Bringing my boys home!

[Deb H]

Don'y want to fan any flames here but i can honestly say (so far) having Syd and Harry together has been wonderful. We have not had one single regret and our breeder thinks we are doing a good job with them. They are happy, healthy, well fed, well socialised and cheeky daft.

[Penel]

I am very glad that the gorgeous Sydney and Harry are getting along well, but they are only 18 wks old aren't they - I'd like to hear from owners of siblings that are 2, 3, 4, 5 yrs old - how have things gone for them long term....

[Helen]

As you say, this is an open forum and everyone is entitled to their opinion but really it is up to any individual to make their own decisions.  Telling Helen that she is taking on more than she can cope with and asking her questions about her ability to look after 2 pups could be read as somewhat condescending!  There are several people on here who have got litter mates and I doubt any of them would say they regret having 2 at the same time inspite of the inevitable challenges.  I have always seen the forum as an invaluable source of information and support and it would be a shame if anyone felt reluctant to post on here because of the disapproval they may receive!  As for having views clouded by puppy cuteness - surely that is a major factor in getting a pup?  Or did everyone else get theirs because they like cleaning up wee and poo, having their house destroyed, their precious things chewed, frequently being bitten and their routine turned upside down! If pups weren't cute, surely no one would want one!    It seems to me that Helen has thought about this seriously and I for one wish you all the luck and joy with your two new babies.    No doubt there will be many difficulties ahead and you may well wonder what you were thinking of  - there are challenges with all new puppies - but I am sure that we will all be here with support and non-judgemental advice when it is needed!   

i think you're referring to my post joules, which of course you are welcome too - and i stand by what i posted.  I have read through each of these threads and until the posts today I was very sceptical about Helen's choice of getting 2 puppies.  Now Helen has explained more details of her decision I can see she has thought about the consequences of 2 puppies.  Perhaps it's the way in which the posts were worded ie 'we have done our sums' in relation to getting 2 pups.

I think members here have every right to be concerned about the welfare of the breed they love and question decisions that worry them - and if you think that's judgemental than that's up to you. 

[Cob-Web]

I have have expressed my concern in the past when anyone has posted that they are getting two puppies together, or are considering doing so 
My feelings origionate from my understanding that homing a puppy in a family with another puppy (littermates or not) is something that reputable breeders only consider doing in exceptional circumstances and so I worry about how knowledgable/experienced the breeder is, and the level of support that the owners will actually get in the future. I would also be concerned about future health and temperment of the dogs, as an inexperienced/less-reputable breeder may have had little consideration for either 

As for having views clouded by puppy cuteness - surely that is a major factor in getting a pup?  .......... If pups weren't cute, surely no one would want one!   

Not a chance in my case  Puppy "cuteness" didn't factor at all - we wanted a dog to join the family and I would have much prefered to have got an adult dog, but our family circumstances meant that training a pup ourselves was the only viable option 
Believe me, the cuteness that other people crooned over cut no ice with me at all; I couldn't wait for him to grow up 

I agree with Jane, cuteness probably is a factor when a lot of people get puppies - but IMO it shouldn't be 

[Joules]

i think you're referring to my post joules, which of course you are welcome too - and i stand by what i posted.  I have read through each of these threads and until the posts today I was very sceptical about Helen's choice of getting 2 puppies.  Now Helen has explained more details of her decision I can see she has thought about the consequences of 2 puppies.  Perhaps it's the way in which the posts were worded ie 'we have done our sums' in relation to getting 2 pups.

I think members here have every right to be concerned about the welfare of the breed they love and question decisions that worry them - and if you think that's judgemental than that's up to you. 

Funny how the way things are worded can give the wrong impression isn't it?   The wording of some of these posts made me think that some people are being very judgemental    Surely no one on here really knows how much thought Helen has given to this or whether she is fit to have 2 pups but the fact that she is even posting on this website suggests to me that she is keen to be as thorough as possible in doing things right and therefore does not need to be preached to.  And before I get shot down again, that is my opinion which, as everyone is so keen to point out, I am entitled to 

[PennyB]

As for having views clouded by puppy cuteness - surely that is a major factor in getting a pup?  .......... If pups weren't cute, surely no one would want one!   

Not a chance in my case  Puppy "cuteness" didn't factor at all - we wanted a dog to join the family and I would have much prefered to have got an adult dog, but our family circumstances meant that training a pup ourselves was the only viable option 
I agree with Jane, cuteness probably is a factor when a lot of people get puppies - but IMO it shouldn't be 

Sadly cuteness is a major factor in getting a pup without thinking sometimes what owning a pup and then dog is all about and once reality hits home its amazing how many pups are dumped or sold on (am talking in general terms here and of all breeds, and often just because some owners won't accept what is normal puppy behaviour). This is why as Helen also says we do have a right to be concerned about the welfare of a breed we love, but also dogs in general.

Cuteness wasn't a factor either in my decision in getting a pup

[Tracy S]

Hi Helen,

Just wondered how your first day has gone with your gorgeous puppies? I bet you're really excited!!
Love to see some pictures when you get chance No sleep tonight!

[Joules]

Oh, is it puppy day already?  Hope it all went well and you manage a peaceful first few days with your new babes! 

[flozac]

You all know my veiws on 2 puppies. i say each to there own.  Not wishing to offend anyone I think sometimes it is the owners who make the problems for them selves not the poor little puppies.

I have had experience of many dogs both as a child and an adult. in our family over the many years we have had sisters, brothers , mums and pups and pups from different litters at the same time and never ever had a problem. However that is just our experience and i can only speak from our experiences.

Let's face it many people  have lots of problems with one puppy and others just sail thru if you get what i mean.

Enjoy your babies Helen

[Mollycuddles]

Hope the pups arrived home safely  can't wait for updates what an exciting day...

[jann]

  Hope all went well with the new arrivals Helen. You'll have some fun times ahead now, enjoy them
  Jann and Flo x

[CraftySam]

oohh Helen, have you got them home?  I'm sure you won't get much time to post on here for a few days, but I can't wait for an update and of course some pics 

[Rhona W]

Hi Helen. Hope Cooper and Bruce arrived home safely and have kept you busy this afternoon clearing up little presents!  The thing you'll find with twins is synchronised (sp) bodily functions!  But they are well worth it! 

[Nicola]

Believe me, the cuteness that other people crooned over cut no ice with me at all; I couldn't wait for him to grow up 

I totally agree, I'm so glad Alfie is growing up now. I've loved him madly from the day we got him but I have to admit I LIKE him a lot more now at 7 months than I did at say, 3 or 4 months 

TBH I don't really know why people get two puppies at the same time, I know it's a personal choice and I totally respect that but for me Alfie was so special to me as my first proper dog of my own I wanted to just enjoy him and give him all my love and attention through his puppyhood. Plus, one cocker puppy has certainly been enough work for me and Alfie's breeder would not have let me take two even if I'd wanted to - the family who took one of Alfie's sisters also wanted the other sister but the breeder said no way. But like I said, that's just my view.

[Deb H]

I'm with Rhona on the tandem pooing. Very funny to watch very convenient to clean up . Hope you got your squidgy babies home o.k. let me know how you get on.