Unexpected surprises? Discussions

I had done quite a bit of research on PWD`s, so new a bit of what to expect, but boy was I in for a surprise, at the level of energy this breed has, and the inability to look contrite Or the amount of wilfulness they show.

In saying that he has surpassed my expectations of the breed, I love his exuberance for life.

I

I don't find the grooming difficult to be honest. I knew he was going to be coated breed, we are not precious about his coat he goes out and gets wet and muddy every day, it dries off and a quick brush a couple of times a week is enough, most folk keep the. In a companion/ pet trim, as I am showing him he is in the lion clip, which I love, they have such magnificent coats, and I love it.... They are not a breed for everyone due to coat care and energy levels?

No surprises with the poodles, cockers and terrier. I knew nothing about lurchers until I got Gertie, and was not expecting her to be so bone idle around the house - now I know it's typical.

The biggest surprise I had was with one of my border collies. I was expecting him to be like my previous one - eager to please. He brought me down to earth with a bump - previously I'd had an easy to train and obedient border collie and poodles, but he showed me that I was not such a skillful trainer as I thought I was. He used to try and chase everything that moved, even trains and planes. Walks with him were such hard work I'd be dripping with sweat and have to have a shower when I got home. However, he mellowed with age and was a lovely old man. But a delinquent juvenile!

If you are talking about breeds then I did as much research as I could before I started breeding Griffons, helped by the most wonderful mentor ever. So there was very little I did not expect about them.

But if you are just talking about dogs in general, I guess I had expected my new puppy, the one now known as Da Booga, to be as good and docile and well behaved as Little One was.

Boy, was I wrong!

I knew about the drooling but not to the extreme Zack can do, he's mega droolie.

I wish someone had told me that Tibetan Spaniels are the greatest escape artists in the dogey world. If I'd known I'd have called her Houdini instead of Chloe and made sure I was living in a maximum security prison before I bought her!

I didn't know either that many Shar-Pei have a strong aversion to rain. M'boi thought it a highly toxic substance which was to be avoided at all costs. One spot on her coat was enough to make her run into the safety of the house! I've known her go for over 24 hours without a wee because it was wet outside. I think she must have had a bladder the size of a swimming pool! Georgina's not quite so neurotic but its early days yet!

once phoebe was with me i bought a book about bullmastiffs while getting supplies and it clearly says bullmastiffs are not barkers. Phoebe loves nothing but the sound of her own voice she will bark because shes happy, sad, angry, hungry, playfull, anything really. she just loves barking