Springador Puppy

Can't help on the breed but how exciting. I'm sure all the usual advice on puppies and dogs is applicable together with extra patience as it's a rescue. But the reward will far outweigh the work. I'm rather jealous as we can't have a dog because of family living the opposite side of the planet.

I haven't had experience of that mix - but I do know that Springers need masses of exercise AND firm training.  Have they told you how he ended up at Wood Green?  I would find a good trainer or dog classes to go to as soon as suitable to his needs.  I think almost all dogs need to know what the boundaries are - it's lack of those that cause so many problems.  Labradors are wonderful dogs but some of them can be very willful and I have one of those - but my daughter has two of her nieces and a great niece and they all win prizes for obedience!  Mine is clearly a one off quirk - and we have had the family for longer than I have been on the planet!   Very best of luck

All I'll add is it's great that your taking on a rescue dog.

I'm on number 7 now, I have had, in my lifetime, 6 dogs from Battersea and now have one from a Collie rescue centre as well. 

I sincerely hope you have many happy years of enjoyment together.

Thank you, The reason he was given up was firstly when they left the gate open he would run away and they couldn't get him back. Also he used to get very excited and rough whilst on the trampoline with small children. Lastly he pulls on walks. All of this is down to the owner not the dog in my opinion, I have taken him on three walks this week at the animal shelter as i haven't got him yet and every day the pulling is reducing with firm handling and lots of treats. I think he will be a great member of our family and he seems very intelligent. I hope i will be picking him up in the morning.

Rich, you are approaching it with common sense & a positive attitude. It's invariably the owners fault in my experience when a Dog is ill trained. All Dogs start off wanting to please, it's the owners mixed/wrong messages that spoil & confuse the Dogs. Behaviour classes are to train the owners how to get the best from their charges. Regardless of breed a pup just needs positive guidance, guidance to enable it to fit into the family. A well trained Dog is a joy, with rules & acceptable limits you & your family will have a loyal friend for its lifetime. Please don't fall into the aggressive 'old school' way of thinking a Dog does not need to be offered violence for not doing as expected, the carrot & the carrot works perfectly. The stick? I've never used, I've never needed to. The need for aggression to a Dog is a failing of the owner. Enjoy your relationship with your Dog, you have the right attitude to succeed.

We are on (since Wednesday)our third rescued Border Collie, and think with the amount of dogs in rescue centres there should be a much tighter method of control  by the "Breeders"as to who they sell puppies to ,as the latest "must have"breeds are normally what end up in the rehoming centres,because of lack of any knowledge of what some people are taking on,as the saying goes "a dog is for life not just a present to get fed up with"

How exciting for you. We took our puppy to puppy training classes which helped her to socialise with other dogs and the obvious benefits of training not only her but us as well. They give you unconditional love and affection that will stay with you forever. Good luck

Andrea and Kerry

It sounds as though you are doing great and have the right mindset well done.  When I took on my latest rescue I studied the half of her that I knew little about - the GSD half I was familiar with having had one plus two rescued ones.  The Rottweiler half I knew little of and I joined in some group forums with Rottie owners (some very snobby about me having a mix!)  I learnt a lot and the conclusion I made was that they are very similar to GSDs in many ways.  I don't think I would say the same about your mix although both of course are hunters! 

My sister had a rescued Springer many years ago and had great trouble with him even recruiting Barbara Woodhouse to offer advice - sadly he had already bitten my brother in law for trying to get into bed and even Lady SITTTT said he had to go - but he was much older than yours and had been in several other homes too. 

Mine used to pull too when she first came aged one year - but it didn't take her long to learn that wasn't acceptable - now she will pull a little on command to help me up hills etc. 

Good luck Rich81, you'll have a very bright and lively companion and with consistent kind handling will be great fun to have around. I think you'll have your hands full but it will be worth it! 

oh, I forgot, get The Perfect Puppy Book by Gwen Bailey, it's excellent and will see you through the early years and more.

I Agree with Rocky, praise and reward the good, ignore the bad, by ignoring the bad, a dog does not see any reaction, so eventually doesn't do the bad. Most importantly, Never, Never, Never, lose your temper with your dog. Dogs don't understand bad tempers, a lot of patience and love is needed, also be aware of what the dog is telling you by it's actions....ears back, pointed, tail up down, eyes alert, shifty, head up, angled, down between shoulders. etc. These are all pointers to how your dog is feeling, understand these and be firm and consistent and you will form a great bond. Most of all, enjoy ALL your time with him....