Is my situation suitable for a springer?

Hi
My family and I (wife and 2 children 10 and 7yrs) are seriously contemplating getting an ESS puppy. We live in a rural location have a large back garden which is secure. My wife works 2.5 days per week, Tues, Thurs and Fri. Initially the puppy could be with me all the time at work (outside with freedom to exercise) but after age of 7 months would frequently have to be on it's own (09:00 -17:30)on those days my wife works (Tues, Thurs and 1/2 day Fri), outside in garden. We would put in an insulated kennel and a secure dog run of suitable size. We would also arrange for walker to come midway through the day on Tues and Thurs if I was not able.

We are a very active family and would be able to provide the exercise of 2.5 hours per day each and every day. I plan to train the dog to as high a standard as I and it can achieve and recognise the need to keep its mind active.

My question is whether the time it will have to spend alone is likely to be acceptable or if this is unfair on the dog. The last thing we would want to do is have an unhappy dog. In every other way the dog would be cared for as well as any could, I have no doubt we as a family would be devoted to it. I grew up with dogs(from Jack Russells to Labradors)but love the ESS breed

I look forward to your response and advice

i think as long as you do get a dog walker for the days no one can walk during the day - your situation sounds good

I'm sure others will have opinions also - the only thing that would worry me would be the security of the dog run... dog thefts can be a problem, and they are a very inventive breed when it comes to escapology!

I think you have the sense to make it work, you have the right mind set, knowing you need to have a dog walker etc, and dogs will get used to their situation and understand that some days they will have more attention to others. Ours know they get Nanny Monday and Tuesday, Sian the dog walker Wednesday and Thursday and our undivided attention Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and at least one of us every morning and evening. Bailey is showing no signs of boredom, so it must be working!

Good luck, but I know there are lots of unwanted Springers out there, so as I know others will also advise, please consider a rescue dog before a puppy... We would have, but were deemed unsuitable by our local rescue, so we got a puppy, but although it was lovely, I do regret not trying other rescues, and wish I'd known about ESSW etc.

Kate x x

Hi

Thanks Kate and Polly for responses, very helpful.

Really would be grateful for more views for or against as we are really not sure wether to commit to getting a puppy, recognising the huge commitment.

Martin

I can't see any reason why this wouldn't work.

We've had both of ours from pups, Deefa was first, followed by Sage a year later. Initially they each had a 2 week period with us around so that they could settle in comfortably to their surroundings. Taking them to work was never an option for us, so when they were small pups my sister used to call in mid-morning, I came home at lunchtime and my sister came in again mid-afternoon.

I think it was around the 6 month stage that we stopped the mid-morning, mid-afternoon visits. I still come home every lunchtime and if for some reason I can't get home, our neighbour pops in.

They used to be in the house but now have a secure run and kennel in the garden.

The scenario you are suggesting seems very similar to ours, and it certainly works for us and the girls