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Springer Spaniel rehousing

33 posts & 25 voices | Started 6 months ago by SiB | Latest reply from nickf

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SiB - Member

Does anyone have any info/pointers on how to safely rehouse a springer spaniel? Its not that I want to give him away, more a need to give him away as change of circumstances (new job, out all day and I feel so guilty leaving him alone all day). It would break my heart to see him go as he is a fabulous 9 month old dog, attentive, great with the kids (and wife!), eager to learn and a joy to own but sitting here at work and the feeling of guilt knowing its going to be another 7 hours until I get back home is telling me it would be best if he was rehoused. Also feel so guilty about thinking of getting him rehoused as he seems so happy and settled. He's not a 'mad one' as some springers can be which would be in his favour to join a similar family environment.

Its not 100% certain that he has to go as I am trying to work a couple of days a week from home (unlikely) so we dont have to give him away then get him in to 'doggy day care' (its true!) the other days but I just want to be ready if he has to go which seems likely.

Anybody reading this who can give an adorable 9 month old liver and white springer spaniel dog (a relatively calm one!) a loving home who is at home all week and can guarnatee him a happy loving future feel free to get in touch with me.

But as I was saying at the beginning of this post has anybody got any pointers on how to give a springer a new safe home? I've found the Springer Spaniel Rescue centre, just wondering if there are anymore similar organisations where the welfare of the dog is of paramount importance?

Thanks

Posted 6 months ago #
carbon337 - Member

Where are you? There is a lady called Cynthia who runs NESSR.NET - Northern English Springer Spaniel Rescue based near Newcastle but have foster carers throughout the country.

Give her a ring and speak to her - she can be quite abrupt but she gives good advice and is in it for the dogs rather than the people. Probably why she is so abrupt she prefers dogs to people I think.

I would take him but already have a NESSR rescue here who doesnt really get on with others, that and a baby its getting rather busy.

Posted 6 months ago #
BoardinBob - Member

How about a local dog walker to get him out during the day? They're pretty cheap round my way at about £8 per hour. The doggy day stay is pretty expensive at £21 a day but our spaniel loves it there and he generally goes there once a week.

Posted 6 months ago #
peterwp - Member

Agree with Carbon go through http://www.springerrescue.org.uk/ . They know what the deal is with them.
Also is there any doggie day care near you. We are lucky our childminder will take the dog (also 8 month old springer!!) during the day and also someone who will take her for a couple of days. all for cash of course but the dog loves going and comes home knackered as she has been running around all day.
Our doggie day care is only 10 per day. we asked around and found someone quite easily..or ask other dog walkers you meet what they do
Where abouts do you live?
Good luck

Posted 6 months ago #
richc - Member

where abouts are you?

Posted 6 months ago #
vitalspark - Member

Dude

Dogs sleep up to 18 hours a day - as long as you give the wee chap a good walk in the morning, a big one at night -and make up for no lunctime walk with big walk on at the weekend.

Another option would be to get a paiddog walker to take them out during the day - £10 ish

I have two SS - luckily I can get home at lunch. However, when I work from home, they both sleep solid until lunchtime

If still no convinced, and live in Scotland, try SS rescuew Scotland -
http://springerrescuescotland.org/

Cheers

Posted 6 months ago #
Milkie - Member

Ours is caged all day pretty much, if she's lucky she'll get out for a walk at lunch. But generally will get walked before or after work, she is strange though, as she doesn't need to be walked everyday, and she's a working springer & field trial dog.

You are the sort of person that should really own a dog, you know leaving your dog for 7 hours is a bit much.. There are people that think they are great owners and leave the dog for a lot longer. Do you dog/puppy a favour and keep it.

Posted 6 months ago #
surfer - Member

I have a Lakeland and when I work from home, (usually a day or two per week) she sleeps from when the kids leave (she has a morning walk) until they get home. She gets a walk with the kids at 4 ish and a longer walk around 9pm. Weekends much longer.
Mrs Surfer is off 2 days (seldom the days I work from home) so our mutt is left for around this time for 2 days per week except fro school hols.

She is as happy as a happy thing with happy bits on!

I will get flamed by the "you shouldnt leave a dog longer than 10 mins" brigade but these things are a balance and as long as they are in a nice environmnet when alone during the day.

Posted 6 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

To be fair OP, you should be getting someone in to walk the dog at lunchtime...if you feel bad about it. Or even just to pop in and keep him company in the back garden for half an hour to break up the day. Any of your neighbours' teenage kids that would do it for drug money?

Posted 6 months ago #
hrcmonty - Member

I agree, Don't feel bad on yourself or your dog.
We have a Cavalier King Charles, who until recently was at home for 7-8 Hrs a day. Depending on who you speak to, people have different views.
But yeah throughout the day, they just mope around and sleep anyway. Aslong as He has access to water and toys. He'll be fine!

And Yeah, Walk in the morning, Walk when your home. Big walks on weekend, he'll be fine.

I nash around our local woods when i get home on the bike, with the dog chasing me.

Honestly your situation is no different to MANY others, so if you don't want to get rid. Then dont.

Posted 6 months ago #
surfer - Member

Also Jazz fm or radio 3 is nice!

Posted 6 months ago #
mysterymove - Member

We've just got our SS, he's about 15 months now. Our situation is the same as yours and he's fine. My Mrs is a teacher so shes home early on a Friday & we have a dog walker twice a week this works well for us and the dog!

Generally 30 / 40 minutes of running round the woods in the morning - same at night. Longer walks at the weekend and then out on the bike as often as I can get awaya with...

Posted 6 months ago #
SiB - Member

He does already go to day care 1- 2 days a week, will definitely look in to a lunchtime dog walker for the other days. Without fail he gets a good run out before I go to work off the lead across open fields for 40 mins where he doesnt stop running and then the same when I get back at night without fail, longer walks at weekend. When I fist took him the vets the vet said she hadnt seen such a big chunky springer pup before and this plays on my mind as it made me think he needs more exercise and entertainment than the 'normal' SS.

I just feel guilty! The kids love him too but complain alot when they get home from school to find a bit of wee on the floor (teenage girls interested in their social life only!) which I then 'panic' about as dont want him to be a burden on anybody else except me!

Thanks for all your words and advice, the guilt is easing, slightly! He is a fabulous dog and rehousing is a last resort. Mrs SiB and I have talked about it and decided that we'll wait until after the xmas break to make a decision so fingers crossed. I just want to do whats right for him and imagine him as a working dog running round fields all day non-stop until he drops with exhaustion, not be locked up all day whilst Im at work.

Posted 6 months ago #
captaincarbon - Member

+ 1 fpr the local dog walker. Our BT goes out with them 5 days a week for 3 hours a time, dog is only left alone for 2 hours either side of that. She's bloody knackere when i get home too! has a great time and brilliant socialising especially for a dog of that age.

Seriously worth some thought as it sounds as if you have a top dog there and as you say circimstanses change, and may do again, giving you more time!

Posted 6 months ago #
martinhutch - Member

Can't you bribe your kids to take him out for exercise when they get in?

You clearly love him to bits, and some of the suggestions on here would do away with the need for rehousing.

Posted 6 months ago #
Milkie - Member

imagine him as a working dog running round fields all day non-stop until he drops with exhaustion, not be locked up all day whilst Im at work.

Working dogs don't generally run around fields all day everyday. Once or twice a week maybe, but no more. If he wasn't working then he would probably be caged outside.. Your dog currently has the best deal I think.

Posted 6 months ago #
transporter13 - Member

Whereabouts are you? We are looking for a nice mannered dog to grow up with our young children of 5,4 and 1(in 13 days)
I'll happily take him if the need arises for you to rehome him.

Posted 6 months ago #
SiB - Member

Im based on the Wirral but should the need arise to rehouse him I'll travel anywhere to look at potential owners (and I would expect potential owners to come and see Fin in his home environment).

Transporter13.....you must have more energy than Fin!! 3 children under 5years old and room/space/time for a 9month old Springer!! Saying that though if you are your partner are at home f/t he is great company.

Posted 6 months ago #
muppet4 - Member

I have THE craziest, disobedient, phsyco springer that walks this planet!
I have thought about this before and as long as the dog has not done anything wrong(biting), then really you need to try everything.
My brother in law is in the same situation with his lab and they have a walker come in at lunch and take her out for an hour. works wonders.
However as long as they get a walk before work and after and they arent shut in too small a space then i agree that they should be fine.
I have had some fantastic rides with mine and some bad times but cant see me rehoming him - and i would really upset my 3 year old.

Posted 6 months ago #
julioflo - Member

Here's my two pennies worth....
I agree with most people above, there are ways around this. I didn't want to keep our BT at home during the day, so he comes to work with me in the van.
He gets 30-45 mins walk in the morning, comes for a wander into town to get a sandwhich at lunchtime and a good walk in the evening. Luckily, my wife and I work at the same company and sometime we can stagger our lunch hours to give him a decent midday walk too....
But what is interesting is that whenever I check on him in the van, he is always sleeping! Dogs do like a good old kip during the day.

Although if you can get some dog walking action in during the day he will be more tired in the evening!

Posted 6 months ago #
willard - Member

Another tuppence worth from me.

I have a springer and a cocker, both workers, and they are at home most of the time. They have the run of the kitchen and the hall, lots of toys and a couple of beds to occupy them in the time between me leaving for work and getting home. Ok, I head back at lunch to let them out ~~to eat cat poo~~ for a walk, but I have left them all day a couple of times and they have not been ruined by it.

I don't think I could ever get rid of my boys, and I would really pressure my office to set u a doggy creche at work if I had to move roles. Can you not claim that having a springer round the office would increase wellbeing or something? They are very loving dogs?

Posted 6 months ago #
BoardinBob - Member

My cocker gets 40 minutes in the morning about 6:30 then the wife takes him out for an hour around 4pm. in between then he sleeps all day

Posted 6 months ago #
higthepig - Member

My folks live on the Wirral and look after a neighbours dog during the day, he gets dropped off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon, they like having him around the house and he likes the company. Bit of a win-win situation, my folks have the dog around and the companionship without the long-term ownership responsibilities, owner is assured the dog is looked after, dog gets spoilt and looked after rather than having to pace the house home alone.
Might be worth having a word locally to see if anybody would like to be a 'surrogate parent'. Good luck anyway.

Posted 6 months ago #
deadlydarcy - Member

I didn't want to keep our BT at home during the day, so he comes to work with me in the van.

*high fives julioflo*

Molly is a van dog some weeks too. Many of my clients say at the end of the week: "Oh, you can leave Molly behind if you want".

Posted 6 months ago #
bullheart - Member

Hi SiB

Mrs B here. Sounds like you're getting lots of advice on here so may decide rehoming isn't the way forward. But if you decide you do I just wanted to drop you a line....

I won't go into all the details but my parents recently lost their amazing and wonderful spaniel (age 14). He's not replaceable, but I know they also want a dog in their life, and can offer a loving spaniel experienced home on a farm. So if it's a route you decide to go down, feel free to drop me a line.

Your dog sounds lovely though and I hope you find a way to sort things so you don't have to give him up.

Mrs Bullheart

Posted 6 months ago #
bullheart - Member

Bullheart here;

Despite the fact that my wife and I rarely agree...

If you do decide to, the wife's family are quite literally perfect for your dog. Their love is unconditional for all their animals.

Good luck though. I hope you make it work.

Posted 6 months ago #
santacruzsi - Member

We are in a similar position to you - we are both out at 0630 for work and my OH is home before me at about 4. We have a dog walker who comes daily and in total she charges £35 p/w which is maybe about 3 days worth of doggy daycare, and i know she gets a good walk at lunch time and then again when we get home from work. In between i presume she just sleeps! If you could afford a dog walker then go for that perhaps. I'd hate to get rid of the dog now (also a springer). I'd rather give up something else to pay for the dog walker. But each to their own if you cant commit every day etc. Heidi is 9 now, and has had a dog walker since she was 1 and it works for us. A quick google search or post-card in your local post office should find you someone! Good luck either way!

Posted 6 months ago #
sharkbait - Member

SiB. Loads of good advice here. Just remember that Fin is just 9 months and will mellow with age, plus they Will run all day if given the chance but the novelty wears off!
Our working cocker is 11 months and has free run of our ex-farm and 6 acres of land, but she's happy to hang around us rather than going off investigating - actually a well bred working dog should not go running of anyway.
Stick with it, you'll be glad you did.
If your ever passing Tarvin (just outside Chester) drop by for a coffee and bring Fin!

Posted 6 months ago #
rkk01 - Member

Worked from home today - and both our cockers spent most of the day in their baskets. They had cat flap access to the garden, but weren't overly fussed about going out. Even the loopy working cocker only came across to where I was working a couple of times to say hello and get a bit of fuss.

Don't beat yourself up (at least yet). Dogs are pretty adaptable. Get a few toys, leave a radio on, walk him when you are around - because they're lazy gits when you're not!

Posted 6 months ago #
flatfish - Member

The wife is potentially interested in rehoming him if you still struggle with any of the other options.
We are currently talking about another springer puppy to compliment our 7 year old springer, and she quite likes the idea of a house trained youngster so maybe a win/win situation for us.
She's asking for pics.

Posted 6 months ago #
SiB - Member

Thanks for all the advice on this situation, its such a tough one and the guilt has set in again today (although at dog day care today).

Mr & Mrs Bullheart....rehousing is obviously the last option and if it does happen your parents place and love of dogs seem ideal. A decision wont be made until after xmas and if its the dreaded one I'll certainly let you know.

Flatfish....same applies to you as it does to the Bullhearts.

Sorry that I havent made a definite decision, Im sure you understand why.

Thanks

Posted 6 months ago #
b r - Member

SiB

We've a working cocker (he's currently laid at my feet...), and while he will happily spend all day out running around like a loony, he will also quite happily spend all day in, asleep.

Consequently due to our working habits, some days' he's left for 12 hours (we have a big cage/kennel in the garden) and other ones, not at all - plus bits and bobs. If we are expecting to be out a long time I ask our (retired) neighbour if he can give him a walk - which is never a problem.

Ours is 4 years old now, and one thing we've done recently is move to a different dried food for him. Before we always used 'working dog' recipes, but now we've dropped to a more normal one. Its just taken his 'edge' off.

Taking him out later for a dog 'run', where he'll happily run the 12 miles of my local XC route

Posted 6 months ago #
nickf - Member

Just get a dog walker. Expensive, but it works. Mine get a 2 hour walk early afternoon every day, which keeps them happy (and they get to play with other dogs).

Also, somewhat counter-intuitively, consider getting another dog - they're a lot happier when they're not on their own. I write this as I work from home, with my two trailhounds curled up on the floor next to my desk. They've not moved since 7am, when I started working, and are happy to snooze all day, though asking them to do 7 hours without a loo break would be a bit much.

Edited to add: Ring the Dogs Trust and ask them for advice. They're pretty good with this sort of thing and will do everything they can to keep you and your dog together. If not, they're an excellent organisation who will rehome, however long it takes.

Posted 6 months ago #