just wondering if you have one and if so wat kind? weve been looking into getting a puppy - seen a lush springador! mix between springer spaniel and a labrador. bit dubious about the amount of exercise theyd need but guess thats only a good thing!



oh and also, when u go on holiday - wat do u do with it?



x

we dont have a dog but if I was to get one it would either be a lab or a springer. lol. not sure a cross between those two head case dogs is a good idea though? but it would be very intelligent and easily trained and would need TONS!!! of exercise.

We had a springer, we got her as a pup at 7 weeks and she was 4yrs when Libby was born.



When we looked into getting her we read up alot about the breed and when they say they need alot of exercise, they mean ALOT of exercise. We used to take her for a small walk in the morning (she would do her business in the garden, only a wee so had no choice), one at lunch time (same reason) and then a very long one in the evening.



When Libby came along it became a bind, we just didnt have the energy/inclinination to walk her. Also they need ALOT of training for them to behave well, ours would jump up and hump anyone that came through the door - no matter how hard we tried we just couldnt get her to stop.



When Libby was about a year we decided enough was enough and we managed to find another home for her, was absolutely heartbreaking but was for the best - her new owners have got lots of land and have the time for her.



As for holidays, we put Lulu (the dog) in a kennel.



Sorry, went on a bit there but basically just trying to say that they are hard work, need alot of exercise and although in the summer it sounds lovely walking them - they need walking even if its pissing down with rain and freezing cold.



xxx

We've got a yorkshire terrier who is nuts but him and Stephen absolutely adore each other, I think it's nice for children to grow up with a dog but they do need a lot of looking after and a puppy will be very hard work with Alfie!

I know a lot of rescue centres won't let you have a dog from them if you've got a young child but they are worth trying as there are so many beautiful dogs that need a home

We usually take him on holiday with us as we generally stay in the UK and I couldn't stand seeing his little face if we left him in a kennel! But for a night away or something hubby's sisters will generally stay at our house with him xx

thanks for the insight ladies. susan that must have been horrible for u. ive told gav how much hard work they are but i dont thin he realises as hes never had a dog before whereas ive had 2. were gonna give it careful consideration before jumping in tho x

I have had springer spaniels in the past and all my relatives have them as they are countryside people and the spaniels do the pheasant catching thing! They are lovely and if i were to have a dog then its deffo the breed i would go for but they absolutely need loads of exercise. They need a good couple of walks a day xx

We have a miniature yorkie and a jack Russel cross - nice and small and easy!

I wouldn't get a springer x lab simple cos it would need LOADS of exercise and probably be quite an active, possible hyper active dog!

we have a springer and he is NUTS !!! They need alot of exercise because they are gun dogs/working dogs. Ours is a working dog and if he hasnt been out for a few days its like living with Tigger on Cocaine xx

Just to add, I find it really handy having a small dog that I can pick up and move very easily Especially when he is over excited and I want him to calm down before he goes near Stephen. My friend has a chocolate labrador who has knocked me flying before now just saying hello, I wouldn't like a dog that big with a toddler till they were well trained! xx

We rescued our dog coco she is a staffy cross, she was 10 months old when we got her 2 years ago. I do find it hard sometimes coz me and OH work long shifts, shes in the house on her own. B4 we had noah she would go to my moms but my mom has noah now and it wouldnt be fair to give her both lol.

As for holiday if its in the uk we take her with us, we have only been sort of abroad for a week once since having her and we put her in kennels. That was not a good idea, she come out distressed and her behavior changed for a while.

Oh walks her everyday as she needs to thats his sort of chore. But i do walk her, if its a nice day i will take noah and the dog.

It is great tho Noah loves her and shes as soft as anything lol.

Char

we have a springer and a boxer the springer is 12 weeks atm but seems like a good wee dog so far lol, our boxer who is 8 is great he is so laid back and such good tempered with the boys i would def recommend a boxer he is a brilliant dog

they go to kennels when we are away or my mil x

We had a mini Shnauzer called Mildred, she was perfect, medium sized, very playful and great with the kids. She lived til she was 14 and died just after I had Ellie.



Usually my mum and dad had Mildred or if they came away with us, she went into kennels - this is really expensive and they have to be up to date with all their jabs too.



Dogs are really really hard work and a huge responsibility, which is why we haven't replaced Mildred. Must admit, I havent missed picking up poops in the garden and really like the fact that my garden is so clean now and I have no worries about Ellie playing out.

We have 2 Labradors, granted Charlie is 4 and Sasha is 6, so not puppys anymore, but they have both taken to Alyssa great! We have a dog gate between the Dining Room and Living Room door and during the day they stay in the Dining Room and Kitchen, but when the weather is nice like this they have the full run of the garden too!



We don't take them for walks everyday, but then they are older so don't need as much exercise and we put them in kennels if we go on holiday xx

as you know amy, i have banjo ( a jackhuahua) x between a chihuahua and a miniature jack russell...labs are lovely dogs, but are very big and need LOTS of exercise, we had a dog (char also called coco) and we had to find her a new home, as she was SOOO hyper and mad in the head lol we walked her 3/4 times a day, she had the run fo the garden, but would generally run away for hours on end ...she was mental!! we then got zero (staffie- gorgeous!!) he was so soft, and was well behaved, BUT he was big and very heavy "handed"
he is now living with adam's mum, as he was so dangerous (unintentionally) when i was pg...
i would advise you to maybe go for a smaller dog, with alfie being younger...smaller dogs are (imo) easier to look after, as you can pick them up, move them easily, and if they jump on the baby, they don't hurt them...

as for who cares for the dog, if i had any other dog than banjo they would have to be put in kennels (which ive heard is expensive, and they have to have had their shots etc to be allowed in them)
banjo was looked after by my nana, shes not a dog person and complained how "naughty" he was the whole time...he cried a few times to be let out and she never took him for a walk ONCE om a week
dogs are amazing, best friends...and benji and banjo get on so well, theyre best chums...
look into the background of the dog you're interested in...and don't buy a dog unless you've seen the mother/father...as that gives you an indication of what they will be like
yay!! i'm jealous, i love animals...OH won't let me have anymore

My mum and dad have a boxer who is so so so laid back and great with the girls she just sits there and let's them play with her but she's an old gal now! We had a lab but sadly had to get rid of het as she was just too hype around girls I would love love love another dog now but landlord say no pets I love animals would have 100 if icould

My in laws got a Springer puppy a couple of months back and all I can say is, he is exhausting.



He is gorgeous and cute, but jeez, he knackers me out by just watching him. He is great with the girls though, and is currently at the 'nipping' stage, but he gets put in his place by MIL so its all good. They got a springer because they do have a good reputation around children, and that was their first priority, although im sure that if you get a puppy then most dogs will be good around children (although I have no idea about dogs so dont quote me on that).



James wanted to get his brother when they first brought him home - I am so pleased I didnt. I can barely cope with a toddler, a baby and being pregnant... I think a dog would finish me off, lol!



x