months all sat on the floor together. We had areas of the house that were cat safe, as the dogs were restricted to where they could go but Mylo wasn't!! It worked great for us.

We lost Mylo last November but have now got a new kitten and they have all got on great together....see the pics of Hodge in either the photo gallery posts or in Anything goes..he really can snuggle up with the dogs!

Good luck with you puppy, being a failed police dog at least you will be a bit ahead with the training !!

Janey x
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Cob-Web on February 20, 2006, 10:50:20 PM: Quote from: KarIng on February 20, 2006, 09:07:10 PM
I have nothing in the house for the dog except an old beanbag which I'm hoping he can sleep on. I'll have to go and buy a lead, bowls, food, etc etc. The policeman recommended keeping him in a cage at night to stop him chewing but I don't think I can do that. What sort of beds and things does everyone have, anything in particular people would recommend?

How exciting - and very brave - a working cocker, especially one with Ft Ch in his recent pedigree, would be way too lively for me :laugh:

I would reinterate the advice of your friend - a crate really is a good idea, they keep the pup safe from hurting himself, and let him go and sleep somewhere quiet, away from your little one if needs be (my daughter is 5, too ;)).

Even now, Molo choses to sleep in his crate sometimes - but I only ever shut the door if we need to confine him quickly (after I have smashed a glass/plate on the floor usually ::))

You might want to find out what he has been fed; and use that to prevent tummy upsets, although I would suggest in the longer term changing him from a working dog food brand if he is on one, as this can be a bit high in protein for a pet dog, and make them even more whizzy :-\

Its worth waiting until hes out of the chewing stage before you buy him a special bed - Molo destroyed a plastic oval and a beautiful doggy-duvet when he was a puppy >:(

There are loads of things you can buy for him - wait until you get to Jolleys - but my number 1 recommendation would be a book called "The Pefect Puppy" by Gwen Bailey - it will help you keep a grasp of your sanity over the next few months :laugh:

I look forward to seeing pictures ;)
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: willowfaery on February 20, 2006, 11:02:28 PM: Hi and welcome,
Oh I am feeling excited for you now. What's the betting you won't be able to choose between them and want them both. I found it so hard choosing Jet from the litter, but I am glad I have him.
As for the crate (cage) a lot of people do this and the dogs do actually make them their sanctuary.
Jet however sleeps on his cushion bed (from pets at home/ jollys equivilent) next to our bed. Tuts at hubby as he was the one insisting Jet remained out of our room and off of the sofa for that matter then let's him up! ::) I am sure he'll love the bean bag bed, although I think Jet may make light work out of the cover and I would think it was snowing. :laugh:
I shall cross everything for you for your new arrival tomorrow. Don't panic about the Ft Ch background, he will be a loving dog and he won't be any more lively than you expect a puppy to be. Or is that just my expectations from always having working dogs???????
Well, you will love him even if he is lively.
I agree with IWLass on the food front. I am sure they will give you a few days supply to get you going, but I would seriously think about changing his diet if he, like Jet, is on a working dogs diet. You will see tomorrow I guess on that front.
Enjoy your shopping at Jolly's I am sure you will spend a small fortune on lots of toys and goodies for him.
Do let us see him when you can.
Fingers crossed for tomorrow
Huggles Jules & Jet :-*
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: willowfaery on February 21, 2006, 02:38:05 PM: Hi Karen,
I'm still got everthing crossed for you.........
Did he arrive? Did you get your baby? Which one did you choose? What's he like? Did you spend a fortune on him? Can we see a picture?
So many questions, gosh I am nosey! :laugh:
Good luck
Huggles
Jules & Jet :-*
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: flossysmum on February 21, 2006, 02:42:52 PM: Hello, welcome to COL :blink:

Good luck with the new puppy :blink: xxx
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: happydog on February 21, 2006, 02:52:05 PM: :blink: Hi Karen. Just a little extra to add to the advice you have already been given. Put one of your old worn tee shirts, jumpers or something on her bed ( one that smells of you :-\ if you get my drift! :huh:). It will make him/her feel more secure when you're not in sight, especially at night. You can always replace it with another one it when it is in rags. I found it really helped with my working cocker when she was a pup. (Doesnt look too good if you have any posh visitors 'tho so dont recommend underwear ;) )
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 21, 2006, 04:25:22 PM: Hi everyone,

sorry I haven't read through all your replies yet, will do that tonight when things calm down! But just wanted to let you know Teddy's here and he's gorgeous! We're just going for a walk. More later.

Karen
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: willowfaery on February 21, 2006, 05:47:13 PM: Karen you are such a tease :P
Glad to hear you got "Teddy" how cute is that :luv:
I can finally uncross everything now.
Hope you enjoyed your first walk with Teddy.
Can't wait to hear about him and SEE HIM
Huggles
Jules & Jet :-*
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Helen on February 21, 2006, 05:48:21 PM: glad you have teddy safe and sound with you!

we have a chocolate working cocker aged 8 1/2 months, and he is the love of our lives! (although he has just had a bath as he reeked of 'eau de bog' and he's currently doing the wall of death around - and around - and around! the living room)

can't wait to see pics - pm me if you need help with them

rachel - will lend you jarvis at the new forest walk so you can see working cocker in action (actually, he's pretty laid back for a working cocker, or so i think and have been told!!!! i've never had a show cocker so jarvis is my only spaniel experience!)
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 21, 2006, 05:59:57 PM: Hi all,

well, we're back from our walk and Teddy's back in his cage, chewing his big chew bone with a passion!

In the end we had the choice taken, as between me speaking to the dog handler last night and him coming today, he found a new owner for the black working cocker. I had already said I thought I would prefer the chocolate one (we have two black cats and I thought it might get too confusing!), so that was fine with me. I did see both dogs as he had them in his van, and they were both gorgeous, so it would have been a difficult choice.

We spent an utter fortune at Jolley's of course, as he came with nothing! After talking to the dog handler, we did buy a cage and I have to say at the moment I'm very glad. The cats can get used to the smell of him without being chased and my daughter doesn't have to worry about him jumping up at her, which he has been doing whenever he's had a chance. Have to work at that one.

We also got a carrier for the car and of course food bowls, chews, biscuits, toys, poop bags and a green dog loo! and a collar and lead.

He's absolutely gorgeous and full of energy! We had a good 40 minute walk just now and when we got home with him this afternoon he had a good run in the back garden and a poo, which he does on command, the handler told us and it worked up to now. We'll see.

He's not used to being on a lead so we need to work on that, but he didn't do too badly. At Jolley's they told me about puppy classes which are just down the road on a Saturday morning, so we'll go there. It clashes with my daughter's ballet class, but hubby will have to take over the ballet run!

So how much exercise would a working cocker of this age need? I've been told at least half an hour morning and evening, but that doesn't seem much. And would a walk on the lead count or would he need a good run off the lead? Not that I mind, except of course I am worried he won't come back. Haviing said that, he is incredibly greedy so will probably do anything for food!

The dog handler said they were feeding Arden Grange but forgot to bring some and I can't get hold of any immediately, I've ordered some online which should arrive Thursday, but til then we'll have to manage with something else. He suggested Eukenuba so we'll give it a try.

As I type, the first of the cats has come downstairs to peer round the corner, not looking too pleased, I have to say.

Thanks everyone for replying and being so excited with me.

I have to say I'm shattered, but then I didn't sleep last night, I was so excited.

More later.

By the way I haven't worked out how to post a photo, except the one I've added into my profile. Sorry, I have only one photo of her in her cage at the moment, but will take more later or tomorrow.

Karen x

By
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Helen on February 21, 2006, 06:19:52 PM: hi karen & teddy (another choc wock!!!)

did you find teddy via briarquest??? when i started looking for a pup their website was really informative....

working cockers like exploring and running and sniffing and getting dirty, and there is a general 5 min per month of age per walk rule for dogs as a guide for walking time - i would definitely work on recall before setting teddy loose, and if he/she (which one?? both sexes are mentioned in your email!!!) is anything like the chocolate tornado here, treats work, well, like a treat! especially cold sausages or liver cake - you need to make 'you' the best place in the world for teddy to come back too.

if you have doubts on recall try teddy on a long line - they do love running free, and if they have a good run with some fun training thrown in you get a tired pooch instead of a bored destructive one. have lots of toys for teddy, jarvis has not chewed one thing in the house (although you cannot move in this house for standing on something squeaky - fortunately the squeaky things are toys not the dog!)

try and get teddy used to being left as well once he/she's settled in, and yes to the puppy classes - for socialisation as well as obedience.

from your avator i can see a great resemblance between teddy and jarvis so am really looking forward to pics - i'm sure danny and miss poohs will be wanting to see your new baby too! (we are all desperately in love with our choc working cockers!!!!)

good luck! and as topbarks said to me once, 'don't be too hard on him' - our babies are so bright you sometimes forget how young they are! teddy is about to go through the most trying few months (aka kevin teenage stage) of his life, and it will be hard (but very rewarding!) work for you. there are a lot of us coping with teenagers so don't hesitate to post any questions!

ps there are lots of posts about pulling on the lead so check them out - clicker training may be the way, and if you get into good lead habits now, it will make life a LOT easier for you!
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Helen on February 21, 2006, 06:27:22 PM: would recommend burns over eukanuba... ;)
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 21, 2006, 06:33:13 PM: Hi,

yes I got Teddy through Briarquest. I asked to be put on the waiting list for one of their puppies but then saw the two police dogs mentioned and contacted Ian about taking one of them. Teddy is a boy, sorry for any confusion. My family always had bitches in the past so I keep slipping into the habit of saying "she" I think.

5 mins per month works out at about half an hour, so that twice a day should be ok, right? I've just had him out of his cage for a cuddle and a run in the garden but he just wanted to leap around in the kitchen, trying to get at the work surfaces and I need to get my daughter ready for bed, so I've put him back in his cage for now, with his toys - we have a kong and the stuff to put in it, a cotton pull, a squeaky toy slipper thing, some balls, and a huge chew. I will also pop in an old T-shirt of mine as suggested. he's crying to come out at the moment, but will just have to hang on for a bit. He may be hungry too but I'm waiting for my other half to come back with some food,, got to wait another 45 mins or so. So I've given him a bonio to put him on.

I'll post photos as soon as I've worked out how ...!

Karen
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Elisa on February 21, 2006, 07:05:51 PM: Welcome Karen and Teddy to the forum :blink:

Looking forward to seeing the piccies :blink:
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: janejohn on February 21, 2006, 09:34:43 PM: Hi Karen and welcome to Teddy.

He looks absolutally gorgeous! Glad you're getting on well and having fun.

Regarding pics just follow the guidelines in Posting Photos - if I can do it you can!!!

Good luck for his first night :blink:

Jane
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 21, 2006, 10:01:40 PM: I've tried posting some photos in the Photo Gallery under the topic "Some photos of Teddy" (I think)! but I think it's just a link rather than the Photos. I only hve these three photos but will post more as soon as I have some.

Karen and Teddy
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Miss Poohs on February 21, 2006, 11:23:43 PM: Hi Karen and Teddy of course.

I have two working cockers - Vahri our black girl who is nearly 4 and Rufus our chocolate boy who will be 2 in May.

The choccie puddin's are taking over here - and they are all the same completely bonkers, but loveable with it.

Welcome to COL
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Dannyt on February 22, 2006, 07:53:11 AM: Welcome to COL

We have a 10 month old chocolate working cocker called Charlie...................the choccies are taking over !!!!

Hope you have as much fun with Teddy as we have with Charlie
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 22, 2006, 11:00:46 AM: Morning everyone,

I'm so proud of Teddy! He slept all night in his crate and only cried for maybe 20 mins when we went to bed. This morning his crate was clean and he went straight out and pee'd and pooed! So good.

It's great to see so many chocolate working cockers out there, they're beautiful.

He's playing with my little girl now, she was quite scared yesterday and still doesn't like him jumping up, which I'm trying to stop. But she keeps giving him his big chew bone which he loves. We've had a big walk this morning. He just seems to have settled in so well and seems to love us already.

Now I've got to work up the courage to give him a bath, because he's still got that kenelly smell!
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Helen on February 22, 2006, 09:24:32 PM: jarvis has the indignity of being in the bath frequently - mostly to rinse the mud off (no shampoo involved!) - he is now tolerant of the shower nozzle as long as it's warm enough! (this from the pooch that goes swimming every day in sub zero temps)

yes to walks twice a day (minimum that jarvis can cope with....)

my choc wock's worst habit is jumping (tell your daughter to cross her arms, play statue and look up to the sky... it does help!!)

they are the most loving and lovable dogs, but DON'T look into the eyes - you'll give in every time! :luv:
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: happydog on February 23, 2006, 07:31:54 AM: Quote from: choccydrop on February 22, 2006, 09:24:32 PM

they are the most loving and lovable dogs, but DON'T look into the eyes - you'll give in every time! :luv:
Oh how very true!
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: EmC on February 23, 2006, 02:18:09 PM: Hi Karen and Teddy

Welcome to COL. I am quite new here too, it dosn't take long to get addicted.
Lovely photos, Teddy is just adorable.
I am the proud owner of another Jarvis, a 15 month old black and tan worker x show.
Look forward to hearing more about Teddy (and more pics!)

Emma and Jarvis
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 24, 2006, 02:43:07 PM: I've added some more photos to the photo gallery. Thanks for your comments everyone. I hope I'm doing it right, I noticed that someone had had to upload the URLs, should I have done something else after pasting the URL in the message?

We're still fine, right now Teddy is laid asleep on the settee between my 4 yr old daughter and her friend, whilst they watch Lady and the Tramp!

He's been so good. He sleeps really well and yesterday I left him for the first time in the daytime for an hour whilst I took Charlotte swimming, I left him in his cage, but I felt really guilty. However, he's so good now that he only goes in at night or if I have to go out.

Of course, from MOnday it's all change. My daughter will be back at school and I'll be out Monday morning, Thursday morning and Friday morning, just from 8.45 til 12 noon - think he'll be ok? I'm going to buy him loads more toys this weekend, but he loves his chewy bone and squeaky slipper. Not too keen on his Kong, unless it's just been filled with puppy kong stuff!

He's walking really well on the lead, I have an extendable one now for when we're walking through fields and he's very good.

We had a slight accident in the house this morning. I don't think he was too sure about going out in the snow (it wasn't much!) and I opened the door for him to have a wee, but he came straight back in. Then 10 mins later there was a pee and a poo on the carpet! I am trying to get used to when he goes and the fact that he always goes again straight after! and send him out for a wee every hour at least. But I felt as if I'd done something wrong. Any ideas on avoiding this happening again, or is it normal every now and again? I don't want him to get the wrong idea and think the carpet is the place to do his business!

We're going to puppy classes on Saturday so we'll see what they say there.

Love all your dogs, BTW.
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Helen on February 24, 2006, 04:43:13 PM: you'll probably have to go outside with teddy for toilet (brrrrr i know!!!!) until he gets used to it, and use your 'code word' each time he wee's/poo's - some people use 'get busy' and eventually the dog will toilet on command.

i'm sure he'll be ok from 8.45 to 12 - will you be able to take him for a walk before you go out?? as i say, don't look into the eyes when you're leaving (they can make you feel sooooooooo guilty!) or make a huge fuss, and if he's had a walk he'll probably sleep the whole time! we leave loads of treats etc for jarvis when we go out, and he eats NOTHING until we get back (then he scoffs the lot!).

have fun at puppy class!!!

hx
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: KarIng on February 24, 2006, 08:08:49 PM: Teddy's very good when he goes out and I take him into the garden at least once an hour, when I say "Get clean" (the phrase the police used to toilet train him) he does it, but just sometimes even though he was out about ten mins before and "told" me he didn't need to go, he does it on the carpet. I don't get it.
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Helen on February 24, 2006, 10:14:56 PM: it's early days, and he may be a bit insecure still and getting used to things - i think your consistency will win out. clean where he's messed with biological washing powder - this should help remove any whiff and discourage weeing/pooing in that spot again

i think you and teddy are doing fine :luv:
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: flozac on February 24, 2006, 10:30:21 PM: nice to meet you and Teddy hope you are all happy together.
Title: Re: New to this forum - getting cocker tomorrow!
Post by: Wendy G on February 27, 2006, 08:47:27 PM: Hi Karen & Teddy
You seem to be enjoying yourselves.I have 2 working cockers Spud 5 and Bailey who is 1