Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! Thank you Fiona, I really appreciate your response. I really wasn't intending to come across in an 'over-opinionated' manner, just put forward my views on your situation. Like you said, sometimes it's good to hear other peoples opinions as something might crop up that you hadn't considered. After all, that is one of the benefits of forum discussions. If we all respond in agreement and didn't offer their own opinions it would make for very dull posts! I genuinely really hope it all works out smoothly for you. Chloe
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! I didn't think anyone was over-opinionated. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and it's fine if it's different to mine. I just want to get along with everyone - life's too short to get upset about someone disagreeing with you! Not that I disagree in the slightest in this case. You have very valid points. I, maybe naively, think I can manage the issues that are likely to arise and I'm hoping that's the case. Time will tell!
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! How exciting! Prepare your heart to be fit to burst when you see double the cuteness ;D I can't wait to hear about when Willow brings her brother home. These pics show a regular sight in our house, after a Sunday morning spent playing in the garden and a nap before lunchtime x www.dropbox.com/sc/rttipep3ln5h2u5/AADrATPg1B2XTSH2GOD0KIpTa M
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! Well Ive just caught up with this and I think you've thought through it very sensibly Fiona. I have litter mates who are now three years old and I've managed to keep my sanity. Well as much as I had before. They do egg each other on and every so often go nuts but that has decreased as they've got older. :. Food can be an issue with my two they will fall out over one piece of kibble : but again that has improved with time. Training will take longer but it's not impossible to train two dogs together. I start something new individually but quickly put them together. There are only so many hours in the day : and im not training them to work or compete so I dont really worry about how long it takes. That's the gundog stuff I should add all early learning like sit was done together. I didn't have a problem with bonding but I would emphasise RECALL training. Although we have a decent recall I would like it better and I do think that's because there's two. This has improved over time as well though. They don't distract each other as much as they did. Oh yes and play fighting. They will sound like they are killing each other. Don't worry they aren't well my two haven't managed it yet anyway. Have loads of fun and you know where we are if you need anything. ;D
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! Thank you everyone! Recall is definitely top priority for me. Willow has a great one around the house, because she was taught it from a really young age, before she was weaned and I've kept up with the training daily. I'm hoping Jebs (or whatever he ends up being called) will be the same and I can't imagine why it would have slipped, since his two brothers are being trained as a working pair, so will have continued with all of that. Of course, I'm not kidding myself that it will be the same in the big wide world as it is at home, but at least there's a foundation there. Jabs day for Willow tomorrow, so not long before she gets to go out for walks!
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! Wow, 2 puppies! Good luck, hope it goes well. Look forward to the photos!
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! Oh how exciting, although it'll obviously be hard work, I'm sure it'll be more than worth it!!
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! Yay,yay,yay....twice the mischief but double the puppy love Good luck. Fiona and John xxx
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! Wow - I bet you are super excited! I am completely hooked on puppies! [quote author=snowbunny link=topic=8666.msg122575#msg122575 date=1415529671] There is so much conflicting information about this that I will be taking advice from my vet. I am concerned with the risks of mammary cancer and pyometra and so earlier spaying is preferred, despite the slight increase in risk from other nasties. I believe it is necessary for a bitch to be spayed for her health. I don't believe the same is true of dogs, which is why I would prefer to keep him entire, not just until maturity, but ad infinitum, unless he presents an over-sexed personality. [/quote] There is no definitive research either way, this is why different vets give different advice. Gypsy is to be spayed at 6 months (on the 27th November) she is part of a very large research project being undertaken by Guide dogs. It's a 5 year study to find out which is best for the dogs and they will follow the bitches, and the control group, throughout their lives. They are in a unique position to do this. I am not worried about Gypsy at all, even 'tho I had my own dog spayed after her first season. Guide Dogs have the dogs welfare as a top priority and wouldn't undertake the research at all if they thought it would be harmful in any way. The positives are that it's a much smaller operation and the dog gets over it much quicker. There are also no post-season difficulties. So, personally, I wouldn't worry about her having an early spay. (I have been spayed myself and wish I'd had it done years ago! )
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! [quote author=Jen link=topic=8666.msg122605#msg122605 date=1415541619] Oh yes and play fighting. They will sound like they are killing each other. Don't worry they aren't well my two haven't managed it yet anyway. [/quote] Oh yes!! This is what it looks like! Their tails are wagging happily the whole time
Re: Eeek! Another puppy?!?! Congrats on your new puppy!!!! It's definitely not a situation to rush into, and I think that all the notes of caution are warranted. But it's not impossible, just harder, and it needs more skill, thought and preparation than getting one puppy (and that is hard enough!). I think you have what it takes, Snowbunny, and I think you are going to have a ball with those two together. Your news has started my day with a smile.
