What do you want to do? I don't know, what do you want to do?

[kamalaya]

I had a dream last night about some black and tan cocker spaniel puppies, and today we've been down to Reading to see Pete's family and they have a little Jack Russell, and now I've started craving a dog

Comments

[areteus]

A dog should not smell if it is well cared for, properly fed, groomed and cleaned regularly. Places that usually smell on dogs are the mouth and the anal gland. The mouth can be taken care of by decent tooth cleaning routine - not necessarily actual brushing (which no dog likes) but by giving them lots of things like raw hide to chew and those new fangled denti-stix. The anal gland is a little more difficult. Some people recommend regular cleaning of it but I think decent, high fibre diet (lots of fruit and veg) helps a lot.

Vet fees... this is what you have pet insurance for. Though apparently pedigrees (especially certain breeds) are like sports cars in that they cost a lot more to insure and have more things go wrong with them. Not sure about Springers but I know King Charles are very expensive to insure. Check the clauses in the insurance - you want one with guaranteed cover after 8 years old (some refuse to cover older animals so you have to shop around for one that will) and preferably no price hike after 8 years.

[sarahlascelles]

Eddie has no anal glands problems either, and nor have any of my parents dogs.

[kamalaya]

I've looked at brum dogs home site as well, they've not updated it yet though. We'll more than likely pay a visit.

[sarahlascelles]

Is it definitely a pedigree you have your heart set upon? If you definitely want a dog another option is to rehome via one of the various charities. Dogs are fantastic though!

[sarahlascelles]

The only reason I was looking at pedigree breeds is that I've got some experience with Cockers as a breed, and so I know what to expect from them in terms of behaviour and potential medical problems. I'm not adverse to a different kind of dog, but I would have to do a lot of homework first. I know the homes vet them and don't allow animals they believe to be dangerous to be adopted, however when you don't know an animal's background it's a bit difficult to judge their character IMO. It's all academic ATM anyway. :)

[sarahlascelles]

There is probably a cocker specialist rehoming organisation, most breeds seem to have one (apart from the really rare ones).

[kamalaya]

Ooh! Will have to look around.

*~K~*

[nietzsche_baby]

Spaniels are hard work, but so cute! If you have doggie insurance then the costs aren't so bad when they get ill...:)

Hope you had a lovely christmas and fun new year. x