springer spaniels

[bella]

planning on getting a springer pup. we know they are energetic and need lots of exercise, we already have another dog and it needs lots of exercise so that is not a problem, just wondering does any orgs have any advice on this breed as we have young children as well .

thank you in advance

[neepnipper]

I have 3 springers (amongst others!), absolutely adore the breed, they are quite bonkers, loving, need good training from the start so would suggest puppy training classes (can supply details of a really good one if you'd like to pm me), they will steal anything (like washing when you're trying to load the machine).

The only thing with springers and young children is that springers can be quite bouncy and can race around so again I would really concentrate on training from day one and yes, they do need lots of exercise to tire them out.

Good luck and would love to see pics when you get your new family member home.

[Dadie]

They love mud,water,and as they move with their noses scraping the floor their ears pick up a lot of debris, can sniff out a smartie at 100 paces, and can remove a biscuit from an unexpectant toddlers hand with great gentleness and with such speed!
They take ages/years to calm down.
Very bouncy and fun and will play for hours.
My little sister used to share an icecream lick about with one!
Great family dog!

[Birdie Wife]

The personality of dogs can vary a great deal even within a breed, so when you find a litter, make sure you can see both parents, and that the pups are well socialised with young kids. Good luck, springers are just gorgeous and such good fun!

[bella]

thanks for all your advice, we went and seen the litter and there was only one left we wanted a boy as our other dog is male, but there was only a girl left so a long road trip for only a cuddle, we had made our mind up before decided to look for another dog that we wanted a boy and if we weren't both 100% about it we wouldn't take it, so the search continues

[brandy]

we have a springer with a 6 year old autistic boy and an 8 year old boy.. he (the springer) is gormless and gentle..
in fact he got beat up by a wandering cat in the garden yesterday!
hes a lovley dog.. and is super hyper when out and about.. and is happy to lay at your feet in the house.
however he still doesnt know how to walk in the house... to go outside.. he has to make a mad scrabble to the door on laminate! *G so funny!

[Torvaig]

Know what you mean Brandy! My springer tries to make a dash to get to the front door first but loses a few precious seconds spinning on the laminate!

And he got beat up by a cat too! Had to stay with folks who had one and as soon as Ben appeared, she put him in his place. Don't think he bothered her the whole weekend!

[Torvaig]

thanks for all your advice, we went and seen the litter and there was only one left we wanted a boy as our other dog is male, but there was only a girl left so a long road trip for only a cuddle, we had made our mind up before decided to look for another dog that we wanted a boy and if we weren't both 100% about it we wouldn't take it, so the search continues

Good luck with your search; it will be worth it!

[_Ju_]

thanks for all your advice, we went and seen the litter and there was only one left we wanted a boy as our other dog is male, but there was only a girl left so a long road trip for only a cuddle, we had made our mind up before decided to look for another dog that we wanted a boy and if we weren't both 100% about it we wouldn't take it, so the search continues

That is a pity. Personally I prefer female dogs. Their temperment tends to be a bit more even than little boys. If it is the bitch going into season and getting puppies that is worrying you, don't let it: spaying a female dog before 6 months of age and her first heat not only takes care of that problem, but also reduces the incidence of mamary tumors to as close to zero as you can get.