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Cocker Specific Discussion => Puppies => Topic started by: Rats and Dogs on July 09, 2009, 04:05:06 PM

Title: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Rats and Dogs on July 09, 2009, 04:05:06 PM
I posted my checklist last week, and it appears I have everything I need for my puppy. I have been devouring old puppy posts and training articles until my head is bursting, and am as ready as I'll ever be.  :luv:

I didn't want to have to ask any questions until he is here as I wanted to see how things went first, but I have started wondering about something and can't find the answer in any old posts.

I have borrowed 2 crates, a large and a smaller one for my puppy. I was planning on having the large one downstairs with a blanket/vetbed, a bed, toys and water, so that Duggie can go into it for short times during the day, and building up to longer for when I have to go out. I was going to have the smaller one upstairs with blankets and toys in it, and it would be where he sleeps at night.

However, I have been thinking about it - would having two crates confuse him or should he really only have the one? Or would he be ok being taken up to the other one when I go to bed, bearing in mind he may already be asleep in the big one?  :P

Also, should I give him a set bedtime, or just put him to bed when he is tired/falls asleep?

I promised myself I wouldn't have any last minute panic about him coming, but here we are! ::) :005:

Oh, one more question (for now!) am I right in thinking he can have training treats such as livercake at 8 weeks old? (If so, I'm heading off to Asda to buy my first ever pack of liver! Yikes! ph34r)
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: louis mum on July 09, 2009, 04:10:59 PM
Lenny has 2 crates and loves both  ;) It is a pain, honestly, carrying them up and down the stairs, so 2 is a good idea ( if your lazy like me)  :lol2:

We just let Lenny sleep whenever he likes, which is all night and most of the day  ph34r he is a lazy so and so  :005: He even sits down to eat  ::)

I cant see why you cant give livercake in moderation to a little one, I supoose its like introducing new foodstuffs slowly isnt it so they dont get runny bums.

When does he come home?  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Rats and Dogs on July 09, 2009, 04:13:27 PM
When does he come home?  :luv:
Tomorrow! ph34r :lol2:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: louis mum on July 09, 2009, 04:18:27 PM
Oooooh exciting  :D Have you charged your camera up for us  ;) We want millions of pics as soon as he arrives home  :luv: Little black boys pull on my heart strings  :luv:

Go buy some proplus to keep you going  :005:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: joanne_v on July 09, 2009, 04:49:46 PM
Eeek one more sleep!!!!

I agree with Patsy, two crates is fine and livercake in moderation is fine.
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Linz13 on July 09, 2009, 05:11:22 PM
TOMORROW!!  How exciting  :luv:  I only had one crate, but Murphy already slept downstairs so the decision was made that Maddi and the crate would be down there as well from day one.  I would put pup in crate when sleeping, Maddi loved hers.  I still use it to block the mail at the front door if I'm going out and I often find her in there sleeping, she's two now  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: bajoleth on July 09, 2009, 05:51:17 PM
Awwww good luck for tommorow, take lots of tissues its very emotional taking them home esp. with your recent loss. I just cried buckets, the breeder was crying my OH was crying, though pretending not to ph34r
I think I felt guilty taking from his mum :huh: as soon as we drove off though I felt really excited and when we got her home and she got in Georgie's basket we felt 'whole again' and I know Georgie would have approved. Enjoy your day, looking forward to all the Duggie pics, you know I love black cockers :luv: :luv: :luv:Jo and Belle
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Hurtwood Dogs on July 09, 2009, 06:10:50 PM
YEY! HOW exciting  :luv: :luv:

2 crates is fine and you'll gradually find a way that works for all of you so go with the flow and what feels right and you'll be fine  :luv: :luv: :luv:

So can't wait to see some pics, good luck!

Hannah xxx

PS. Don't feel bad if he screams all the way home.. Dave made the most horrendous racket for about an hour then fell asleep and was absolutely fine when he woke up again and has never been bothered about anything since. :005:  :luv: On the flipside, Trev never made a peep but gazed into my eyes all the way home.. then screamed all night and worried about a lot of things for the rest of his life and NEEDED cuddles or to be crazy 24x7 :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: 1sttimecockermum on July 09, 2009, 06:16:00 PM
Looking forward to hearing all about Duggie's arrival tomorrow - lots of pics please   :D  Try and get a good nights sleep tonight if you can - Dennis howled for the first 3 nights when we bought him home   ::)  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Mudmagnets on July 09, 2009, 07:20:32 PM
Best of luck for tomorrow - if you have a way to go, how about stopping for a snack on the way, so at least if will keep your strength up with all the activities of the day  ;)

Not sure about the livercake
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: starboy on July 09, 2009, 07:38:36 PM
No tips about the crate but just remember that Theo loved his.

Good luck for tomorrow, I feel excited for you. :blink:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Harveypops on July 09, 2009, 07:45:56 PM
Yay!! Welcome home little Duggie!!  :luv: :luv:

I used cheese as treats for Harvey who seems fine-apart from that slight twitch that he has  :005:

I bet you're sooooooo excited. Keep a jumper and some flip flops by the back door ready for those toilet breaks. Hope you've got the camera charged and ready to go!! Have you got him a collar yet?
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Nicola on July 09, 2009, 07:49:23 PM
Good luck for tomorrow, how exciting!! :D :D  Can't wait to meet Duggie on Sunday :luv:

Having two crates should be fine, Rodaidh had two and it made life much easier, I didn't fancy collapsing his big one every time I had to move it so the smaller one was really handy. Regarding bedtime I don't think there's a right or wrong on that but I try not to let my lot get into too much of a set routine for anything as it then means that if for whatever reason one day I can't do x thing at x time they don't get upset about having their timetable disrupted. Plus it means that they don't mither me for food and/or exercise at certain times. I keep things between a certain time scale e.g. dinner between 6 and 7.30pm but that's about as exact as it gets. Waking him up when you go to bed will be a good opportunity to take him out for a(nother :005:) pee anyway. 

Livercake, tuna bread etc. can be given from 8 weeks but I'd be careful for the first day or two as it's really easy for them to get an upset stomach at first, even the change in water can do it! It's usually nothing to worry about but to be on the safe side I'd just stick to his usual food for the first day or so.
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: cdpops on July 09, 2009, 07:52:49 PM
Fiona I am excited for you! Bet you won't sleep tonight. Good luck, hope you have a pleasent journey and he settles in to life with you easily.
Claire
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: JennyBee on July 09, 2009, 09:08:57 PM
Just wanted to say good luck for tomorrow! Can't wait to meet this little cutie :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Top Barks on July 09, 2009, 09:20:47 PM
Best of luck for tomorrow! :D
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: JaspersMum on July 09, 2009, 09:22:40 PM
Hope you get some sleep tonight and good luck for tomorrow  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: bracken on July 09, 2009, 09:24:03 PM
Just one more sleep  :luv:

Can't wait to see the baby pics  :blink:

Have a lovely day tomorrow  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: ARNOLD on July 09, 2009, 09:29:44 PM
Wishing you loads of luck for tommorrow.
Can't wait to see pics of baby Duggie  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: kalem on July 09, 2009, 09:57:23 PM
Good luck for tomorrow, cant wait for pics  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: LinzB on July 09, 2009, 09:59:31 PM
Best of luck, looking forward to pics!!  :luv:  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: johndoran on July 09, 2009, 10:26:38 PM
I'm sure everything will be fine the best advice i can give is to  " go with the flow" :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: jennycockerspaniel on July 09, 2009, 10:56:04 PM
It wont be long now before hes home .Penny was fine in the car and has slept all night since we have had her down stairs in her pen and woke between 6 and 7 Jenny was so different and cried often through the night so perhaps she wa sent special as I am eleven years older and also she was meant to be I took her to a puppy class and she was using James wellbeloved Chicken and rosemary and were very soft and eaten quickly as some of them are quite hard and Pennyspends time chewing while training. Love to Duggie Joan and Penny
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: mum2milly on July 10, 2009, 01:52:35 AM
ooooh Fiona!!!!
How exciting!! hope you managed to get some sleep (not like me, 01:50 as I'm typing this  :shades:)
Hope all goes well today. cant wait to see his pics!
WELCOME HOME ICKLE DUGGIE!!!!  :luv: :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: barb on July 10, 2009, 02:30:50 AM
How exciting!  :luv: So happy for you and OH, all the very best with your little Duggie! :luv:
Looking forward to heaps of pics!  :lol:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: cindere528 on July 10, 2009, 08:09:40 AM
Woooooohoooooo today's the day (http://bestsmileys.com/excited/2.gif)(http://bestsmileys.com/excited/2.gif)(http://bestsmileys.com/excited/2.gif)

Can't wait for piccies  ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Sarah.H on July 10, 2009, 08:13:45 AM
Puppy day today  :D :D. Can't wait to see pics  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Helen on July 10, 2009, 08:14:03 AM
Thinking of you all today - it's going to be bittersweet I know, but I'm sure Gari is looking over you all and will guide Duggie from afar  :luv: :luv: :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: jools on July 10, 2009, 08:17:59 AM
No advice, just wanted to wish you good luck good luck for today. Looking forward to seeing loads of pictures......oh, and I LOVE his name!
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: joanne_v on July 10, 2009, 08:37:04 AM
No more sleeps to go!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a wonderful day with your new wee man Fiona xxx
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: sassy-susie on July 10, 2009, 08:44:12 AM
It's today!!!!  :D hope everything goes well!! enjoy  :D
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: SkyeSue on July 10, 2009, 08:44:43 AM
Today's the day then  :shades: :lol2:
Can't wait to hear all about him and how he settles in. There better be some piccies on here later on  :005:
Really excited for you Fiona, and yes, I bet you cry so stock up on tissues  ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: pip1965 on July 10, 2009, 09:00:30 AM
Good luck for today,can't wait to see hthe pictures and I love the name!
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Joules on July 10, 2009, 09:20:46 AM
Thinking of you all today - it's going to be bittersweet I know, but I'm sure Gari is looking over you all and will guide Duggie from afar  :luv: :luv: :luv:

Ditto  ;)  Hope today goes well and look forward to seeing lots of pics of your new baby later on  :shades: :005:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: bajoleth on July 10, 2009, 10:38:42 AM
OOOOH todays the day, I am sooooo excited for you, looking forward to his pics and update later, enjoy your day you deserve it :luv: Jo and Belle
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: speedyjaney on July 10, 2009, 10:47:08 AM
Thinking of you all today - it's going to be bittersweet I know, but I'm sure Gari is looking over you all and will guide Duggie from afar  :luv: :luv: :luv:

Ditto from me - can't wait to see all the pic later on!
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: MacTavish Boys on July 10, 2009, 11:36:49 AM
Good luck and thinking of you both today, enjoy :luv: :luv:

Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Rats and Dogs on July 10, 2009, 12:51:48 PM
Thanks everybody! :luv:

Well, I ended up with what I think was a migraine yesterday! I had a headache that started at the top of my head and went right down my face and I was so sick. I was lying down in the dark and can vaguely remember OH coming in and massaging my forehead and offering me drinks. I suddenly became very aware when he said I wouldn't be able to go to collect puppy Duggie, so I took loads of painkillers, got a good sleep and now feel the way I normally do (grumbly achey gall bladder and a bit bleugh), so I feel great compared to last night! :005: I think it must have been stress and lack of sleep catching up on me.

I've got Duggie's downstairs crate all ready, I've put some of Gari's favourite toys in it as a welcome present from his big brother. We go to collect him when OH comes in from work, so leaving about 3pm, I think. I'm getting very excited, but OH wasn't this morning, as he is still too sad. I think it's maybe because he doesn't talk to anyone about Gari much, and when he does it's to say he wishes he was here. Whereas, I talk about him all the time and remember all the funny/cute/silly little things he did. I know he will love little Duggie when he is here though, but he will spend most of the time worrying about him. :luv:

I'm off out now to stock up on batteries for the camera! :D
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Nicola on July 10, 2009, 12:54:17 PM
Two hours to go!! Good luck :D :luv: :luv:  Your OH will love little Duggie, it's just bound to be tough for him if he hasn't really found an outlet to talk much about Gari since you lost him, you should get him to join COL ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Rats and Dogs on July 10, 2009, 12:56:00 PM
Two hours to go!! Good luck :D :luv: :luv:  Your OH will love little Duggie, it's just bound to be tough for him if he hasn't really found an outlet to talk much about Gari since you lost him, you should get him to join COL ;)
No chance, he thinks we're all nutters! :lol2:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Helen on July 10, 2009, 01:02:00 PM
Two hours to go!! Good luck :D :luv: :luv:  Your OH will love little Duggie, it's just bound to be tough for him if he hasn't really found an outlet to talk much about Gari since you lost him, you should get him to join COL ;)
No chance, he thinks we're all nutters! :lol2:

:rofl1:  So does mine....but he's met some of the fellow nutters now and actually thinks we're obsessed but ok  :lol2: :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Hurtwood Dogs on July 10, 2009, 01:44:24 PM
Two hours to go!! Good luck :D :luv: :luv:  Your OH will love little Duggie, it's just bound to be tough for him if he hasn't really found an outlet to talk much about Gari since you lost him, you should get him to join COL ;)
No chance, he thinks we're all nutters! :lol2:

:rofl1:  So does mine....but he's met some of the fellow nutters now and actually thinks we're obsessed but ok  :lol2: :luv:

Aw good luck, can't wait to see him with you. :luv: :luv:

My OH is so embarrassed he calls it 'Rockers on line' as somehow he thinks that's much less embarrassing.... why, is beyond me but if it takes the heat off... :005: :005:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: SkyeSue on July 10, 2009, 03:04:18 PM
Good luck Fiona, you might just about be on your way now  ;) Am in the middle of cleaning DJ but came in for a break and to see if Duggie had arrived yet  ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: jla on July 10, 2009, 03:23:45 PM
I'd appreciate knowing what size crates you have gone for.  I want to get a soft, fold down crate for my new little girl to sleep in with us to begin with but am not sure what size to get.  It'll just be nightimes as I have loads of othersize crates for during the day (I was thinking of a 26"/30" for during the day/downstairs).
Thanks!
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: bracken on July 10, 2009, 03:32:12 PM
Just checking for those piccys................
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: joanne_v on July 10, 2009, 04:56:42 PM
Whyyyyy are weeeeee waaaaaaiting, oh whhhyeeee are weee waaaaaiting.......  ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: SkyeSue on July 10, 2009, 06:49:59 PM
Good grief, I can't believe we're still waiting  :005:
Come on Fiona, get on here, never mind the pupster  :005: :005:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: joanne_v on July 10, 2009, 06:55:35 PM
Good grief, I can't believe we're still waiting  :005:
Come on Fiona, get on here, never mind the pupster  :005: :005:
Exactly! Whats more important, keeping your fellow COLers happy or setling in the newbie???  ;) :D ph34r

I had photos uploaded within 20minutes of getting Arwen home y'know  :shades:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Rats and Dogs on July 10, 2009, 07:31:15 PM
Allright, allright, calm down! I was travelling by car, not a time machine! ::) :005:

He was so good in the car, lay on my lap, then rolled over for a belly rub whilst doing a "smiley face"! Got back at 6.45pm, put him in the garden and he lay down and fell asleep, brought him in, gave him a drink and he fell asleep again. Still sleeping... :o :luv:

Pics will be on puppies within a few minutes...! ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Helen on July 10, 2009, 07:32:02 PM
Allright, allright, calm down! I was travelling by car, not a time machine! ::) :005:

He was so good in the car, lay on my lap, then rolled over for a belly rub whilst doing a "smiley face"! Got back at 6.45pm, put him in the garden and he lay down and fell asleep, brought him in, gave him a drink and he fell asleep again. Still sleeping... :o :luv:

Pics will be on puppies within a few minutes...! ;)

awwwwwwww bless him - are you fully in love then?  :luv: :luv: :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: JennyBee on July 10, 2009, 07:33:26 PM
Yippee! Glad he's home, he sounds gorgeous :luv: :luv: (and very tired :005:) - off to photo board to wait for pics ;)
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Saffaroo on July 10, 2009, 07:34:26 PM
Oh bless him - I've actually been excited all day............ ph34r :005:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: SkyeSue on July 10, 2009, 07:38:26 PM
awwwww....sounds like he's gonna be the perfect puppy  :luv: Can't wait to meet him.  Good luck with your first night  :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Nicola on July 10, 2009, 07:42:08 PM
Aww he sounds fab, can't wait to meet him! :luv: :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: joanne_v on July 10, 2009, 07:42:48 PM
Yay!!
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: louis mum on July 10, 2009, 07:44:47 PM
Fiona either you are posting millions of photos (which we will be grateful for  :luv: ) or you are just teasin us  :005: You have been on the puppy board for AGES, I even managed to post Lenny after you where on there  :lol2: Hurry up woman  :005: We are excited cant you tell  :005:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Saffaroo on July 10, 2009, 07:52:40 PM
We want Duggie  :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: *LoolaBelle* on July 10, 2009, 07:56:28 PM
oh my doG, this excitement is killing me lol we need to see Duggie. :005:....some of us have to wait another few weeks for our pups :shades: so we need a Duggie fix until then!!! :luv: :luv:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: SkyeSue on July 10, 2009, 08:03:03 PM
We want Duggie  :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

We want Duggie...we want Duggie...we want Duggie  :lol2:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: vikki.k on July 10, 2009, 08:03:56 PM
Not had the time to look at this for a couple of days, so can't believe the time has come to bring him home!

Congratulations on bringing him home, off now to look for a photo thread.
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Joules on July 10, 2009, 08:04:12 PM
Now pay attention, he's here!  :lol2:

http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=61886.msg897075;topicseen#msg897075
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Rats and Dogs on July 10, 2009, 08:07:02 PM
Posting a video soon... ;) :D
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: SkyeSue on July 10, 2009, 10:58:39 PM
Posting a video soon... ;) :D
c'mon then, hurry up about it  :005:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Rats and Dogs on July 10, 2009, 11:15:39 PM
Posting a video soon... ;) :D
c'mon then, hurry up about it  :005:
Where have you been?! I posted it at 8.25pm! :o
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: SkyeSue on July 10, 2009, 11:23:06 PM
Where have you been?! I posted it at 8.25pm! :o

I know, I know... :shades: :005: I just popped out to visit someone and missed it.  ph34r I knew this going out lark wasn't a good idea  :lol2: :lol2:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Rats and Dogs on July 10, 2009, 11:24:56 PM
Where have you been?! I posted it at 8.25pm! :o

I know, I know... :shades: :005: I just popped out to visit someone and missed it.  ph34r I knew this going out lark wasn't a good idea  :lol2: :lol2:
You should never go out, you might miss something! :005:
Title: Re: Preparing for puppy Duggie...
Post by: Mudmagnets on July 11, 2009, 12:08:30 AM
He is one loverly pupster. Welcome home Duggie