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Returning puppy to breeder Has anyone does this?

(85 Posts)
MollyAA12 Thu 18-Mar-21 15:10:39

We sent back a puppy this week to the breeder after six weeks. We had found the whole experience shattering and the breeder said she would let it go to a lady who already had a cockapoo and wanted another. I ended up stressed and quite ill.
We are both gutted as if she had died. I lost myold spaniel on 4 April last year which was awful and I feel the same again.
I have had three spaniels in the past and they were lovely. Cockapoos are full of octane fuel and will eat and chew anything evenm when they are grown. I have spoken to other owners and they all say they are hard work. We are not young and I feel this contributed to the sheer exhaustion of it all.
Anyone done the same?

MayBee70 Mon 10-May-21 17:11:26

It is a weird one. I guess that’s why those horse brushes are called dandy brushes. My current dog had awful puppy dander: something my previous dogs had never had. I wonder if some people have a puppy and find themselves allergic to it without realising that it might go away as the dog gets older. Or perhaps once the allergic reaction kicks in it stays.

Callistemon Mon 10-May-21 17:07:03

Such a nice word, dander, for something a bit revolting grin

MayBee70 Mon 10-May-21 17:03:15

Yes. I was told it was the dander as well.

PernillaVanilla Mon 10-May-21 17:01:09

You certainly did the right thing but I do wonder why you didn't take an older rescue dog to begin with? Oldies Club have many listings and the three older dogs ( 8,9 and 10) we have had from rescue have been very well behaved and loving from day 1. Older dogs wait for months in rescue sometimes waiting for a new home.

Callistemon Mon 10-May-21 16:14:40

I think it's the dander that causes allergies not just the fur so perhaps lower-shedding animals are best.

DD has a dog which sheds fur as it walks no matter how much he's brushed, she's fine with that but very allergic to cats.

MayBee70 Mon 10-May-21 16:06:00

I don’t think they are necessarily allergy free, either. Doesn’t Chris Packham have poodles because he’s allergic to dogs? I met someone who had a curly coated retriever once who said people bought them because they thought they were allergy free but they aren’t. Constant visits to groomers cost a fortune! I would love a Miniature Schnauzer but couldn’t afford the grooming on top of insurance etc.

Callistemon Mon 10-May-21 16:02:22

Dinahmo

Aveline

I'm not a dog owner but are those specific crossbreeds not something to do with poodle fur being non allergenic?

The Australian who originally came up with Labradoodles did so because of allergies. He has since said that he wished he'd never done it because of the indiscriminate breeding that has happened since.

Aveline and Dinahmo

In a way it is good as it enables families with children prone to allergies to have a dog and not all dogs will have health problems or be neurotic. It is essential to buy from a reputable breeder and know the heritage of the parents.

However, these dogs do need to go to the groomers regularly; not shedding also means their fur could get more tangled so they need regular trims and brushing.

There are other pure breeds that don't shed, too.

MayBee70 Mon 10-May-21 15:56:15

I met someone out walking today that had three lovely little King Charles Spaniels. I asked if they were related and she replied that they were all ex breeding bitches. I then asked if they had neurological problems and she said two had neck problems and they all had grade 5 heart murmurs. All were on medication for life. I thanked her for rescuing them and we both agreed that they were a lovely breed of dog and it was awful what had happened to them due to unscrupulous breeders. But it then got me thinking of all of the Cavapoos that people breed/sell and wondered how many of their parents had major health problems.

MayBee70 Mon 10-May-21 15:48:49

I had this problem for years when I had cats. Thankfully my neighbour was a cat lover too. She used to bury milk bottles filled with bleach in the ground to deter them but I don’t think it worked. Could you provide a litter tray for your cat? I suppose it’s because the vegetable plot is nicely dug over and is perfect for a cat to use. Are there any plants that cats hate? Is there somewhere in your garden where you could do something similar and put catnip or something in it? Or even say to your neighbour you don’t mind her doing things that will scare your cat away eg water pistols or aerosols. I had a friend who used to shoot at his neighbours cat with an air riffle and couldn’t understand why his neighbour didn’t speak to him. But that cat actually poo’d on the lawn which is even worse than doing it in a flower bed.

Shelflife Mon 10-May-21 15:39:54

Advice please . We have had our RSPCA rescue cat for three years now. Neighbour , also a friend has told me that our cat is using her veg. plot as her toilet! I fully understand her feelings and am anxious to resolve the situation. Have tried everything, nothing works. Our previous cat was with us for 14 years and we didn't have this problem. In my down moments I have considered rehoming her. Drastic I know ! She is sweet natured and we love her. However I do value my friendship with my neighbour and don't want this problem to spoil that.
In the grand scheme of things this is not a big deal I suppose, but it does cause me anxiety. We have a massive garden with hedges , to fence it would cost a huge amount. So your views will be appreciated- re-home or not ?

Spice101 Mon 10-May-21 00:45:58

Whitewavemark2

Talking to our vet and she was saying that these “cross breeds” definitely have their issues and behaviour is one of them.

Whereas dogs were bred for utility and behaviour, like terriers and retrievers, gun dogs and lap dogs. You knew what you were getting.

With the recent crosses done simply for the look of the dog and it’s cuteness value, they have simply overlooked or through ignorance forgotten about behaviour. It has thrown up some real issues.

Absolutely Whitewavemark2.
I bred pure bred Airedale Terriers for 30 years and while there is no doubt there was some variance in their temperment you pretty much knew what you were getting.
The so called hybred vigour of mating two totally different breeds supposedly was only going to pass on the positive attributes of both breeds and none of the negatives. If only genetics worked like that. Give the offspring a silly name and there you have a bandwagon for people to jump on. Most people breeding these crosses have no idea about hereditary conditions or testing for health issues.
Kudos to you MollyAA12 for recognizing you and this pup were not compatible and not just bumbling along creating a greater issue for both you and the pup. I know how hard the decision would have been but it is the right one..

CafeAuLait Sun 09-May-21 22:52:50

Kudos for returning the puppy knowing that you couldn't meet its needs. A quieter breed or older dog maybe?

Dinahmo Sun 09-May-21 22:01:35

Aveline

I'm not a dog owner but are those specific crossbreeds not something to do with poodle fur being non allergenic?

The Australian who originally came up with Labradoodles did so because of allergies. He has since said that he wished he'd never done it because of the indiscriminate breeding that has happened since.

NanaandGrampy Sun 09-May-21 21:50:00

You hit the nail on the head Iam, not a good cross and yet breeders are churning them out hand over fist and gullible novice owners are then surprised with what they’ve bought.

A good breeder will always take your mistake back but a real shame for the owner and the pup .

Iam64 Sun 09-May-21 21:04:43

MollyAA12, i missed your,OP in March. Thanks for coming back to update us.
Spaniel Aid may be able to help you find an ex breeding bitch. I agree with Callistemon, a show type will probably be more chilled than a working cocker.
I had a cocker[oo, sadly he died age 6 from a brutal, inoperable tumour. I loved him but honestly, the most challenging dog I ever shared my life with. I’ve always had dogs, including rescues and fosters , none of them anything like as complex as my cockerpoo.

I know there are some lovely cockerpoo but, my training friends all say, these are not easy dogs. My view is it’s not a good cross. Highly intelligent sensitive miniature poodle x with highly sensitive, clever spaniels. Spaniels can be prone to separation anxiety.

You did the right thing and good for the breeder to take the pup back. That’s one of the other problems, inexperienced quick buck people breeeding any old spaniel with any old poodle. No thought to health or temperament. Rant over

Shandy57 Sun 09-May-21 19:55:24

I am so glad you took him back. There is an elderly couple near me with a puppy, and they pull at it on the lead and shout at it. I know their last dog was very elderly - as are they - they obviously aren't coping and should also return him to the breeder.

Shelflife Sun 09-May-21 17:24:28

and of course the dog !

Shelflife Sun 09-May-21 17:23:55

You made the right decision! The dog will have a wonderful life with new owners . Much better to have done this than struggle on , that would have been damaging to you and your partner.

25Avalon Sun 09-May-21 17:16:16

I know someone who had a Dachshund puppy and was unable to cope with it constantly wanting attention when she and her mum were working from home. She was going to re-home and met a family who lived just round the corner from her who was willing to take the puppy. Being satisfied they were suitable she let the dog go to them. They send her regular photos and videos of the dog and she can pop round to see it occasionally. This is only a small dog too. If you really can’t cope it’s best to admit it for the dog’s sake. Good breeders recognise this and will take a dog back.

Oopsadaisy1 Sun 09-May-21 17:05:48

DD2 adopted a cavacockerpoo, he is the loveliest and most well behaved dog I’ve ever known, he was well trained when they got him and he’s been a delight, he’s 11 now and has a heart condition and his legs aren’t very good, not sure if this is a problem with the breeds or not, but with his pills he should be fine for a couple more years as long as he doesn’t try to run anywhere, not likely as he’s very laid back.

Aveline Sun 09-May-21 17:02:25

I'm not a dog owner but are those specific crossbreeds not something to do with poodle fur being non allergenic?

geekesse Sun 09-May-21 16:16:41

I’m just astonished that people have been conned into paying pedigree breed prices for crossbreed and mongrel dogs with mildly amusing hybrid names. This is without question the triumph of cynical marketing over common sense.

I quite like mongrels. They tend not to have the health or temperament problems associated with pedigree animals. Just don’t expect me to pay a thousand pounds or more for one.

Aveline Sun 09-May-21 14:23:09

We once returned a cat to the breeder. It was awful. I've had cats all my life but not like this one. She was obsessed with me and terrified of DH (who loves cats and never ever hurt her). She'd try to run up sheer walls to get away from him. I was like a pin cushion from her claws as she continually tried to claw her way up me. She began to spray visitors and generally made our quiet old cat's life a misery by bullying him.
We took her back to the breeder who said she'd rehome her to a house with a single lady occupant.
I did feel guilty but also relieved. Our other old cat was obviously a lot happier too without this highly strung female cat about the place.

Buffybee Sun 09-May-21 13:57:27

MollyAA12, I’m sure you feel sad about having to let her go but know that you did the right thing for both of you. flowers
I’ve had dogs since I left home at 20 and the puppy stage is always hard work.
When my old girl Buffy died, I decided to have a Cavapoo (I was actually warned off Cockapoo as very hard work and the mix of fun poodle and laidback Cavalier King Charles seems to be the best of both) and I can honestly say she is the easiest puppy I have ever had. Housetrained by 12 weeks, quick to learn, fun and amusing but snoozes a lot too, some chewing when left, usually anything of mine, glasses, pens etc. but now if I have to leave her for a while, I leave something I have just worn in her bed and tell her to look after it for me and since then she’s been fine.
I’m sure you will find a good match this time.

Callistemon Sun 09-May-21 13:36:03

Not together than - autocorrect!

Rather than