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alpha · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 3 **Breed:**

Hi
i am looking for a companion for my 7 month old working cocker bitch. She has just started her basic training and is showing great promise. For a 7 month old she is very steady and one of the most biddable and brave little dogs i have seen.
I am looking for an older dog who may have retired from work or trialling or one who perhaps isn't upto the standard needed. I would prefer a bitch though would consider either sex (so long as neutered) that would act as a mentor and a companion as i do feel she would have a better life with constant canine companionship.
the dog will live in the house with us and will be a family pet first and foremost.
We live in south Cheshire and have access to open countryside and she will have 2 hours off lead exercise a day and be used to help in the training sessions. I have a son of 4 who is dog mad and 2 nebgal cats that are happy with dogs if not chased, something my bitch hasn't quite mastered.
So if anybody knows of a dog who is looking for a cushy retirement could you please let me know.

Helen · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject:

There are a lot of springer rescues around the country. North West English Springer Rescue being one of them and in your area:

http://www.englishspringerrescue.org.uk/

There is also Northern English Springer Spaniel Rescue:

www.nessr.net

We got Tia from them and she has just been really perfect. We got her about 6 months ago when she was only 9 months old and a real joy to have.

Helen

alpha · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 3 **Breed:**

Hi
I have considered the normal rescue routes, but as Lilly is showing such potential i don't want to take on a dog that will lead her a stray so to speak. I have spoken to Pat Rhodes (as i have had an ex working cocker through her in the past) who I tend to use as my unofficial mentor, and she is concerned that a rescue that hadn't been trained to the gun would cause more harm than good as i could have an adult dog that needs lots and lots of work (which is sadly the case most high maintenance/working dogs end up in rescue have some training issues as on the whole they are taken as pets and people don't realise the amount of work the breed involves) as well as a juvenille that needs lots more time and attention for at least the next 18 months. Which was why i was specifically looking for a retired working dog. That I only need to keep on top of day to day obedience and give the life of reilly to. If that sounds a bit selfish it isn't meant to its just that lil has to be my main priority and i wouldn't do anything that would effect how she is loved, looked after or trained.
The problem is dogs like Oscar (my last rescue cocker) don't come along all the time they seem to be as rare as hens teeth, however i am more than happy to wait as the dog will be with us for a long long time.

josie · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:35 pm Post subject:

You might have more luck if you ask on NOBs, as there are lots more spaniel owners on there:

http://www.nobs.org.uk/html/forum.asp
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Helen · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:44 pm Post subject:

It might be worth contacting them as they do sometimes get in retired gundogs.

Good luck in your search anyway.

Helen

tashap · Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Posts: 688 **Breed:**

most of the retired gundogs I know sadly have been retired because they were pants at their job and kept bogging off so it was retirement or the bullet...

It might be worth you contacting the rescues to find out about Customs and Excise failures. I have a lovely springer spaniel that is a C&E failure fabulous little dog trained to the gun. They are rare though as they get snapped up pretty quickly.

If your looking for a training partner is there not someone close to you that could offer you the training mentor for your dog that your looking for??

Helen S · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 12:46 am Post subject:

I know what you mean Alpha, I am looking for exactly the same kind of thing for my GWP here in NZ.

I want a playmate and companion that is minimal hassle, a good influence on her and will run retrieves to give her a bit of competition. It is a difficult thing to describe without sounding selfish but it goes without saying that any dog we take on will be loved and cared for and offered a lovely life with plenty of stimulation.

Best of luck with your search.

Helen S

alpha · Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 3 **Breed:**

I know how you feel its just that Lilly is the love of my life and she is showing all the signs of being a belter. After 2 other wockers she is a dream to train (she is must be a throwback lol) and I wanted something that won't cause a million and one problems, which as tashap says is what happens. If I didn't intend to work her i would consider something that needed a lot of training.
Could you let me know how I go about contacting customs and excise I have also spoken to Pat Rhodes and she is going to keep her ears open but as she said a part trained cocker will still sell for a considerable sum of money.
I sometimes think i am thinking in human terms about companionship and that she probably doesn't really need it.