English springer pup

[Foxyhodger1974]

Hi

We are getting our pup in 4 weeks, I have a 6 year old and 9 year old, so any training tips, are welcome

 

[JoanneF]

Oh, where to start?

Have a look at our useful guides - but please do ask if you have any questions.

Useful Links & Recommended Reading

 

[Flobo]

Hi and welcome, pics are a must when he/she arrives!! Lot's of good links, as above, and lot's of new pup people on here who can help or just share the ups and downs of puppy 'fun' , all at different stages of puppyhood experiences

 

[Foxyhodger1974]

Ah thanks, I'm slightly anxious about his arrival, unsure of my daughters reaction, but my son will just love him

 

[merlina]

Puppies and children- there's only one rule: never leave them alone unsupervised. Spaniels are a delight and my favourite breed but incredibly energetic. And like all puppies they experience the world by mouth. You are taking on a challenge with small children. They grab, chew and bite- as do puppies! A lot. Even a loving child that wants to hold, cuddle, pick up and generally smother a puppy with affection can scare it badly and the child ends up nipped or at least scratched. As some president or other said the price of peace is eternal vigilance. Don't want to be the voice of doom but good breeders would warn you of this and make sure you were well prepared. Good luck.

 

[JoanneF]

Something came to mind from what @merlina said.

Learn as much as you can about canine body language so you can tell if your puppy is getting uncomfortable with attention from the kids, before he feels the need to tell them.

I came across this video recently. Its a worst case scenario but might be worth a look - even show it to your kids if you think it wouldn't upset them.

 

[Buddy1]

How exciting! I think feeling anxious is perfectly natural.
If your children aren’t used to puppies, I would certainly spend a little time talking through some of the things to expect and how you might deal with them. From memory, some of the things we did /wish we’d done:
- forewarn them about puppy biting. A bit if reassurance that it is natural and not aggression (despite hurting) and what you will do when it happens.
- to prevent ‘Toy Armageddon’ (and the puppy running up and down stairs) we put the stairgate back and had a rule that children’s toys stayed upstairs and the dog downstairs. This will also give your puppy (and your children) their own space and is useful when you have other children over to play.
- find a place for your shoes. We ended up buying a ‘shoe cupboard’ after the loss of several pairs of children’s shoes proved quite costly.
- talk about food / not leaving it where the puppy can get it. Certain foods which children are likely to eat puppies can’t (chocolate, grapes, raisins). This was one we hadn’t thought of – especially the grapes!

I would also recommend the Stop the 77 – The Family dog website. There are a couple of useful videos for children on the site.

Even if you are feeling anxious, remember having a dog and young children certainly can work: a dog can really enrich a child’s live and vice versa. Looking forward to seeing puppy pictures!