Springer Spaniel Adoption - Problems To Avoid

If you are thinking about springer spaniel adoption, then there are steps you must take to prepare your family, to choose the right dog, and to follow through with if you want to avoid problems in the future. Adoption may involve a dog from a rescue centre, a private adoption (maybe through a newpaper ad) or from someone you know. Problems with adopting dogs can involve behaviour, training and health issues. The risks of these problems can be avoided or reduced if you go about the adoption in the right way.

Basics

If you are looking for a show dog, then unless you are an expert, adoption is not the best way to go. It can work if you are adopting a springer you know, maybe from a friend or relative. It's definitely worth looking at a few springers and comparing them - it can be difficult and even emotional, but is a good approach.

Preparing for Springer Spaniel Adoption

Draw up a checklist before you visit the springer spaniel, whether at a rescue centre or private home. A rescue centre will be able to give you an unbiased opinion about the springer spaniel (and a veterinarian's report), whilst a private adoption may not be as 'open' - say if the dog is troublesome or sick. If it is a private adoption then question the motive of the current owner carefully.

Age and Sex of the Dog

Do you want a pup, adolescent or mature dog? Whichever you choose, there will be different challenges to face. Which sex (most rescue centre dogs will have been neutered)?.

Adopting from Rescue Centres

Dogs from rescue centres will probably not have pedigree papers. You should get a health report from a rescue centre. Specialist Breed Rescue Centres are more likely to have pedigree papers for the dog.

The Rescue Centre will usually want to know if yours is a suitable home for a springer spaniel. You will be interviewed about your ability to look after the dog, whether you have enough open space available and there will be a fee to pay.

Behavioural Issues

You will need to check that the springer does not have a behavioural problem - they may have been ill-treated in a previous home. Check if the rescue centre knows their previous home..

If the dog has been abused in a previous home, then it may have difficulty trusting you and your family. If you have young children then their safety is paramount and you will need to satisfy yourself that you can trust the springer spaniel too.

Training

An adopted springer spaniel may not have been properly trained, if at all, and if the dog is older then training will be more difficult. Satisfy yourself that the dog will obey basic commands. Springer spaniels are loving dogs and eager to please, and this helps with training. If an older dog has been properly trained, then you will not have to go through the house-training stage, though initial nervousness may lead to a few accidents.

Checking the Dog

Take the dog for a walk. Observe how the springer behaves as you approach - does he cower, is he nervous or welcoming? Does he jump up at you (this could point to a lack of adequate training)? How does he react as you walk past other dog pens? Is his walk normal and confident? His gait can give clues to maybe old leg injuries or to internal discomfort. Rescue centre staff will be experienced and give you guidance - they would not want the dog to be returned.


One final tip - until you are sure about the dog, then don't take the kids along to meet him. If the dog turns out to be unsuitable then there may be huge disappointment for your children if they have 'fallen for' the springer.

The author has kept English and Welsh Springer
Spaniels
including an English Springer Spaniel adoption dog from a rescue centre - find out more now about rescue dogs and how to find, choose and nourish one of these great dogs.