My new Puppy is driving me crazy!!

[Nana Annie]

She was at this no name pet store.. or should I say, NO name I've ever heard of... She was shoved in the back with all the other dogs that were over 5 months old. DH's mom adopted a Japanese Chin that was 6 months and I took the Brittany. Can you believe, they marked these dogs down to $50!!!! They just wanted to get rid of them.. And like I said, they are pedigrees with all their paperwork. They have been de-wormed & have all their shots. They let out the birttany from her cage and she was just the most loveable thing! She played with the toys in the little play area like she's never played before! I knew right away I had to save her life. I called DH and he immediately said NO.. But he called me back and said he didn't' want her to die and we can bring another family member into the home and it would be good for the golden. So they gave Brittany a bath and that when they said she loves water. Then the guy at the store, picked her up, her dangly legs just hanging.. oh she's just so cute... I felt/feel really good about what we've done. I have no regrets, even if it will take a lot of work.

Just realize that it is a 90% chance you have a puppymill dog or at the very minimum a backyard bred dog. Just wanted you to know this because you may face additional issues with the puppy, as puppymills do not put any thought into what they are breeding. They could care less about maintaining the breed integrity. So, there are chances that your puppy may have some issues, whether health or personality that are not typical of the breed in general. But if you are aware of this, you can work through the problems.

Do you just have a pedigree or do you have an AKC form that you need to send in to register the dog? Not that it changes how you need to raise this puppy, but it might help you to be a bit more cognizant of things that might be a bit more difficult.

 

[Disney Doll]

I have an Englsih Springer Saniel that is now 13 but we got him when he was 10 months old and went through the same thing!!!

Do the pup and yourself a favor and take him to obedience school. They will train you how to train the pup, and you will all be better off for it.

As far as activity....they have to have a lot of it. If it's really hot during the day, let the pup out early and late to run around, if you have a fenced in yard. A few minutes of running in the early AM isn't going to hurt the dog. Have plently of cool water for it to drink, and wipe it down with a cool towel if you think he seems overheated. My dog used to do what we called "crazy dog" where he would just run in circles around the yard at full speed for about 5 minutes. I really think it was a burning off excess energy thing. Now that he's older, he's much quieter and sleeps a lot. But as a young dog, he was a peppy little thing. I have to say though, Spaniels have a great temperment, they "fit" really well with retrievers. They are great dogs.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Oh my... is that a beagle!? Dh wanted one so bad!!!! SO cute!
I figure since I posted a pic of my new pup, I should post a pic of my old pup so she doesn't get jealous

Goodness, she looks like Chloe! She's purty!

 

[punkin]

You don't like his methodology, or you don't like how the book is written?

The methodology. He relies a lot on how wolves act as a basis for what he does. Well from what I have read in other books and articles, the wolf studies were done on wolves in captivity, not family based packs that are the norm in the wild. Also, I think there is a fundamental difference between dogs who were domesticated for thousands of years and wolves.

I know a lot of people like him (DH does), but I do not. Not every interaction with a dg is a fight for dominance of the pack.

 

[SamIAm21]

HA! I'm sorry I had to laugh out loud when I opened this thread. How did I know it would be a Brittany! I have a Brittany Spaniel named Remy! Very appropriate these days given Ratatouille. Remy was a very active puppy! He chewed, he howled, he jumped, and everything else you don't want a dog to do. He was a ball of energy and a ton of fun. Of course, with some good positive training, he turned out just fine and is still a great friend to the whole family. He's always been so good with my daughter. I found that the only way to get Remy to behave was to just work him out. So, I took him for really long walks and we played ball a lot (fetch). When he was tuckered out, he behaved and slept.

Brittany's are pretty hyper and need lots of activity. They are not lap dogs and aren't content to spend the day just loafing around. They want to go go go!!

Your puppy is absolutely adorable and I wish you many happy years!

 

[GypsySue]

Pet stores suck. I can't even go by one without wanting to bring home all the puppies and kittens. You are to be commended for saving Brittany. I know what it is like to lose your heart to a doggy. I wanted a low maintenence dog who didn't bark a lot and look what I ended up with. And yes, I did know what I was getting into when I got her.

All puppies are a bit crazy. I think with your love and and the good example of your Golden, she'll turn out just fine.

I have to say, I am not a fan Ceasar's training method. I think it is too mean and sometimes dangerous (DO NOT put your dog on a treadmill). Try "The Loved Dog" by Tamara Geller. I have used her methods and they work well.

Here's my baby:

 

[DznyLvr2005]

Just realize that it is a 90% chance you have a puppymill dog or at the very minimum a backyard bred dog. Just wanted you to know this because you may face additional issues with the puppy, as puppymills do not put any thought into what they are breeding. They could care less about maintaining the breed integrity. So, there are chances that your puppy may have some issues, whether health or personality that are not typical of the breed in general. But if you are aware of this, you can work through the problems.

Do you just have a pedigree or do you have an AKC form that you need to send in to register the dog? Not that it changes how you need to raise this puppy, but it might help you to be a bit more cognizant of things that might be a bit more difficult.

Well I have all the paperwork here....
It gives me the breeders name and address (Iowa). Her father was named Hartmans Hunter on the Way and her Mother's name was Emily Marie Taylor. They both have registration #s. (not sure what that means)
It says that my pup is registerable with the APR (What is that??)
Now on the certificate of Pedigree.. it gives Brittney'sname... her parents, their parents, their parents and so on.... It gives me 4 generations on this form. Her B-day was January 22, 2007 (2 days before mine!)

Now my golden was also purchased at a pet store called Shake a Paw Puppies. (And she cost $1000!!!! I always wanted a golden and I didn't know any other way about getting one) I have all her paperwork too, but she's registered with the AKC. She also has a microchip. I have all her ancestor names as well.

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

SO CUTE!! She looks like she's in the process of getting up any second!!
We actually got her one of those plastic $8 pools, filled it with water and she loves it! She jumps in and out of the thing, splashes the water all over the place.
That's great, teaching her in German!!!
Yes, goldens IMO are the best dogs ever created!!! They are so puppy like, even when they're old. but they are just the cutest things! My golden is almost 3 and she did calm down alot, but can turn into a puppy in no time! I still call my golden Pup, even though her name is Pumpkin!

Thanks! We have a little pool for her. She likes to chase us around the big pool, she gets so obsessed with the water she doesn't pay attention & actually fell in twice yesterday-- have you ever seen an embarrassed dog! Your Pumpkin is a cutie. I loved my golden, maybe again someday!

Goodness, she looks like Chloe! She's purty!

My golden actually looked just like the pictures of your golden. She's a cutie!

 

[DznyLvr2005]

HA! I'm sorry I had to laugh out loud when I opened this thread. How did I know it would be a Brittany! I have a Brittany Spaniel named Remy! Very appropriate these days given Ratatouille. Remy was a very active puppy! He chewed, he howled, he jumped, and everything else you don't want a dog to do. He was a ball of energy and a ton of fun. Of course, with some good positive training, he turned out just fine and is still a great friend to the whole family. He's always been so good with my daughter. I found that the only way to get Remy to behave was to just work him out. So, I took him for really long walks and we played ball a lot (fetch). When he was tuckered out, he behaved and slept.

Brittany's are pretty hyper and need lots of activity. They are not lap dogs and aren't content to spend the day just loafing around. They want to go go go!!

Your puppy is absolutely adorable and I wish you many happy years!

Wow, thank you!!! I feel so much better!!!!!!!!
How loong did it take your Brittany to calm a little? Do you have a pic of your dog? I love seeing all these dog pics and I'd love to see what another Brittany looks like!
Brittney jumps... alot.. she jumps on me, on my golden.. she actually steps all over my golden. She's very clumsy right now, but I remember my golden being clumsy when she was a puppy too. When she pooped in the house she danced all over it!!! She's just a happy dog...

 

[DznyLvr2005]

Pet stores suck. I can't even go by one without wanting to bring home all the puppies and kittens. You are to be commended for saving Brittany. I know what it is like to lose your heart to a doggy. I wanted a low maintenence dog who didn't bark a lot and look what I ended up with. And yes, I did know what I was getting into when I got her.

All puppies are a bit crazy. I think with your love and and the good example of your Golden, she'll turn out just fine.

I have to say, I am not a fan Ceasar's training method. I think it is too mean and sometimes dangerous (DO NOT put your dog on a treadmill). Try "The Loved Dog" by Tamara Geller. I have used her methods and they work well.

Here's my baby:

Adorable!!! It that a collie.. a sheltie?

 

[GypsySue]

Adorable!!! It that a collie.. a sheltie?

Thank you!

A Sheltie. . .her name is Piper.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

I should mention to all you dog lovers out there that I recently purchased a book called 'Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul'...
I recommend it highly!!

 

[Nana Annie]

Well I have all the paperwork here....
It gives me the breeders name and address (Iowa). Her father was named Hartmans Hunter on the Way and her Mother's name was Emily Marie Taylor. They both have registration #s. (not sure what that means)
It says that my pup is registerable with the APR (What is that??)
Now on the certificate of Pedigree.. it gives Brittney'sname... her parents, their parents, their parents and so on.... It gives me 4 generations on this form. Her B-day was January 22, 2007 (2 days before mine!)

Now my golden was also purchased at a pet store called Shake a Paw Puppies. (And she cost $1000!!!! I always wanted a golden and I didn't know any other way about getting one) I have all her paperwork too, but she's registered with the AKC. She also has a microchip. I have all her ancestor names as well.

APR is American Purebred Registry. If it is APRi - It is American Pets Registry, Inc. Both are registries set up by some of the larger puppy mills so that they could sell "registered" puppies that were not eligible for registration in one of the established registries such as AKC or the Canadian Kennel Club. To register a dog with APR, you do not need to prove any kind of parentage. You just send in an application saying your dog is what you say it is and you get "papers." There is no control over whether the info somebody sends in is true or not. Both are not true registries.

Iowa is also known for its puppy mills.

But no matter. You have your puppy, she is adorable. Just keep it in the back of your mind that you might, and I stress the might, have a few more health and temperament issues than from a Brittany from a reputable breeder. Not that it is guaranteed that a well bred Brittany is going to be perfect, just that a puppy mill dog has a larger % chance to have problems. Everybody knows what puppy mills did to a cousin of your breed - the cocker spaniel. Puppymills turned a wonderful family companion and a great hunter into a shy, foul tempered, fearful dog. Not all of the puppymill cockers are like that, but a good majority are. Enough to sour the breed for many.

But knowing what you now know just makes it all the more important to get that obedience training soon. As long as you are aware of the potential issues you may face, you can nip them in the bud and have a wonderful, loving companion for the next 12+ years.

BTW - the pool is a great tool for your puppy. It will keep her cool on those horribly hot days and will exercise her too.

And a note to all that want to start a puppymill/breeder bred dog - I am not in anyway slamming the OP for buying a dog from a petshop. As I originally said, Kudos to her for adopting a dog ready to be put down. However, knowledge is your friend. If you are aware of everything behind your dog, you can be prepared for both the good and the bad.

Carry on...

 

[DznyLvr2005]

APR is American Purebred Registry. If it is APRi - It is American Pets Registry, Inc. Both are registries set up by some of the larger puppy mills so that they could sell "registered" puppies that were not eligible for registration in one of the established registries such as AKC or the Canadian Kennel Club. To register a dog with APR, you do not need to prove any kind of parentage. You just send in an application saying your dog is what you say it is and you get "papers." There is no control over whether the info somebody sends in is true or not. Both are not true registries.

Iowa is also known for its puppy mills.

But no matter. You have your puppy, she is adorable. Just keep it in the back of your mind that you might, and I stress the might, have a few more health and temperament issues than from a Brittany from a reputable breeder. Not that it is guaranteed that a well bred Brittany is going to be perfect, just that a puppy mill dog has a larger % chance to have problems. Everybody knows what puppy mills did to a cousin of your breed - the cocker spaniel. Puppymills turned a wonderful family companion and a great hunter into a shy, foul tempered, fearful dog. Not all of the puppymill cockers are like that, but a good majority are. Enough to sour the breed for many.

But knowing what you now know just makes it all the more important to get that obedience training soon. As long as you are aware of the potential issues you may face, you can nip them in the bud and have a wonderful, loving companion for the next 12+ years.

BTW - the pool is a great tool for your puppy. It will keep her cool on those horribly hot days and will exercise her too.

And a note to all that want to start a puppymill/breeder bred dog - I am not in anyway slamming the OP for buying a dog from a petshop. As I originally said, Kudos to her for adopting a dog ready to be put down. However, knowledge is your friend. If you are aware of everything behind your dog, you can be prepared for both the good and the bad.

Carry on...

I can't believe these places are allowed to do this!!! I would think that something like that would/should be illegal!!!!!
Does this mean that my dog was born in a cage?? I think Puppy Mill and I think, cruelty!!! Oh no...I can't believe that!!! I feel so bad for my little pup!!

 

[SamIAm21]

Wow, thank you!!! I feel so much better!!!!!!!!
How loong did it take your Brittany to calm a little? Do you have a pic of your dog? I love seeing all these dog pics and I'd love to see what another Brittany looks like!
Brittney jumps... alot.. she jumps on me, on my golden.. she actually steps all over my golden. She's very clumsy right now, but I remember my golden being clumsy when she was a puppy too. When she pooped in the house she danced all over it!!! She's just a happy dog...

Honestly, my Remy is 10 years old now and I would have to say that he didn't really calm down at all until he was about five years old. At 10, he still wants to go for his walks, he will still play ball, but the only thing is, he only wants to play now for about three or four throws. Then he just takes the ball and goes and lays down. He used to do it for hours and hours. Reminds me of that Toby Keith song, Ain't As Good As I Once Was.

If your puppy is a true Brittany and from what you are saying about her, she sure sounds like it, she will always be pretty peppy.

I don't think I have any pictures of Remy now, but I can get one for you. He's not as spotted as you little one, as your Brittany looks like she could be part Roan Brittany. That just means she'll be more speckled or muted, whereas Remy has large patches of rust/brown on white. He also has a tuft of hair on the top of his head that won't lay down. He looks like Spike, from Gremlins. However, they do both have the same spot right on the top of their head. Cute!!

Your puppy is going to be the opposite in termperment from your Golden. Goldens are mellow and laid back after they mature and your Brittany will always be up for a party! She'll be ready and raring to go for a long time.

 

[Grendel]

Hey DznyLvr2005,

Well I'll be a little contrary to some of the advice you have gotten. Like you I adopted a Brittany...he was 6 months when we got him. And yes High Energy is the first thing that comes to mind...but temper that with another statment I read on on Brittany's( more correctly my wife did ). They will 'charm you into disobedience'. I've never had a dog that could turn their behavior around on you because they are masters at pulling heart strings. Case in point...I tell Berkeley( my Brittany's name ) to get off my bed. What does he do puts his head down and starts with the puppy dog eyes..."No I meant it OFF!" Berkeley slowly rolls over exposing his belly to be pet. "OFF!" some how an even more pitiful look appears on his face. I approach him and his little stubby( thats what i call whats left of his tail...i know its gross..but what are you gonna do ) begins to wag furiously and nothing but love and adoration appears on his face. If I start to move my hand towards him to make him get off...then his nose gently nudges my hand to be pet....and so on and so on...

before i get flamed..yes he does listen to me...its just and example of how when he wants to disobey he does it in away that makes me feel guilty or he looks just so darn cute.

weve had Berkeley for almost 2 years now...and he has "mellowed" somewhat. At about 1 year he was his most obsintate..lots of mouthing and stuborness. He's not really stubborn any longer..but is still high energy. He loves the outdoors....and there is a definte correlation to how much walking or running etc. you do with him to how calm he will be inside for us. A long walk and run..and he lounges contently in the house...lots of pent up energy because of no walking means i need to either play on the floor with him with a toy..or give him some toys to play with( we have lots ant lots of different chew things for him )

Someone said that Brittany's are not lap dogs...I think more accurately is that they sometimes think there lap dogs trapped in the taz manian devils body. Berkeley will slowly creep up and climb into my lap while im sitting at my computer...if I make any move that implies im going to put him down...down goes his head on my shoulder..and a deep sigh( more evidence of charm! )

He is incredibly affectionate and loving...and just wants to be part of the family...i will often take him in the car with me just to run down the street to run an errand...and you would think i just gave him a steak when i invite him.

I know also at times it will appear he has an never ending power source. We took him out over the 4th of July on a 3.5 hour hike...and he never slowed...and appeared he could go on for hours more...and im sure if we kept going he would have loved it...but once we got back to the car...ZZzzzzzzzzz
all the way home...which was a 2 hour car ride...( and yes he had his own seat and portable water bowl..food and even a bone )

Oh and one more thing I've noticed about my Brittany....he's a water magnet..he loves and loves ponds, streams, rivers, swamps.......and unfortunately MUD....

the one area im still working on him with is when he sees birds or squirrells when hes outside...he defintely has a hard time not wanting to sprint after them....he's pretty good with our cats too.....but his instinct does worry us from time to time...

Congratulations on your Brittany...I know ours fell into our lap..and I can't tell you how happy I am about it. I'm sure that many people here have given you great advice ...but I honestly believe this breed is very smart and loving and can adapt to your lifestyle and doesnt have to be a chore of constantly trying to diminish her energy by constant walks ( though if you have the time its probably good for everyone!! )

oh yeah..one last thing....for all their smarts..and I know this is true of most puppies....keep watch over anything small enough to fit in their mouth etc. I think our Brittany ate more socks then our Dryer the first 6 months we had him....and we would have bet our life that we werent leaving any around for him!

 

[Grendel]

Honestly, my Remy is 10 years old now and I would have to say that he didn't really calm down at all until he was about five years old. At 10, he still wants to go for his walks, he will still play ball, but the only thing is, he only wants to play now for about three or four throws. Then he just takes the ball and goes and lays down. He used to do it for hours and hours. Reminds me of that Toby Keith song, Ain't As Good As I Once Was.

If your puppy is a true Brittany and from what you are saying about her, she sure sounds like it, she will always be pretty peppy.

I don't think I have any pictures of Remy now, but I can get one for you. He's not as spotted as you little one, as your Brittany looks like she could be part Roan Brittany. That just means she'll be more speckled or muted, whereas Remy has large patches of rust/brown on white. He also has a tuft of hair on the top of his head that won't lay down. He looks like Spike, from Gremlins. However, they do both have the same spot right on the top of their head. Cute!!

Your puppy is going to be the opposite in termperment from your Golden. Goldens are mellow and laid back after they mature and your Brittany will always be up for a party! She'll be ready and raring to go for a long time.

well said!! i was looking for way of trying to convey what i was thinking...I like the phrase "Always be up for a party!" that defintely captures it!!

 

[DznyLvr2005]

Hey DznyLvr2005,

Well I'll be a little contrary to some of the advice you have gotten. Like you I adopted a Brittany...he was 6 months when we got him. And yes High Energy is the first thing that comes to mind...but temper that with another statment I read on on Brittany's( more correctly my wife did ). They will 'charm you into disobedience'. I've never had a dog that could turn their behavior around on you because they are masters at pulling heart strings. Case in point...I tell Berkeley( my Brittany's name ) to get off my bed. What does he do puts his head down and starts with the puppy dog eyes..."No I meant it OFF!" Berkeley slowly rolls over exposing his belly to be pet. "OFF!" some how an even more pitiful look appears on his face. I approach him and his little stubby( thats what i call whats left of his tail...i know its gross..but what are you gonna do ) begins to wag furiously and nothing but love and adoration appears on his face. If I start to move my hand towards him to make him get off...then his nose gently nudges my hand to be pet....and so on and so on...

before i get flamed..yes he does listen to me...its just and example of how when he wants to disobey he does it in away that makes me feel guilty or he looks just so darn cute.

weve had Berkeley for almost 2 years now...and he has "mellowed" somewhat. At about 1 year he was his most obsintate..lots of mouthing and stuborness. He's not really stubborn any longer..but is still high energy. He loves the outdoors....and there is a definte correlation to how much walking or running etc. you do with him to how calm he will be inside for us. A long walk and run..and he lounges contently in the house...lots of pent up energy because of no walking means i need to either play on the floor with him with a toy..or give him some toys to play with( we have lots ant lots of different chew things for him )

Someone said that Brittany's are not lap dogs...I think more accurately is that they sometimes think there lap dogs trapped in the taz manian devils body. Berkeley will slowly creep up and climb into my lap while im sitting at my computer...if I make any move that implies im going to put him down...down goes his head on my shoulder..and a deep sigh( more evidence of charm! )

He is incredibly affectionate and loving...and just wants to be part of the family...i will often take him in the car with me just to run down the street to run an errand...and you would think i just gave him a steak when i invite him.

I know also at times it will appear he has an never ending power source. We took him out over the 4th of July on a 3.5 hour hike...and he never slowed...and appeared he could go on for hours more...and im sure if we kept going he would have loved it...but once we got back to the car...ZZzzzzzzzzz
all the way home...which was a 2 hour car ride...( and yes he had his own seat and portable water bowl..food and even a bone )

Oh and one more thing I've noticed about my Brittany....he's a water magnet..he loves and loves ponds, streams, rivers, swamps.......and unfortunately MUD....

the one area im still working on him with is when he sees birds or squirrells when hes outside...he defintely has a hard time not wanting to sprint after them....he's pretty good with our cats too.....but his instinct does worry us from time to time...

Congratulations on your Brittany...I know ours fell into our lap..and I can't tell you how happy I am about it. I'm sure that many people here have given you great advice ...but I honestly believe this breed is very smart and loving and can adapt to your lifestyle and doesnt have to be a chore of constantly trying to diminish her energy by constant walks ( though if you have the time its probably good for everyone!! )

oh yeah..one last thing....for all their smarts..and I know this is true of most puppies....keep watch over anything small enough to fit in their mouth etc. I think our Brittany ate more socks then our Dryer the first 6 months we had him....and we would have bet our life that we werent leaving any around for him!

Oh thank you for all that info! I was smiling the whole time reading it!!!
It's funny... My Brit loves water too... We actually took her swimming on Tues. in my DH's mothers pool. It was hilarious!
This little pup just wants to be loved by my golden... constantly!!! Golden half the time is just so tired of her energy.
You know what's spooky about these dogs... I'll see her laying down in the living room, so I walk into the other room, I turn around and the Brit is sitting there staring at me.. It's the creepiest thing! But it's funny at the same time. I noticed this new pup is VERY watchful..always watching my every move.. Won't take her eyes off me... The only time she calms down is when I pick her up (she can't get down my steps yet, she's still scared)
We let Pumpkin on the bed (DH is a cop and works midnights, so my Pumpkin sleeps rigth next to me) But I don't let Brit up there. I feel bad for Pumpkin because that is 'her' spot. I did put the Brit on the bed once and that's cause I was cleaning up her accident and she wouldn't stop trying to eat the paper towels!!! So she tried to jump off the bed and she fell and let out this huge YELP and her legs were all stuck and twisted.. I felt so bad, but she's ok...
Thanks again.. that pic is georgeous!!

 

[SamIAm21]

Grendel, Berkely is gorgeous!! Wow!

Yes, Remy has a way of melting your heart and he gives you that look, like "how could you be mad at me, I'm so darn cute" and he is! If you are ready to take on a Brittany, they will reward you 1000x over with their wonderful nature.

Grendel, does Berkely howl at all? Remy is a howler. If he is lonely in the night, he just howls and howls. If we leave him home, our neighbors tell us how he just moans and howls all day long. I'm going to see if I have a picture in my Kodak Gallery, but I'll have to upload it to another site before I'm able to put it here.

 

[Grendel]

yes i know what you mean about being watched...i still have to turn to Berkeley when im leaving a room and say..."It's ok you can stay!" and then he will...if i forget to say it...he will follow me into the next room...usually with whatever toy or bone he had in tow...and plop down in whatever room im in....if i go take a shower..then...he wants to lay down by the tub until i get out.

oh and i forgot!! you said the thing about paper!! that was the worst thing..he loved tissue!!!!! we had to put all of our bathroom trash up high for several months...because he would chew and then eventually eat...anything that was tissue... yuck!

found a couple more pictures...

the first one was around the time we got him...maybe hes around 7 months?
the second is a couple of weeks ago..take at the same time as the first posts picture..