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z pet advice Caroline Fardell N


ot long ago, newspapers and social media were buzzing with a story about a seven month old sprocker (a popular cross


between a springer and a cocker spaniel), which - his owners were proud to admit - could be the naughtiest dog in Britain. It was a frivolous 'story' which did little to promote good dog ownership but, in my opinion, went a long way to make the pup's owners look a little foolish. They appeared to think it was a badge of honour to own such a wicked dog. I just thought they looked a little silly. Picking through the story - such as it was - it transpires that their young daughter chose the puppy because it was cute. I think tiger cubs and lambs are cute, but I would not take one home! Cuteness is no sound reason to buy a puppy. It also transpires that both owners work. Any puppy, regardless of breed, should never be left alone in the house for any length of time. All dogs need stimulation, companionship (canine or human), play and training. Although this dog's owner explained he took the pup for three walks a day, a walk is only one form of exercise for a puppy - mental exercise is just as important (and tiring) as physical exercise. The owners were upset when they did return home, to discover that their cute spaniel had been hugely destructive. Over the months, he destroyed cables, wallpaper and flooring and this behaviour was costing them a fortune. Most puppies find the need to chew as their teeth come through and it's the same for young children. Dogs will also chew to alleviate boredom or stress. A high energy dog like the one in the article, finding himself home alone for regular periods of time without stimulation and company would very soon become very anxious. Chewing presumably helped to relieve this stress. It


Who’s


naughty - the dog or the


owners?


wasn't his fault and he is not to blame. The family is expecting another baby in April. This will inevitably add to their exhaustion and further limit the time they can spend on the dog. It is unlikely the pup's situation will improve any time soon. It is no coincidence that more and more pet owners are having difficulty with and even having to re-home their working bred spaniels. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge raised the profile and popularity of working bred spaniels when Lupo arrived at Kensington Palace in 2011. Whilst I don't pretend to understand the workings of a Royal household, I have no doubt that nannies and personal staff are available to care for children and dogs when the parents are otherwise occupied. Not only can they afford the best of dog care and dog training, but I guess that someone will also be cleaning their cars, shopping and taking care of the housework. Undoubtedly they are busy people and they, too, get exhausted, but the demands on their time are often quite different from a normal family, and they can always rely on (and afford to pay) someone being around to pick up the pieces. Life isn't usually like that for the rest of us and we have to cut our coat


according to our cloth. Working bred spaniels ARE wonderful - I should know as I own one after all! But I do believe they are not for everyone and, as always, it's the dog that suffers when in inappropriate hands. The frivolous article about this young pup only served to show that dog and owners were not compatible. Far from proving it was a naughty dog, it merely highlighted the unwitting shortcomings of its owners - as far as owning a dog is concerned. Well, I have news for everyone - theirs is not the naughtiest dog in Britain! He's not even naughty. He is a young, energetic and highly intelligent dog which is probably deficient in the company and stimulation it needs to be a happy dog - because make no mistake - a hyper-active dog chewing everything in sight, is not happy (or even naughty!) - it's anxious. For all I know, this particular dog might indeed be a challenging and strong minded little character. But I have no doubt whatsoever that had he ended up in an experienced home where he was given boundaries, leadership, time, training, commitment and company - as well as lots of love - he would be a calmer and happier individual. This dog is no more naughty than his


owners are. I'm sure this family is kind, loving and want the best for the pup. But they now need to take action and get help and advice and make the situation better for their dog and, therefore, for themselves. It does everyone a disservice to call the dog 'naughty' as this merely shifts blame away from the owners and implies nothing can be done. The pup is only seven or eight months old - it's not too late to change things for the better - for everyone.


n To contact Hound Solutions email caroline.fardell11@btinternet.com


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