I am about to bring my Belgian Terv pupppy home next week and am dead excited. i have been visiting every weekand have always liked a little red bitch who was always veryactive even when just a few days old.

They are all well-socialsied and healthy etc so that's no problem. However, this red puppy will happily run up, and have a cuddle, try tolick you and nibble your ears, but after a few moments she wriggles tobe put down and play with her littermates.The other pups are happpy to be cuddled forlonger and do not wriggle like she does!

my cncern is that she may prefer dogs to people; I don't have enough experience of puppies to be certain about this. She is very bright and I think could be a smaxhing dog; however if she prefers other dogs to me it'll not be the kind of relatinship I want.

I realise that "nurture" can do a lot, but basically I don't want to be fighting against a genetic influence.

Tervs generally are always "desirous of affection" from thier owners, that is their general character.

I'm very confused as to what to do for the best. Any ideas anyone? Anyone had a pup like this?

Best wihses
Lindsay

Hi Lindsay.
I must admit when I choose a puppy I look for number 2 in the pecking order, (let someone else have the arguments with number 1!) One that wants to be with me but is also bold enough to go off on it's own for a sniff around. One which looks good and in my case one which shows interest in a tossed handkerchief. Once I’ve looked for at that I promptly forget it all and go with the heart! I can always pick dogs for other people but, I’m no good at picking my own!!! Don’t forget, once you have got it home you are the one who has to live with it and however good the puppy is you will always be thinking, "I wonder how that other little devil is, I did love him!"

Regards John

Don't let The Flower hear you say that John !!!!

I'll tell you what Leigh, I wouldn't change any one of the dogs I’ve had! The good, the bad or the ugly!

:D :D

Hi john

One part of what you said definitely rang true, that I would always wonder what happened to the ;ittle red pup. AAARGH!!! I never knew that choosing a puppy could be so damned difficult.

The amount of times I've been to the breeder you'd think I'd know by now, but what's happening now is that thier little personalities are coming out. The red pup is adorable and coulod be challenging maybe, but hten I don't mind that as i've got a big sense of humour which helps a lot wiht those dogs. There's a darker pup which is also gorgeous but not quite so bold, but very happy and relaxed.

I'm now starting to get really worried as to the home sthey may get too, as they are such an energetic breed andneed understandin g owners. Honestly, the rate i'm going I'll take them all!

Best wishes
Lindsay

I'm a firm believer in that 'the dog picks you' not the other way round. I would go with your first instinct. I love that ours has spunk and that 'devilish' gleam in her eye so you know she's trouble!!

Plus once she's with you she'll learn to be more cuddly with you and to play with you rather than the pups.

You'll know in your heart when it's time what's right.

Wendy J

Hi Lindsay

I'm sure it's just because she's used to her litter mates. When you get her home and she learns that you are the one that provides for her - she will come to you. She'll miss her siblings at first but will soon turn to you for love and play.

I'm sure you'll be very happy together.

Good luck and enjoy.

Pam n Jasper

Hi there Pam and Jasper!

Yes you could be right, when I get the pup home it could be bonding more jto me. it's difficult as no-one really knows, and it's a risk, and I've been wantn gthis dog for so long.

My other Tervs were both great but the bitch especially was the most wonderful character and temperament I have ever known. WAs it the way she was brought up, or was it genetic anyway? I wish I knew what she was like as a tiny pup as I would go fo rthe one most similar, not to get a repeat, but because that's the temperament I love.

As I said to John I am getting to the stage where I will take them all!!! Help!!!

Lkndsay

You know as well as I do Lindsay, you will never get one like your old Tervs! In fact, If you are like me after a couple of days or so you will be wondering if you've made a big mistake taking on a new puppy! Then the bonding starts to take effect and the training starts, (not the puppy's, YOURS) and before you realise it, the pair of you are inseparable! They never take over from what's gone before, they make their own place in our lives. A few weeks of hard work then years of fun and pleasure!

TRUST YOUR OWN JUDGMENT and all will be well!

Best wishes, John

Hi john

wise words, thanks...but the trusting my own judgement is the bit that worries me!!

I'll keep you updated on any progress!

Best wishes
lindsay

Hi Lindsay

Know what you're going through. Went to see my new pup today and all his sisters - I could easily bring them all home!!.

Good look, I'm sure all will be fine. And, there's no point worrying what homes the others will go to - it's outside of your control - just think about the lovely home your's will get and enjoy:-)

Do let us know how she goes.

Best wishes

Pam n Jasper

Hi pammy

Lovely to hear your pup is on his way to you , too - what is he?

Best wihses
lindsay

Hi Lindsay - He's another Cocker Spaniel - Orange Roan. He's a real cutie and has a lovely colour to him. He's to be called Buddy.

Look forward to hearing how you get on.

Pam

Hi Lindsay - logged on at work, but can only "read" the posts. I think you should go with your instinct and pick the puppy you admired first. I do think you would always wonder about it. Good luck - I'm sure we'll hear from you about the new arrival soon. Any names picked? Before I chose to definitely go for a Vizsla - I really considered a BSD - I like the look of the Teurv and the Gronandael the best. What do I get - a real worry with Rhum and his legs, but I don't care he is part of the family and will get the best treatment I can find for him. I have great faith in my referral vet in Fife. Good luck.

hi Shirley

thanks for the message, and the advice. In fact we picke dthe pup on Saturday, i will post a proper message about it when I get roundto it - so busy with the baby puppy, can't take my eyes off her yet or she's into something or eatin gsomething, has a fascinatin fo rslippers, wants to eat the snails and dirt, pebbles, you know what it's like...

I am crate traing her but takingit very slowly in case I put her off. Don't think she'll take too kindsly to beingshut in til she's quite ready, thankyou! <G>

I was really sorry to read aobut Rhum's troubles, I do hope he is OK , as you say he is one of the family now and that's what matters. Good job you have a good vet and can havelots of faith in him/her.

speak soon

Best wihses
Lindsay