I'd like some advice but not sure where to post.

I have a 13 month old male springer who's lovely but since we had him I've always felt he needed more and I wasn't sure if I was right for him (had him from 8 weeks). I almost rehomed him at 5 months but it wasn't easy & I persevered as I thought it would get better. (I did have lots of help & advice from folk via this forum)

Whilst he has love I think he gets bored and needs more. Today he seemed to be very boisterous, scared a boy around to play, barking lots, destructive outside which is unlike him & even growled at me. Perhaps it's his age? To be very honest I don't think I've 100% bonded with him as I read & hear others speak of their ESS. I'm not sure I have the patience for his needs. I can't seem to enjoy him except when he's asleep in the evening and on walks. He doesn't always settle at home.

On top of that it looks like I will be doing more full days work away in the Auumn and whilst he will get walked I don't think it's an ideal situation - it's starting to drag me down. My children love him but they do see he's hard work.

I feel he & I would be so much happier if he was with a family who lived a more outdoor life. I am considering this option and wanted to ask here - where's the best next step should I make that final decision?

I have asked friends locally who have connections with ESS for anyone interested but realise that it may need more.

Thank you so much for any advice
Claire

Oh, this must be really hard for you, and I'm not the best person to advise; I know there are loads of people here who will help, but I didn't want to 'read and run'.

Have you taken your little one to puppy training classes of any sort?

What sort of toys does he have? My little man does love his Kong and other toys that he can play with on his own; that way he doesn't get too bored. He used to have a great toy that made a noise and you never knew which way it was going to bounce.

I'm sure someone will be along with more concrete advice soon. At the end of the day the only person who can make the decision is you; but if you have the dog's interest at heart, whatever your decision is it will always be the right one.

13 months old he is in the Kevin stages, probably ignores you can be a pain in the butt, has lost his puppy appeal and as you say generally hard work.

You need to sit down and look how far you have come, going back to basics can help. How about taking him to agility or finding you self a good gundog trainer and working with him. I'm sure he just needs some direction not a new family.


Thinking of you.


Jason

Hi Claire,

wondered if you'd post about jasper here

Having met jasper I can honestly say he was a pleasure to join us on a walk.
He is a bouncy dog who loves to run (and is too scared to go in the water )

Claire, you have worked hard for the past 6-7 months to get Jasper where he is today, when we first met you felt he couldn't go off lead as he'd run off - now he recalls well.

I won't go on about how life will get easier with a springer as you've heard it from me numerous times, if you have decided jaser would be better suited in another home then I trust your judgement.
Like I said initially, its always best to rehome via a rescue, this way the potential new home will be home checked and offered back up for life via the rescue.

When I spoke to eddie last night he was all for us taking jasper on - can you imagine two jaspers and a Poppy!! I don't think so!

You know where i am if I can be of any support to you!!

I do think maybe getting the kids more involved in jaspers care might relieve the pressure from you somewhat, maybe they'd like to take jasper to agility classes?

As for the growling, I would suspect that be normal 'teenage' behaviour, but any sudden changes like this should be checked out by a vet just to be sure there are no underlying reasons.

Please shout if I can help - even if its an ear to bend

Kelly
xx

you are very honest ! Good luck whatever you decide to do couldnt imagine life without any of ours!

Thanks Kelly & All.

FYI Jasper is still bouncy but he does now swim!!

I realise it's probably teenage stuff and will take the advice & go back to some basics.

I will also post re how to stop him jumping at people. It's started again when out walking & not ideal when he jumps at strangers just walking. Also that's what scares children when they come around and is curtailing our life somewhat - avoidance of Claire's dog!

For info as I may need them - are the rescue places on the site?

Kelly - you are right about more support but whilst the kids all want him there're not prepared to put in more than minimum effort ie their current activities won't be stopped so yes it's mum that does it all!

Thanks
Claire

Hi Claire.....................sorry you are feeling like this but understand you will have gone through all avenues before you make a final decision. I would give Selina a call or PM her and ask her to call you. She is the National Co-ordinator for ESSW and besides that she is just really easy to talk to and will help support you either with advice or help with rehoming if thats the way you decide to go. Big hugs to you, having been where you are although some years ago, I know how hard it can be. xx

And did you decide to re-home a dog? although you have 2 lovely ones I see.

A well known fact on here is when Rufus was younger I sat in the middle of a football pitch and balled my eyes out because I thought I couldn't give him what he needed, he refused to do a he was told, regularly ran off after dogs with his intense need to play, jumped up at everyone (still does when not on a lead or if I'm not firm enough ) .

What I know now is that with the help of two very good trainers and by channelling his natural instincts with gundog training and a whole load of mental stimulation games we have come through the other side, contrary to popular belief dog ownership is not easy but with the right help it does get easier, I have gone on to run a rescue and help many more people just by sharing my experiences.

You will get lots of help on here and other forums and of course from me and ESSW as well, ring whenever you're ready, hopefully we'll have someone in your area who can meet up with you and give you soem face to face help and advice and if not I will help via the web and phone.

You are not alone.
Many of us have been in your shoes and from what kelly has said you are getting somewhere with him, occasionally allow yourself to look back and see how far you have already come, you'll surprise yourself.

Hi Selina,
Thanks & I know I've come a way AND bottom line, I'm just not sure it's worth all this pain & hard to do more - life's too short, I have a full life and I'm having trouble seeing the joy in it all.

I definitely need to speak to someone. I sent you a mail earlier for your contact details.

Thanks again & for sharing
Claire
x

Hi Claire,

Sounds like a difficult decision you have to make, but as you said you don't feel like you've bonded with him, and if you don't feel you can give any more to Jasper to help him move through teenage years, then maybe rehoming is the right answer.

I'm sure Selina will be able to help in that, and hope you're able to reach a conclusion that's right for everybody.

Yes Claire I did decide in the end to rehome a dog, and I still miss her. She was very very hard work but was not a springer. When I got her, I was working part-time I had lots of time for her, I was single and my life was hers really as my kids were older, I didn't think my life was going to change in anyway from what it was then. But then I met my now husband, who also loved her to bits, but is in the Army so not always here. I was moving to an area where I didn't really know anyone, going to HAVE to work full time initially and shifts including evenings, nights and weekends, and I was going to be living on my own initially, my life was turning completely upside down. So I did what was right for her, I re-homed her. It hurt and I really wished there could have been another way but there really wasn't. So I really do know how it feels. xx