I am really upset and confused and am hoping something that might get said here will help me find the answers. We have a springer, he is our first dog, he is just 17 weeks old.
My husband has been away for a few days and took the dog with him. He stayed with some family one of which use to breed springers. When they realised what breed we had got there first comment was 'i really wish you had spoken to us first' (this is my husbands family and I had no idea that they use to breed dogs but I guess now this could be where my husbands love of the breed came from). Whilst they thought he was a great dog they really dont think he is right for us or our lifestyle and asked if we had considered rehoming him as it would be easier to find a good home for him now rather than in 6 months time when we may find him all too much. They feel he will be best suited as a working dog, they saw he will be very big for a springer and already think he is particulary strong, they have said they are concerned about me being able to handle him and his boisterousness is likely to cause accidents with my youngest. My husband has given this some thought and he now also wants me to consider whether we should rehome him now and already apparently knows of two people who may be interested who would use him as a working dog.
Now I am wishing we had a crystal ball as I am getting worried about all the negative comments we have had for getting a springer. To be honest I havent had one positive comment about getting this breed. Everyone loves him and thinks he's cute etc but I keep being asked whether I understand what I have let myself in for etc, what a difficult dog we have chosen etc.
I have 4 young children and whilst they all love the dog I do find him very difficult around them and I have to watch him like a hawk as he targets my 3 year old. Apart from him upsetting her and taking my babies toys I do not have any issues with him at all. But I assume this would have been the same with any puppy? I do use a crate and have a play pen and he seems happy to spend time in these when I cant supervise 100%
I really love this dog already and feel that I have taken as much time as I can trying to train him. I do have issues walking him but am trying to get him to walk nicer, he sits, lays, stays (to a fashion
) he will fetch and retrieve, and roll over for me. We have started to practice his recall more as we would like to try him off lead but that still has a way to go but I think we have done ok so far. Maybe I am being naive?
I suppose I want to try to get some idea of the future with him? If we kept up the training etc would things be ok? We chose this dog as we'd read they are easy to train, good with kids and other dogs and were fully aware that when older will need long walks.
I appreciate anyone who takes the time to read this and any helpful comments.
thankyou