Getting puppy, what do I need ?

Andso

Hoping I can get some help. We are getting a new puppy, it has been wormed but not vaccinated . What age should this be done and what is the best age to take from its mother?
I have young kids so hoping it will fit in well( springer spaniel). But want to make sure both are safe. I have option of male or female but not sure what is best for kids. Any advise is very welcome, also what do I have to buy for puppy

tk123

Where are you getting the puppy from - is it a breeder or maybe a family member with an accidental litter or something? I'm asking if it's a family member because they may not have a clue what they're doing - if you're buying the pup from a breeder then I'd have alarm bells with them not vaccinating, not telling you when it should be wormed and most importantly not telling you when it can be taken from it's mother and would be walking away.

Not trying to be preachy but I've been there, bought the shirt and my posts here would fill a book on what happens when you buy from a crappy breeder(!)

Andso

It's not from a breeder , nor family member but an older man with accidental litter that he can't manage. He has 4 pups and I'm guessing the rest will go to pound if homes not found. We are seeing pups tomorrow , he seems like a decent man and adores his dogs but can't handle the amount, and probably couldn't afford to vaccinate pups.
Can you answer any of my questions?

nicki11

I found these articles quite comprehensive, the first explains pros and cons and the second includes some extra items and details.

A crate is very useful but for their bed after house training, I would recommend a plastic outer bed and something soft like dog mattresses etc (we use an old duvet and dog blankets - easy washed). I'd recommend this as puppys chew everything and we went through a number of beds and toys for this reason. I don't recommend (unsupervised)tennis balls and surprisingly plastic bones and non-toughened squeaky toys. While they are good for older dogs and supervised I wouldn't recommend leaving the dog alone with them as it lead to the most disturbing walks of my life with my dog as I discovered were her missing toys went. I also highly recommend hollow toys you fill with treats as it provides entertainment and sustenance but don't give the dog too much kibble on top of that.

On vaccines they should start getting jabs as soon as possible, for their health and yours and your vet can go over the schedule. They need a number of them in the first year but it can peter of after that to every year, unless theres an underlying condition (my dog gets arthritis jabs). You should research vets in your area and find one to be your regular vet. If they don't take their worming meds wrap it in cheese or ham.

Oh and springier spaniels are quite high energy so will need regular play and walks. Hope this was helpful

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/puppy/8-must-have-puppy-products-for-you

http://barkpost.com/ultimate-list-of-things-youll-need-for-a-new-puppy/

tk123

Andso wrote: »

It's not from a breeder , nor family member but an older man with accidental litter that he can't manage. He has 4 pups and I'm guessing the rest will go to pound if homes not found. We are seeing pups tomorrow , he seems like a decent man and adores his dogs but can't handle the amount, and probably couldn't afford to vaccinate pups.
Can you answer any of my questions?

There's a few breeders who post here that will probably be able to give better advise but usually the pup will get the first vaccination at 8 weeks and then the next is 2 weeks later but that can depend on the brand the vet uses - some it's 8 and 12 weeks. Don't take the pup any sooner than 8 weeks - it needs to be with its mother and siblings until then.
As you have kids I'd recommend crate training so the pup can have time away from the kids and a 'safe place'. This will also save you a lot of time toilet training - you do know that you'll need to get up at least once during the night to take the pup out to the loo don't you - depending on how young the kids are you may be still used to broken sleep lol!
For boy vs girl I find my girl is a lot more relaxed and independent than my boy but they came from very different backgrounds so I'm not sure how much is down to m/f when i know his background plays a big part in it.
If there's a homestore and more near you they have pet specials for the month of August so you can probably still pick up a bed and a few toys - don't go spending a fortune because the pup will probably wreck it all when they're teething!

Cows Go µ

I'm going to start by saying, if you are getting a puppy and already going to see one, a lot of this research should have been done already. I would advise doing some serious reading up before you actually go ahead with purchase. You are getting a living creature that you will be your responsibility for the next 10-15 years and this purchase should never be made lightly. Owning a dog is a great privilege and a great responsibility.

Talk to your vet as soon as you get the pup to organise vaccinations, each vet seems to have a different idea of when to do them. My pup that I just got was done at 8 and 10 weeks. Also, the pup will need to be wormed regularly once you get him.

8 weeks is the best time to take a pup from its mother or as soon as possible after that. How old are the pups now?

To my knowledge, it doesn't matter between male and female when it comes to kids. It all depends on the dog and if he/she has been well socialised and of course making sure the kids know not to be rough. If the guy seems to not have had the time to put a lot of effort into socialisation I'd worry a bit about putting the pups with young children. An awful lot of time and effort has to be put into young puppies. You will have to pay a lot of attention to how they react to things when you visit them. If the puppies are very fearful of new things I'd question whether they are the right ones for you. Puppies should be outgoing and curious.

I've never owned a springer but I'm assuming it's one of those breeds that requires extensive exercising so you are committing long walks every day rain, sun or snow. I've got a sheltie (which is smaller but energetic and intelligent) and she needs an hour of walking a night or she is mental and that's including lots of tricks training to occupy her mind too.

You need a lot of stuff for a pup, the breeder would normally give you a good bit but if he can't afford something as basic as a vaccination then I'm assuming he's going to give you nothing. Find out what food he is using and how much you will be given. If it's a good food you can just buy more, if it's cheap stuff you may want to consider getting something better but it has to be a gradual changeover as sudden food changes upset their tummies and changing home is stressful enough. Obviously he will need the basics, a lead, collar, bowl, beds and lots and lots of toys. Some good sturdy ones to chew while he's teething and a variety of rope tug toys and squeakies depending on what the pup likes. I'd second the recommendation for the crate. Especially with kids around. It's a safe place that they can sleep in and no one can bother them.

My biggest piece of advice would be to think long and hard and do lots and lots of research. Don't get a puppy just because one's available now. Seriously research puppy behaviours so you know that the pup is properly socialised and will adjust well to your lifestyle and it will be a safe and stable environment for both your kids and your puppy. Nothing is worse than buying a puppy then realising it's not right for you as the only one who loses is the puppy.

Tigger1603

Andso wrote: »

Hoping I can get some help. We are getting a new puppy, it has been wormed but not vaccinated . What age should this be done and what is the best age to take from its mother?
I have young kids so hoping it will fit in well( springer spaniel). But want to make sure both are safe. I have option of male or female but not sure what is best for kids. Any advise is very welcome, also what do I have to buy for puppy

Hiya, good on ya for doing your research and asking questions.

Vaccinations need to be done preferably at 8 weeks and then 10 weeks. That will do him for the year unless your going to board him, then he will need kennel cough also.

Puppies shouldn't leave their mother until 8 weeks at the earliest or else they lose out on vital nutrition, socialisation and mothering.

Pups need to be wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks, and then every month until they are 6 months. Once every 3 months is fine after that.

Also check him for fleas and mites and treat them for these too if needed!

You will need a crate, bed, puppy food, harness, lead, puppy safe toys (kongs are great) water and food bowl, as well as making sure you puppy proof your house. They get in EVERYWHERE so put away electrical leads and anything you don't want chewed.

I would recommend that you have a look around for socialisation and training classes in your area. If they don't do socialisation classes, try and make sure he meets people and other dogs of all shapes and sizes before he is 16 weeks. (before 12 weeks is the best time but it's tricky when they are not protected from vaccinations until 11 weeks at earliest.) Positive experiences with people and dogs will prevent anxiety and aggression on your pup by before he starts to feel inhibited as an adult.

Start training as soon as you take him home- especially potty and lead training. Get a good enzymatic cleaner for accidents inside and make sure you watch him like a hawk and take him out after play or sleep. The lead training is good to start with when they are pups and not strong enough to pull you around.

Since you have kids, your also going to want to be aware of nipping. Puppies nip and it hurts! Their teeth are like little razor blades so getting your pup to develop a soft mouth is important.

Male or female doesn't matter too much- males can become aggressive if not neutered, they are also more likely to roam in search of a bitch in heat. However, they are cheaper to neuter than females. (Neutering should be done around the 6 month mark either way)

Hope that helps

Andso

Thank you to all the constructive comments it really helps a lot.
To cows go u, we have waitied 2yrs before deciding to get puppy as I wanted to wait till my baby was old enough to understand no means no. Also I grew up all my life with dogs so I know what responsibility is involved but my mother took care of all the vets details as I was a child/teenager so I'm just making sure I was correct with age. I found your post very condescending.
We are just looking tonight and do not have a commitment made as I want to see how the pups behave around my kids and also see how my youngest behaves with the pups to make sure she is able to understand what it means. I have looked at all types of dogs and we settled on springer as we all love walking and hiking and like the energy they have. We are also meeting a springer owner at the weekend to make we have the right breed. The pups are 7 weeks old.

Cows Go µ

Andso wrote: »

To cows go u, we have waitied 2yrs before deciding to get puppy as I wanted to wait till my baby was old enough to understand no means no. Also I grew up all my life with dogs so I know what responsibility is involved but my mother took care of all the vets details as I was a child/teenager so I'm just making sure I was correct with age. I found your post very condescending.
We are just looking tonight and do not have a commitment made as I want to see how the pups behave around my kids and also see how my youngest behaves with the pups to make sure she is able to understand what it means. I have looked at all types of dogs and we settled on springer as we all love walking and hiking and like the energy they have. We are also meeting a springer owner at the weekend to make we have the right breed. The pups are 7 weeks old.

I'm sorry if I sounded condescending, I certainly didn't mean to come across that way. I was just worried as I would have expected this kind of research to be done already and you gave no indication that you had been spent a lot of time reading up. I'm very glad to hear you have and I wish you the very best of luck with the puppy. Hopefully they will be well socialised and suitable for a family setting with small children.

cocker5

OP - just wanted to say best of luck with your new addition (if you go ahead etc)...

just wanted to say i have a spaniel (a cocker to be percise -hes now 10) and they require tons of exercise, at least one hour per day (as an adult) of running etc - otherwise they can become very destructive - speaking from first hand experience.

They are amazing dogs, full of love, highly excitable and have alot to give...

Personally i would go for a female if i were to get a spaniel again as they are VERY excitable and the females slightly less so. Not to say that i would ever swap my guy but he did cause us major issues as a pup... so i would go for a female for my next dog My sister has a female cocker (1.5 years old) and she is less hyper than my guy was at that age.

Please make sure you get him / her microchipped as soon as and register the chip yourselves.. there are tons of dogs going missing and getting stolen each day and microchipping has literally saved their lives.

Best of luck they are fabulous dogs

tylerdylan

Hi best of luck if you go ahead with the pup. Ive a new springer pup myself she is nearly 4 months.Not my first trip with a springer and I can second everyone saying they are high energy. But a wonderful breed imho

The crate training is really the very best way to go and give the pup and you space in a safe way.

a nylon lead and simple collar will work till the pup is a little older.
same with food and water bowls until past the chewing stage.

A good buy for a chew toy is the nyla bones about 9E but last forever.

And comfortable shoes for all the walks for you haha!

Best of luck.

Andso

Fair enough cows to u, while I have researched the type of dog and suitability for my family all the ones I had looked were fully vaccinated. I do realise ,similar to children that these are on going and have looked at a vet in the area but I just wasn't sure of specifics. And like most things first hand knowledge is a lot more valuable than book learnt , in my opinion.
Again, loads here to work from, thank you all so much

hardCopy

I'd definitely recommend the crate. One thing I would do differently is either buy a second hand puppy crate or buy a big one from the start and block off half of it. Our lad outgrew his first crate in about three months and it cost about €100. Dogs are expensive enough without unnecessary expense like that.

The crate makes toilet training so much easier but it also avoids puppy scratching and chewing furniture at night.

Read some of the threads on here about choosing a good quality and value food. We alternated between paying over the odds and buying junk food for most of the last year.

Knine

Normally you pick the crate size based on the adult size of the dog & that saves you buying multiple crates. Even for crosses you will have some idea of if will be a small, medium, large etc size.

As for dog or bitch I have found that dogs are in love with you & follow you everywhere while bitches love you & are more independent. Males being larger & stronger.

I actually don't recommend neutering/ spaying until fully mature & would leave a male Springer intact. 6 mths is too early imo & unfortunately the coats on an altered Springer is likely to go wooly. This is just my opinion though & if it is a rescue they may have already been done or it might be a requirement of adoption.

tk123

jebtools.ie for bargain crates OP! http://www.jebbtools.ie/dog-crates

Tigger1603

Knine wrote: »

Normally you pick the crate size based on the adult size of the dog & that saves you buying multiple crates. Even for crosses you will have some idea of if will be a small, medium, large etc size.

As for dog or bitch I have found that dogs are in love with you & follow you everywhere while bitches love you & are more independent. Males being larger & stronger.

I actually don't recommend neutering/ spaying until fully mature & would leave a male Springer intact. 6 mths is too early imo & unfortunately the coats on an altered Springer is likely to go wooly. This is just my opinion though & if it is a rescue they may have already been done or it might be a requirement of adoption.

Any particular reason you would keep a male springer intact?

Knine

Tigger1603 wrote: »

Any particular reason you would keep a male springer intact?

I just prefer intact dogs - more drive, better coats, better muscle tone. Personal perference really. I'm not in the neuter/spay everything camp. There are pros & cons to both options. It is important that owners are aware of this.

Gael23

We were never interested in neutering but he got an abnormal growth at age 12/13 so there was no option. For females however spaying is essential unless you are intent on breeding.

Tigger1603

Knine wrote: »

I just prefer intact dogs - more drive, better coats, better muscle tone. Personal perference really. I'm not in the neuter/spay everything camp. There are pros & cons to both options. It is important that owners are aware of this.

I agree, pro's and con's to both. Working in the vet's makes me biased towards pro neutering as I see a lot of unfortunate things that could have been avoided with neutering. Was just curious if there was something specific to male springers I didn't know about!

Andso

Just an update we got our puppy last night and he's adorable. Kids mad about him and we have a vet appointment tonight to check him out. Thanks for all your replies