Meet Arlo! My three year old springybum (otherwise known as a springerdor, although I believe there to be cocker spaniel in him too). For those of you who also own this breed, you will know what a lovable goof ball he can be….
I decided to share my experiences with Arlo as being a dog owner has been nothing like I thought it would be, and more of an emotional and learning roller coaster! Had I known what I know now…… (nah, I’d have still got on!).
Arlo, as you can see looks very lab like, but is more the size of a springer spaniel. He has some little white toes and a giant white T on his chest, which obviously stands for Trouble!
My partner bought me Arlo as a birthday present during the early part of Covid as I had desperately wanted a puppy. I was then a single mother, working full time from home, whilst also trying to somehow home educate the children too…. Who wouldn’t want a waggy tailed distraction?!
Why did nobody warn me?! Everyone loved Arlo, from the moment he stepped paw into the house. His friendly inquisitive nature following us around and wanting to know what everyone was doing at every given moment. I did a little research at the time and got the usual puppy books. I crate trained him at night, taught him to ring bells when he wanted to go to the toilet and all the usual ‘new puppy stuff.’
Nothing however, prepared me for the sheer amount of work involved in those first few days, weeks, months… and what has now turned into years!
I love training Arlo, and it has turned into a bit of a passion if you will. He can sit, lay, spin, give his paw, touch my hand on request…. His recall is pretty spot on too. More recently he has learnt more tricks and he loves to learn! (The treats also help, sausage and beef being firm favourites).
All in all, Arlo is a very loyal and lovable companion to me and is a wonderful family dog. Read on to find out some of the difficulties we have faced with Arlo….