Springer Spaniel Adoption Pitfalls

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 and succeed. Adoption might 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/trust, training and health issues. The risks of these problems can be minimised if you go about it with a careful approach.

Get the Basics Right

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

How to Prepare for Springer Spaniel Adoption

Make checklist before you visit the dog, whether at a rescue centre or private home (maybe even a dog catcher's pound). A rescue centre will be able to give you an unbiased opinion about the springer spaniel (and a veterinarian's report), whereas 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.

Consider Age and Sex

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

Rescue Centres

Dogs from rescue centres will probably not have pedigree papers but a private adoption may have them available. 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 can expect to be asked about your ability to look after the dog, whether you have 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. The rescue centre staff should give you an opinion on the springer's behaviour.

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 be happy that you can trust the springer spaniel too.

Training

An adopted dog may not have been properly trained, and if the dog is older then training could be more difficult than with a puppy. Check that the dog will obey basic commands. Springer spaniels are eager to please, and this assists training. If a mature dog has been properly trained, then you will not have to go through the house-training phase, though initial nervousness might lead to a few accidents.

Simple Checks

Take the dog for a short walk. Watch how he/she behaves as you approach - does he cower, is he nervous or welcoming? Does he jump at you (this could indicate a lack of adequate training)? How does he behave as you walk past other dogs in the centre? Is the walk nervous or cowering? His gait can give clues to maybe leg or hip injuries or to internal discomfort. Rescue centre staff will give you guidance - they would not want the dog to be returned - it is confusing and unsettling for the dog.


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


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Phil has kept springer spaniels - Welsh and English -
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.