Recommendations for a dog

AMM

Hi,

We are thinking of getting a King charles cavalier puppy in the next few weeks. I have noticed a lot of people with them around greystones/ delgany so I was wondering if anyone could recommend a palce to get one from. if you could pm me that would be great.

Thanks,

AMM

pixbyjohn

Try here > http://w.vivapets.es/ads/helpful_king_charles_spaniel_pups/161251

cutty9

west highland terrier

Taltos

Maybe also consider trying a rescue centre eg the WSPCA in Ashford or Dogs Trust.

We got our cats from Ashford and they were and are a delight.
We bought our dogs from a breeder in Wexford and unfortunately have been suffering ongoing health issues as a result. Don't get me wrong love my dogs and wouldn't be without them just finding the medical bills and other health issues a strain.

Either way - if you do decide to buy from a breeder please please please do your research on them. Don't be afraid to ask for medical histories and to see both the parents as well as other siblings.

Best of luck with your new puppy though - lovely breed of dog.

dudmis

I would second getting a rescue dog - its amazing to know that you have saved a littlies life ;-)

And there are plenty of rescues around that will match a dog to your family and needs, or will let you foster for a while to see if the dog suits your lifestyle/family. Plus you get lots of support from these rescues, which can be invaluable in the months after you get a dog.

Lots of dogs, including pedigree ones, are looking for homes in the current economic climate, so you can pretty much find whatever breed of dog you are looking for. If you would like details of some rescues, I can PM you. (There are even King Charles Sp rescues in Ireland).

If you really want to go down the buy a puppy route, be careful, as KCS have loads of health problems - a good breeder and health insurance is a must.

Try http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=240 - this forum deals with pet issues (mainly dogs and cats) - they were a great help to me when I was thinking about getting a dog.

Good luck with the search.

AMM

Thanks for all your responses. They have been a great help.

pixbyjohn

http://www.wicklowspca.org/adoptapet.html
There is a fee/donation to adopt a pet.

RosieJoe

If you are sure that you want a specific breed of dog you should get in touch with the IKC, www.ikc.ie, and ask them for information on the breed and any suggested breeders they can direct you to.

You'll find them and the breeders very helpful.

schmel22

AMM wrote: »

Hi,

We are thinking of getting a King charles cavalier puppy in the next few weeks. I have noticed a lot of people with them around greystones/ delgany so I was wondering if anyone could recommend a palce to get one from. if you could pm me that would be great.

Thanks,

AMM

All I can say is be mega mega careful, breeding in Ireland so not regulated and puppy farms are rife. 'breeders' will meet you 'half way' in a car park ( e.g.) and you have no opportunity to see the rest of the litter or indeed the parents. I agree if you have decided on KCC the irish kennel club is your first port of call and even at that point if you have made a decision on a breeder phone the local dog warden an he will give you local knowledge ( on the ground as it were) of the reputation of the breeder also. ALWAYS insist on viewing the kennels and parents but also the whole litter if they are there.

Can I also suggest that you do research on this breed, pedigree dogs can have 'known health issues' and KCC are no exception. Saying this we got a family pet of a pedigree yorkie and she is 14!!!! Now :-)

I've also rescued a dog, which I have to say was one of the best things I've ever done. There are some brilliant rescues locally and around. There are always a variety of dogs pedigree and Heinz 57 needing homes and a lot of them unfortunately. The good thing about going to a rescue is that the dog will have been fostered and assessed so that you know if they are good with other dogs, cats, horses and most importantly kiddies.

Best of luck what an exciting time, oh and Victoria Stilwell videos on YouTube are fab for a bit of training knowledge ( at least you can see what she means) or DSPCA King of Paws hold classes for puppies and dogs training them the basic commands and very reasonable.

Love to hear what you decide to do but please exhaust every avenue in your research before you take the plunge!

The best vet I have found around and I've tried a few is 'Greystones Vet' there on the corner beside St Brigids school and the Garda station.

Post a piccie,

Murt10

I wouldn't touch them. Overbreeding and lots of health problems.

http://www.cavalierhealth.org/

schmel22

Murt10 wrote: »

I wouldn't touch them. Overbreeding and lots of health problems.

http://www.cavalierhealth.org/

It's very sad but v true, heart murmers, diabetes, weight problems

Unfortunately many pure breeds are going down this route due to the over breeding, especially in this country

Research research research research or RESCUE :-)

AMM

We went with a King Charles cavalier in the end, pup is due to arrive in two weeks, thanks for all the advice. The IKC and the Greystones Vet were very helpful. Anyone any advice for what is essential buying for a puppy?

RosieJoe

AMM wrote: »

We went with a King Charles cavalier in the end, pup is due to arrive in two weeks, thanks for all the advice. The IKC and the Greystones Vet were very helpful. Anyone any advice for what is essential buying for a puppy?

you could bring an older jumper of yours to the pup a few days before you collect them. When you collect him/her home bring the jumper with you. Helps the dog get used to your smell and is a comforter for when they land in your house.

Also, have a read of crate training the pup. It's a great way of toilet training the dog. Very safe and quick. We crate trained our last pup and it worked a charm. Dogs have a race in at night to see who sleeps in the crate.

Pop over to the Animal & Pet forum for more pointers. And best of luck

Taltos

Maybe reach out to some professional trainers as well - we used Dog Training Ireland out in Blanchardstown - they run puppy socialisation dates and basic training. Also our vet in Kilcoole organised a puppy evening where a few of us new owners popped in to let our dogs mix and to learn about food etc.

Focus on socialisation a hell of a lot - will really stand to you later on.
Get pet insurance asap - and schedule a full checkup post the bedding in period. We found major issues with our dogs when they were spayed but luckily the pet insurance was active.
Get your puppy well used to being handled gently from an early age including brushing - will make grooming and checking for tics much easier.

There is also an Animal & Pet Issues forum here where you can get some great advice.

Well done though on your choice - hope you have a great time with your new arrival.

+1 on the crate training - my dogs loved their crate - even when travelling - it was their safe spot where they could go to escape us... Made a hell of a difference to the potty training - only had 2 accidents once we started using the crate training - but still put us through a lot of sleepless nights getting up every hour or so to let them out.