If you have the money for the puppy you want it is easier, rescue dogs are a bit like adopting children
Gun dogs day is Friday 6th. Lucky boy having tickets for the E v W game. Always one that conflicts my loyalty (but....come on England ). Thanks for luck wishes. Results don't really matter though..... I'll still be taking the best dogs home with me at the end of the day.
If the Breeder doesn't put you through the same type of 'Spanish inquisition' you got from the rescue groups before letting you have a puppy from them, then walk away. Anyone that really cares for the puppies they breed will push you through flaming hoops to be sure you're worthy to care for one of theirs. If you do go for a puppy, make sure you see (minimum & evidenced) the Hip scores and DNA results for both Sire and Dam and BAER for each puppy. You should do your research first too, so you know what is a good 'score' for that breed. ALWAYS ask to see both Dam & Sire.
I don’t mind the Spanish Inquisition so much, but with one of the rehoming websites I looked at last night, the process went something like this. Fill in a long application form. Undergo a phone call interview from staff at the home. If interview is successful, then fill in another form. Receive home visit from home staff. If the home visit is successful, then and only then, will you be allowed to see photos and descriptions of the available dogs. If you see a dog that you like then you can go and view it at their centre up north. There were probably other hoops to jump through but I’d given up by that stage. I’m fussy about who I will get the pup from and have already said “thanks but no thanks” to 2 breeders, because with one there was a bit of a story behind why I couldn’t meet the pups’ parents which sounded like BS and the other guy sounded pretty rough and uncaring.
I can recommend a fantastic Springer Spaniel breeder if you like, down in Kent. PM me of you want their details
Fvck me...you wouldn't want to buy one of mine then. The 'foreplay' would have you apoplectic That said.. I still have a waiting list for puppies/litters that aren't even provisionally planned, right up to 2024 !! Seriously though..be fussy. Be VERY fussy when it comes to selecting a Breeder. A puppy is a 10-15 year total commitment. Give me a shout if you want/need any help Take a look here too?......https://www.uggeshallkennels.co.uk/ Although personally, for a pet, I would look for a smaller scale breeder that whelps in their home.
Thanks for that. Re: commitment - this has been a long time coming. I’ve wanted one for ages, since at least 2007, but circumstances meant it’s only now it’s become a realistic proposition because I’ve got a bigger house, access to fields etc and most importantly, these days I mostly work from home, so I have the time. I checked out the site but they have a 12 month waiting list. If you have details of any other breeders in the south east, please PM me details. The dog will primarily be a pet but may also work as I shoot occasionally but I’m not sure whether I do it often enough to warrant the time and expense of training the dog for the field.
Just checked on the KC website/DB....ideally, for a Cocker you should be looking for Dam & Sire 'L+R Hip scores' at, or below 10. For a Springer it's 13. I guess a 'Sprocker' would be in the same range. That said, scores up to about 17 shouldn't be a problem, as long as it's made up fairly equally between L&R. Hip scores (combined L&R) go up to 106 (53 each hip....and that'd be a cripple btw ). The lower the number, the better the result. It's a BVA scheme, so can't be 'fiddled' by Vets or Breeders If you've waited for 'ages' already, another 12 months for the right puppy shouldn't phase you. They have a waiting list for a reason. Tells a story, doesn't it?
I guess this quote from Dogs Trust is one of the many hoops to jump through, which would hinder your ability to take on a rescue, if you're still renting. "Please note if you rent your property, you must be able to provide written permission from your landlord to keep a dog before you visit the centre to reserve this dog."
We've had 2 rescue dogs now, and found them both via: https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/ Different charities have different rules and different hoops to jump through. You'll find the home visit is the most important, but many appear to apply varying levels of the rules dependant on how long they've had the dog, it's history, and likelyhood of being re-homed. Our first one was a private arrangement from an advert on the site, but beware, as the moment I met the owners I knew I wasn't going to leave a dog with them any longer than I could and we took on a mentally very unstable dog that needed serious proffessional help, mainly because I didn't want to leave it with the old owners. Our latest one is a Lab/G.Shep Cross from one of the many charities bringing dogs to the UK from Eastern Europe. All appeared fine until we tried to actually get his promised passport, and we agree with our Vet that he's probably a couple of years older than they said. The charity has since closed. But he's settled in well now after 18 months, loves a long walk in the countryside and a cuddle on the Sofa. Nasher
Taking on a 'Rescue' dog can be a tough gig. It's not for me, unless I know the dog's background (I've fostered a few). I doff my hat to all those that do though. It's a thoroughly splendid thing to do, if you go into it with eyes open. My problem is... the likes of pets4homes.co.uk gumtree.com & preloved.co.uk all provide a sales platform for (and therefore encourage) the less scrupulous breeders.
@Zhed46 Can I recommend Peterborough Dog Rescue 07709 036103, having trouble logging on to their website this morning. They are probably an hour or so from you and just 5 minutes from Ducati Peterborough so you can , if you wish, get a dog and look at shiny bikes all in one swoop. Our most recent addition, Louis the large poodle came from there 3 years ago. They were a pleasure to deal with having IMO the right levels of care without going over the top. No idea what they are rehoming at present. I have never had a negative experience with a rescue dog and know people who have had problems with dogs from trusted breeders but I`m sure there are good and bad examples from both camps. With a rescue if you have terrible problems I think it may be easier to return the dog. Louis and Lola the mongrel, our other rescue dog , shown below while out kayaking with us in the summer. Both wonderful and we couldnt love them any more than we do regardless of where they came from .
Been too few photos on this thread for a while. So here's my 4 in training for their big day (while I sit typing this)..........
I hear you, but I have a 17 year old son who next year will either be going to uni here or joining the navy, or (outside chance) going to an American uni on a football scholarship and the dog was ironically intended for him back in 2007. Unfortunately events intervened, and me and his mum split, which meant it was no longer possible so I’d like him to have as much time as possible with the dog.
Thanks for that. I’ll have a look later on. If they have any dogs which catch my eye then perhaps I could combine the visit to see them with coming to see that old dog of an S4R that I’m supposed to be buying from you?
Trouble with rescues are that unless you are either unemployed or one of you doesn't work, the likes of RSPCA are reluctant (i.e. wont) let you adopt. Same with many others too. We tried several times, and even with cats RSPCA said no.
How about one of these? Admittedly they can be a handful, but on a plus note it'll pick up it's own shit
