Hi there,

This thread has been enormously helpful and I feel like I have a bit more of an idea about where to go from here. I grew up with dogs and really miss having one around.

However, I do have a question and would be very grateful for any help...

We are a family of four thinking very seriously about getting a puppy my main stumbling block is the first few weeks after you bring your beloved puppy home - is it really as chaotic and scary as it sounds?! I work part time and my husband is home all day as he works from home, so I think we are well set up to cope with the puppy's demands, but I am so worried about making mistakes and ending up with a stressed family and a miserable puppy! Any advice very gratefully received!!


Many thanks...

Hi, I am definitely no expert as I am a new dog owner to an Irish Setter puppy called Reuben. He has been with us since 8 weeks old and will be 11 weeks old this friday. My husband grew up with Dogs and me cats! I have to honestly say it has been easier having a baby than the last two weeks BUT it has already stared to turn around as there is now some routine, i am begininng to understand reuben's needs, wether he is tired, hungry or needs a pee etc and achieving some basic training. I know that I have a breed of dog with huge energy levels and is renouned for being wilful but he is a baby and this is just a phase. I have booked him into training already and i am so in love with him already. Okay I don't do much housework (as have young son too) but to be fair he does nap and sleeps at night in his crate.
We brought reuben home on a Saturday and on the Monday I felt awful as I felt like I had made a huge mistake and was trapped(haven't told anyone else that as embarassed and ashamed). However i think this was only because my son felt a little neglected and I felt guilty. But my son adores him now and can't wait to see him in the morning, feed him, train him, give him treats etc. And I watch them in the Garden playing together and realise how lovely they both are together. So yes it is hard work, chaotic, stressful but for only a short period of time (i hope anyway haha)
By the way prior to putting reuben to bed tonight he had his usual mad frenzy ie tearing around the house and causing havoc and instead of feeling stressed my hubby and I watched and just laughed at how crazy our clumsy, floppy eared but beautiful dog was. And then he was well worn out for bed - result!

Can someone help me please?

I'm looking at buying an AmStaff in London, but I can't find any trusted breeders on the net, I found quite a few dodgy adverts on the K9 website. I couldn't find any on the canine association website.... any ideas?

Thanks

Can anyone help me with information and tips about getting a new foundland puppy?

I would really love to get one

Thanks.

I would look here.

The Newfoundland Dog Club UK© - Home Page

Have you owned a Large breed before ??

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"I am not perfect and i don't have to be, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean" - Bob Marley

https://sites.google.com/site/blisschalet/

Thankyou
No, The only largest dog I have owned is a boxer.

Large breeds have quite specific requirements regards feeding, walking etc.

You have to be really careful that they don't grow too quickly or over exercise.

Not sure about the Newfie but the Bernese mountain dog has a suprisingly short life expectancy too. I was shocked.

If you pop up a thread under Dog Chat specifically about Newfoundlands you might get some more help. There are definately a couple of owners on here

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"I am not perfect and i don't have to be, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean" - Bob Marley

https://sites.google.com/site/blisschalet/

visit the breeders before seeing the puppys you can tell a lot about a person over a cuppa and if they wont sit down with you for a drink and a chat walk away good breeders are very at ease with the world and bad breeders are just bad to the bone

I dont think you will find one in the UK.

What you will find is many badly bred SBT's and various bull breed crosses.

You will also need to be mindful of the DDA if looking for such a dog.

Any reason you dont want a good old English SBT?

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Thanks Nonnie

I have an Argentine Dogo back in Italy and looking at getting one similar here seeing as that breed has been banned in the UK. I thought the closest thing I could get was the AmStaff.