CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Puppies => Topic started by: NatalieEbony on September 27, 2012, 03:38:20 PM
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Hello, I'm a newbie so please forgive me I need some advise!!
We have been looking for the right breeder for a few months now and have found a lovely lady not too far away from where we live. The pups are all KC reg tested, micro chipped etc. the full package and our puppy is waiting to be born early October.
We have built up a lovely rapport with this breeder so feel comfortable with purchasing a dog/bitch from her.
My dilemma? A few people have sounded horrified that we are even considering a Cocker Spaniel (Show Type) as they are 'loopy dogs' and are very attention seeking and destructive which has totally thrown me sideways. Surely if you invest your time with the pup this shouldn’t happen? I know that they are a lively breed.
I have had in the past Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which are lovely dogs in their own right but now with a family of my own and three children decided that the Cocker would be a better dog as a little bit bigger but no too big.
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I don't think any of us on here will understand where they are coming from. Have they ever owned a cocker would be my first question. Amazing how many dog "experts" there are out there :huh: . Would ignore. Cocker spaniels are fab. I just don't understand why anyone would ever buy anything else!
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I has those kind of comments before we got our pup as well. I think some people confuse show cockers with working cockers or with springer spaniels, both of which can (note I said CAN) be livelier. And some people just always have to have something negative to come back with, whether justified or not! Our show cocker is now nearly 16 weeks and though is a pup so has lots of life and bounce/chewiness at times, at others he's already very calm and happy just to be, and be with us. I can see already that he's going to be a super dog, lively enough to be fun but not hyper!
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You know everybody here is going to be a bit biased, right? ;)
We spent weeks looking into breeds before settling on a Working Cocker. We also researched Cockers in general.
We meet lots of Cockers of all varieties on our our walks and travels and we've yet to meet one whose owners think they've made a bad decision.
Every dog is individual and the breed may have a slightly higher instance of some of the behaviours you mention, but I'd be surprised if you could expect any of that behaviour if you use good training.
Put it another way: we are thinking about adding another dog to our pack, and were giving very serious thought to finding a Show Cocker.
Good luck.
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Don't listen to the doubters. The best thing I ever did was to get Meg.(and she's one of those crazy workers!)
IMHO cockers make the perfect family pet.
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All I can say is they must have been very unlucky!!
I'm on my 6th & 7th Spaniel (6 cockers 1 springer) and after my first one, Cassie, I was hooked and would never have anything else. I was brought up with Labradors, which are great dogs, but you cannot beat a cocker
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Ask any one of us if we could turn the clock , would we go for another breed of dog? see who says yes.
We have only had Riley for 5months and he has enriched our lives so much. We laugh so much more, We are totally smitten , all three of us with him.
He is the most gentle loving dog I could ever have.
He is excitable round dogs at times and loves attention from anyone he meets. He is much more laid back at home than I thought he ever would be.
He has 2-3 walks per day and its enough for him , he is such a happy dog.
These people probably never have had a cocker in their lives.
Yes maybe a bit more energetic than a KC but you get so much more back from their happy, positive, enthusuastic little hearts. :luv:
IRiley is a show cocker who needs less excercise than a worker , he is happy to just plod around at times at home , happy that he is with us.
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We are looking for a pup at the moment and I have done lots of research into the bread, stopped to talk to cocker owners both show and working and also visited a friend to talk about their cocker and experience and ask for tips. Every cocker owner I have spoken to all have lots of positive comments and all love their dogs dearly. I like you have had negative comments from people some are dog owners (not cocker owners) who have said 'are you sure you want a dog', they won't replace dog etc when they are gone. I have 2 nephews who both own dogs 1 is a labradour which is adorable and very soft and loving and the other owns a jack russell/Poodle which is only a year old but totally bonkers but my girls adore him and they take him to puppy training which he is doing really well at. You have to do what is right for you and your family and ignore peoples negative comments. I even wrote up a list with PROS and CONS of owning a dog and still feel very positive about finding our pup. :lol2:
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We have always had labs, my parents have always had working cockers, and we now find ourselves the very proud owner of a gorgeous working cocker girl and we are totally smitten :luv: :luv:
I still love my labs, but the cocker is an excellent choice, they are the perfect size and in my experience loving, loyal and intelligent dogs and I am so glad that when we decided to get another dog we got Isla and not another lab.
Yes, spaniel's have a real sense of adventure ;)....particularly the workers (but some of the show girls and boys can also go like the clappers so not exclusively workers that are highly driven) but are a joy to own. There is never a dull moment when we are out on a walk :005: My girl is very lively in the fields etc, but once home is a gentle girl who loves cuddles and a lie down.
I think ALL dogs need lots of love and attention, and ALL breeds of dog have their pro's and con's, but it is in the main in the hands of the owner how their dog turns out.
Cockers are great :luv:
Ali, Penny and Isla xxx
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Not having either of mine from pups I can't comment on whether they are any different to any other breed at puppy stage, although when I read the puppy part of the forum I'm glad I went for slightly older dogs :005:
I too always thought spaniels were a bit mad & still laugh when mine are flat out snoring their heads off or dozing by the car at an agility show & think "oh yes, they are really hyper :005:"
Friends have a cav KC & it is much more loopy than my two cockers.
They are a fun, happy breed, one of mine more than the other thinks everything is exciting & wants to do everything at 100mph, but he is so much fun & after a meal or a walk happily dozes, but like alot of cockers will follow us from room to room
Have a look on the COL meet-up board, there may be some walks arranged near you then you can join in & see a group of cockers in action.
Naturally we are all biased on this forum ;)
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I know exactly were your coming from, one of my first posts on here was very similar. Everyone tutted or rolled their eyes when I said we'd found a cocker spaniel pup our first family pet. (working) We did a lot of reading up on the breed and thought we very well prepared for the adventure Oreo would bring, and I got quite angry with all the comments. Oreos been at home with us for just over 2 months and she is well and truly a member of the family, yes theres lot of moments when you think your getting nowhere and could happily cry, but the rewards far outway those times. Please don't let these people put you off like they nearly did me, it will be one of the best decisions you will make. ;)
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Hi
I lost my second cocker two years ago. We were so upset, it took us eight months before we thought about getting another dog, as the house was so empty without one.
As I am not getting any younger :005: I seriously thought about getting something smaller, with a less excitable character and less coat to groom. I thought about getting a Cavalier King Charles but soon realised if we were getting another dog, it would HAVE to be a cocker. I love them too much to have any other breed.
Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are so loving. Yes, they have their loony moments but Toby makes me laugh every day by some of his antics.
One thing I will say, though, is if you do decide to go ahead and join the ranks of cocker ownership, cocker puppies can be very bitey / chewy. This is all part of teething, playing and growing up and perfectly normal. There are ways of helping you through this. Some owners, (especially those with young children) come on here pulling their hair out but with the help, guidance and support available on here, they get through it. Toby drove me bonkers with his biting (he loved to bite my toes and hang off the bottom of my trousers) but now, all that seems ages ago and I now have a gorgeous dog who I am very proud of.
Let us know if you decide to go ahead and get a gorgeous pup. (Hope you do). :luv:
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Yes, our Jem (9 months) is crazy at times. Would I change her for the world? Nope!
Of the 3 dogs we've had, she is the most willful and can be a lunatic. She is also loving, hilarious and clever. She has done her fair share of chewing things but this is stopping now. Any pup could do the same.
I can't tell you how much I love my crazy little bundle.
I'd say go for it! And prepare to fall head over heels in :luv:
(welcome, by the way!)
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I have 2 lunatics and wouldn't change them for the World. I have friends with dogs of other breeds or are realy laid back and pretty boring. My 2 bring a challenge with fun, laughter and tears every single day which works for us and I could never imagine having a different breed.
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It's like that for every pup I've had. I have had Kol now for 7 weeks and yes there are days when I feel someone has fed him blue smarties but the positives out way the negatives and when the pup looks at you with those big eyes and smothers you in little cocker kisses its all worth the blue smarty moments
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It's like that for every pup I've had. I have had Kol now for 7 weeks and yes there are days when I feel someone has fed him blue smarties but the positives out way the negatives and when the pup looks at you with those big eyes and smothers you in little cocker kisses its all worth the blue smarty moments
Beautifully put!
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Haven't got much to add, as I agree with everything everyone else has said. We had 2 retrievers before we got our cocker, and I thought I'd never have another breed, but we decided we wanted a smaller dog. Ozzy is only 20 weeks, and has given us huge joy and enormous pain already, but I wouldn't change my bitey, chewy, crazy hooligan for anything!!!
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It's like that for every pup I've had. I have had Kol now for 7 weeks and yes there are days when I feel someone has fed him blue smarties but the positives out way the negatives and when the pup looks at you with those big eyes and smothers you in little cocker kisses its all worth the blue smarty moments
Beautifully put!
Yes, sums it up beautifully.
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Raisin is our second dog and first cocker, but I did some serious research and decided that a cocker was the right dog for us. I must have been lucky too as before getting him and since then all we have had are positive comments from others with cockers or had them s kids and get all dewy eyed thinking about them :luv:
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Just chatting to a neighbour who has a 3 year-old black show-type cocker and is pregnant with her second child. She said "Monty will always be my number one" (she got the dog before her first child) - so if she puts her cocker before her baby in terms of love I think you can safely say cockers are wonderful!!
We've had three show-type blue roans in the family before and I've just got my first - I wouldn't even consider another dog. They are the most adorable, affectionate, beautiful little creatures - a perfect size for everything, pretty bright, and just lovely. The coats need some work, and they can be manic as puppies, but I think all puppies are. Mine's not that manic, and is settling down even at 4.5 months.
These people that say cockers are mad must have heard of some with a bad experience (which you can get with any breed), but I'm sure all of our testimonies of their loveliness should be proof to the contrary!! Go for it!
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I agree with the others. Florence is our first cocker and just before we got her two friends said we were mad as they're lunatic dogs. When we quizzed them more they didn't really get the difference between working cockers/ springers/ show cockers etc. so dismissed their thoughts as uninformed.
In the first few months Florence was proper bonkers, but now she's a predominately lazy pooch who has crazy 5 minutes when she's excited. I think sometimes people think they're mad as they're so friendly and get so excited around them that they think that's what they're like 24/7.
We have a young family and Florence is an absolute joy to have around. They really are super little dogs with bags of character and are lots and lots of fun.
It sounds like you've done your homework so I really wouldn't let other people burst your bubble. OH and I have had a wry smile over the last 18 months as the 2 friends who warned against a cocker are now 2 of Florence's biggest fans and can't get enough cocker love from her when they visit. :005:
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In some ways I agree with 'loopy dogs' and 'attention seeking' , but it could just as easily be described as 'lively and enthusiastic' and 'affectionate', I guess it all depends on your perspective :005:
Either way, I love them :luv:
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We are owned by 4 cocker spaniels & absolutely love them to bits :luv:
They all have such different personalities despite being the same breed :shades:
Despite saying this, i have recently had the pleasure of getting to know a Cavalier King Charles (one of my sister's has just taken in a 4yr old rescue) :luv:
I am totally smitten with him :luv: the difference in his behaviour is huge compared to cockers :o i would say he is the easiest, laid back dog i have ever met :o :luv:
Personally, i will always love the cockers above any other breed but thought it might be helpful to point out there is a huge difference & without a doubt cockers are livelier & needier
in every way compared to the CKS. :shades:
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People who have never owned a cocker don't know what their missing! :shades: :D
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our Wispa (show type) is such a sweetheart, she is our first cocker and like a lot on here we would definately stay with this breed. She is such a loving dog, she will happily lay at or on my feet all day rather than go out, if I let her, which I dont, she will have her five mins mad dashing around the caravan/garden, loves going swimming, travelling with us, visiting family etc etc. The list is endless of all the positive things about her. I can't honestly say there is anything negative. She senses my feelings, gives me cuddles when I ask her to, fetches my slippers/shoes and hatches them when she can. She is such a joy to be with.
You will be hard pushed to find such a great breed. Good luck with your search and if you have found a good breeder then you have started in the right place :D
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In my opinion, "cockers rule" :005:
Willow is our first dog for me and the OH together and we we did a lot of research into the breed and decided on a working strain cocker. Weve had our mad moments along the way for sure but she is the cutest, most loyal and loving little dog and we love her so much :luv: She makes us smile with her little ways and even friends we have that arnt 'doggy people' love her too. She is lively when we are out walking and could walk all day but now no longer a puppy she will sleep a lot too when we are home, she had adapted well to our routine, she is just FAB :D
I think if you get a cocker you cant go far wrong ;)
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In some ways I agree with 'loopy dogs' and 'attention seeking' , but it could just as easily be described as 'lively and enthusiastic' and 'affectionate', I guess it all depends on your perspective :005:
Either way, I love them :luv:
I couldn't have put it any better :D I love the fact that they are lively and also Velcro dogs who love being with people. I don't have any kids but am always saying to my OH that Poppy my 3yr old blue roan should be with a family as she adores kids and would play all day if she could....they are dogs with big personalities and little bodies :luv:
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Please don't let these 'knowledgeable' people put you off Cockers. Before I got Smudge you wouldn't believe the rubbish I was told, always have ear probs,eye probs, loopy, need special food etc. etc. Well it is his 6th birthday soon and I am so glad I did not listen to all those doubters.
I am not saying Cockers are the only breed to consider (sorry fellow COL'rs ph34r ), I've had a Border Collie, a sheltie cross and other breeds too, and loved them just as much in their time.
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Whats wrong with loopy and attention seeking ;) I think my Connie is spirited, loopy and attention seeking at times (but what's she supposed to do when it's time to play and i'm not listening of course she needs to run off with shoes/phones/remote controls etc). She is so funny and entertaining that i wouldn't want a dog who wasn't like this.
Also remember it's also not all the time, she is a show cocker and has moments of madness, but also chills & relaxes and that's what we love about her :D
Angie x
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When we first said about getting a cocker spaniel, the usual reaction was "they are mad arent they"?
They are gorgeous, loving and yes sometimes mad but that's why we all love them!
Go with your heart and what you want.
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We have had 5 cockers in total...... and I just can't imagine having any other breed.
YES....they need attention....they love to be with you.
YES....they are active....and the bonus is that they keep you active too.
They are wonderfully loyal, loving companions....
Forget negative comments from people who have never owned a cocker...... They are great dogs. Xxx
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Hello, I'm a newbie so please forgive me I need some advise!!
We have been looking for the right breeder for a few months now and have found a lovely lady not too far away from where we live. The pups are all KC reg tested, micro chipped etc. the full package and our puppy is waiting to be born early October.
We have built up a lovely rapport with this breeder so feel comfortable with purchasing a dog/bitch from her.
My dilemma? A few people have sounded horrified that we are even considering a Cocker Spaniel (Show Type) as they are 'loopy dogs' and are very attention seeking and destructive which has totally thrown me sideways. Surely if you invest your time with the pup this shouldn’t happen? I know that they are a lively breed.
I have had in the past Cavalier King Charles Spaniels which are lovely dogs in their own right but now with a family of my own and three children decided that the Cocker would be a better dog as a little bit bigger but no too big.
Yeah your dead right, why don't you get a Pug and pop it in your hand bag. In fact why don't you get a tortoise? They hibernate for half the year then take three weeks to get from one side of the garden to the other and they certainly aren't destructive, except maybe to the odd lettuce.
I wish I had listened to 'a few people' :rofl1:
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We have had 5 cockers in total...... and I just can't imagine having any other breed.
YES....they need attention....they love to be with you.
YES....they are active....and the bonus is that they keep you active too.
They are wonderfully loyal, loving companions....
Forget negative comments from people who have never owned a cocker...... They are great dogs. Xxx
Same here , i have had 5 too and i have three now , and would never have any other type of dog even though they love to get wet and muddy and sometimes have deaf moments :005: :005:
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I have been involved with gun dogs for over 35 years and all of the working breeds show pretty much the same puppy behaviour as cockers.
These dogs are all originally bred for intelligence and stamina and need lots of attention when they are pups
One of the worst behaved pups I knew was a show bred lab who has turned into a fantastic dog at 18 months one of the easiest pups I have ever had was a show bred cocker who turned out to be a cracking worker.
My current pup Teal at 13 weeks is way up at the top when it comes to norty dogs, both sides of her pedigree are 95% FTCH going back 7 generations she is into everything, needing attention when ever she is awake but I know this is because she is one very smart and very fit puppy.
I am either laughing at her or pulling my hair out but I would not change her for the world, I know she will turn out to be a fantastic gundog as long as I do my bit.
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Cockers aren't a dog you can just get and put to the side; they become a member of the family and they are there with you, behind you, under you, in front of you, on top of you...but they are so lovely and clever. Charlie is so affectionate as well.
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Cockers are with you for the rest of their lives - preferably only a couple of inches away! :005: :005:
Jinley is my first cocker (show type) my daughter has working cocker and a springer (they are worked and very active). Previously had retrievers and red setters.
Never before have I had a dog that becomes a member of the family like Jinley has. She will lie in bed all day if I want to, or enjoy a walk either on our own or with other dogs.
She is now curled up asleep by my feet.
Would I turn the clock back 12 months before I had her? Not in a million years
Pat x
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Cockers are with you for the rest of their lives - preferably only a couple of inches away! :005: :005:
Jinley is my first cocker (show type) my daughter has working cocker and a springer (they are worked and very active). Previously had retrievers and red setters.
Never before have I had a dog that becomes a member of the family like Jinley has. She will lie in bed all day if I want to, or enjoy a walk either on our own or with other dogs.
She is now curled up asleep by my feet.
Would I turn the clock back 12 months before I had her? Not in a million years
Pat x
This is so true!!
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All puppies can be loony and destructive, what you have to do is reward behaviour you like and divert attention you do not like. If your puppy likes chewing things to destruction then rope pull toys and chews are very good, as are bones. It works. Bones taste nice than furniture you know. The Cocker is an intelligent breed and will soon have you trained to it's satisfaction.
But as it is training you remember that the beast needs things to challenge it, so putting a meal in a treat ball (dry kibbles) is one way to challenge your dog, unfortunately you can get sent into the next country as a high speed left wing player shoots the entire length of the property sending kibbles out like rifle bullets before connecting with you!
We are now three weeks into owning Lord Bertie Lissie, who has come in, turned the world upside down (along with the Labrador) and screams on regardless! He is an eccentric, loveable character with a permanent "What ME?" expression on his face. He has figured out how to get very toy in the room and gather them before handing them back to the other dogs, he also has a way of trying to look the picture of innocence as he is tap dancing on your head when the alarm or Bertie, goes off...
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Could OP be a wind up? They haven't replied to any replies. Just wondering that's all
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Could OP be a wind up? They haven't replied to any replies. Just wondering that's all
Possible I suppose, but what would be the point?
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Would I turn the clock back 12 months before I had her? Not in a million years
Pat x
I couldn't say it better myself Pat.
Roxy is our first dog too and I can't imagine our lives without her, there were days that were hard work because I forgot she was still only a baby and did naughty things, but these have been far outweighed by the love and laughter she has brought into the house.
When I told some one we had a cocker puppy they said I must be mad, but funnily enough her dog is far harder work than mine :P from the stories she tells me!!
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Could OP be a wind up? They haven't replied to any replies. Just wondering that's all
Possible I suppose, but what would be the point?
I doesn't matter anyway - I have loved reading this thread ;)
Cockers are just the best dogs in the world as far as I'm concerned!! :luv:
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Could OP be a wind up? They haven't replied to any replies. Just wondering that's all
Maybe she/he is just busy at the moment, or not able to get on line. No idea really ;)
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Could OP be a wind up? They haven't replied to any replies. Just wondering that's all
The OP hasn't logged on since Friday - doesn't mean at all that this is a wind up, some people may be busy at the weekends or may only log on when at work etc Unfortunately she wouldn't be the first person to have negative comments made to them about their choice of breed - I'm sure I remember similar threads in the past (Chezer I think was one?) Hopefully this thread will reassure her anyway :D
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We've had people say we're mad for getting a cocker...but then, people said we were mad to have a choccie lab..and a Springer spaniel...chickens...cats...children...a new kitchen... :005:
There will always be people who criticise other people's choices. In my experience, in nearly all cases, it's only because it's not what THEY would choose.
So what? They don't have to like it or live with it - and the world would be very dull if we were all the same.
Ask yourself how you'd react if the same people said, "don't get married/buy a house/have boys" - it's the same thing. :D
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Could OP be a wind up? They haven't replied to any replies. Just wondering that's all
The OP hasn't logged on since Friday - doesn't mean at all that this is a wind up, some people may be busy at the weekends or may only log on when at work etc Unfortunately she wouldn't be the first person to have negative comments made to them about their choice of breed - I'm sure I remember similar threads in the past (Chezer I think was one?) Hopefully this thread will reassure her anyway :D
Absolutely!!, when she does come back on line, she will see she is amongst friends who support her choice (naturally) :luv: and take confidence from that. ;)
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Could OP be a wind up? They haven't replied to any replies. Just wondering that's all
Possible I suppose, but what would be the point?
I have absolutely no idea. It just seems a strange post that all. Iam certainly not being cynical. The OP has come to the right place to voice any concerns and we're all only to willing to help....... But......
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She logged on, posted this thread, was on 2 hours later and hasn't looked at this since.
I'm with Jonny - I'll lock this thread now as everything has been said and if the OP chooses to come on she can always PM a mod to re-open it.
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unlocked at request of OP.
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I was waiting until after I visited the breeder but obviously some members expect me to be online 24/7 which is challenging with 3 children. I am using this site for help and information about the breed many of you know and love and personally don't like being accused of time wasting and misusing the board without being asked directly. Any apology I would accept!!!
Anyway with the rant now over. Big big thank you's to everyone else who has left messages and pleased to say I am back online in my hunt for the perfect dog and going to a breeder today. Will keep you all posted !!!!! Xxxx
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Good luck at the breeders - hope you find the perfect pup :luv: :luv:
I am also in Sutton Coldfield and hope to see you in The Park one day ;)
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Could OP be a wind up? They haven't replied to any replies. Just wondering that's all
Possible I suppose, but what would be the point?
I have absolutely no idea. It just seems a strange post that all. Iam certainly not being cynical. The OP has come to the right place to voice any concerns and we're all only to willing to help....... But......
Doesn't seem strange to me at all, seems like the perfect place to ask, and not everyone can be online all the time!
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Good luck at the breeders - hope you find the perfect pup :luv: :luv:
I am also in Sutton Coldfield and hope to see you in The Park one day ;)
I'm from Sutton Coldfield, although I live in Leicester now, but still visit the park regularly. Although with the e coli thing I'm not so keen at the moment!
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Over 1100 views on this post, that says it all in my humble opinion. Good luck on finding your pup. But why do you feel as though you want an appology?
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Over 1100 views on this post, that says it all in my humble opinion. Good luck on finding your pup. But why do you feel as though you want an appology?
I'm not sure why the OP is requesting an apology either - as a forum we are often subjected to trolls and this type of posting is typical of that....it's nice to know that this isn't trolling :D
I've opened the thread again as per the request of the OP but didn't really expect a demand for an apology.
The only thing I will say to the OP is with 3 children that are keeping you incredibly busy do you have time for a pup which will be really full on for the first year...at least?
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Anyhow. For all you peeps that are genuinely interested in the actual topic, I had a lovely long chat with the breeder and have met the pups! She is 100% confident that our personal set up is ideal for her pups and would happily allow us to purchase one. Exciting times ahead. Thank you all so so much for all your advise and sharing your stories. All that remains is for us to choose the pup (or pup choose us) and a new adventure will start!
I will be in touch Re: meeting in Sutton as soon as e-Coli scare over
Xx
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Indeed exciting times ahead, tell us more about the pups? ;)
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There is a blue roan and and black and tan. Both are around 3 months lovely characters and strong blood line. Fully vaccinated and microchipped if I require xx
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Do you have any preference as to which you'd like, are they boys or girls or one of each? :luv: :luv:
Of course, we'll need to see photos as soon as you have chosen - it's the CoL law :005:
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Ooooh they sound fab so you will be able to have one soon then as they are over 8 weeks?