LIVING WITH ENGLISH SETTERS!

Owning an English Setter is an experience from start to finish.  They are a beautiful breed - but they do require  space, time, lots of exercise and very understanding patient owners. 

If you are none of the above then perhaps you should re-think, is this breed really for me!

If you still think an English Setter is for you - then let's start at the beginning.

FINDING YOUR PUPPY

There are lots of breeders out there - make sure you find the right one.
Never buy from a pet - outlet or someone who sells multiple breeds.
(see list of contact numbers at the end of this article)

Once you have located your Breeder - then go and visit, see the Dam with her puppies.  This is the time for both parties to ask - and be asked questions.  A good breeder will answer all of your questions and help you through the early stages of owning a young English Setter should you need further advice.

Some people decide that once they have got the puppy safely home then they are quite able to 'go it alone'.  Sometimes owning a young English Setter can be quite a shock to the system.  So before you get your puppy home make sure you are WELL PREPARED!

THE HOME ENVIRONMENT

I am writing this from the viewpoint that the puppy is going to be living in the home environment.  Therefore your home has to be safe - in order that  the young puppy does not to come to any harm.
If you collect 'antiques' (although perhaps an English Setter would not be advisable here) - but if you do, then put them away.  
Make sure the puppy has his or her own 'safe place', somewhere that they can call their own, and retire to when they want some peace and quiet, although this does not often happen in the early years.
You might decide on a large cage to start with.  That way, when you are busy or out for a time, at least you will be sure that the puppy is safe.
As the puppy starts to explore make sure that you leave nothing lying around.  If you have children this is a good time to get them to put their toys away.  Little puppy will just love chewing and swallowing whatever will fit into that mouth of theirs.
As the puppy grows older they become able to reach greater heights, anything placed on your kitchen work top will be fair game as they look for things to steal.
The tail is also longer and stronger and capable of knocking anything off up to about 2ft high.
If the dog is not to be allowed on the furniture and kept to certain parts of the house, then you need to decide this from the start.  It will be very difficult to lay down ground rules once you have let the dog have certain privileges.  It's rather like trying to tell your head-strong teenager that they are no longer entitled to treat this house as their 'home'.  Wouldn't that go down well.
Once you have sorted out the house ground rules you need to turn your attention to the outside.

THE GARDEN

The most important facture outside is to make sure your garden is well fenced.  To be absolutely safe a 6ft fence is what you should be looking at.  The fence should have no gaps at all.  English Setters are very adept at squeezing through holes.  Once your garden is safe the puppy once it is old enough will enjoy spending time out doors.
Unfortunately just because your are a keen gardener do not expect your English Setter to share your pleasures.  What you have created months, even years cultivating will be demolished in no time.  So, once again think about owning any dog if you are a garden boff!
If you have gates leading from your garden make sure they are safe, and that no one can gain access which could result in your English Setter escaping. Some English Setters like to climb, and gates make this relatively easy.  If there is a weak point in your garden a English Setter WILL FIND IT!
and make a run for freedom.  If you live on a busy road this could be fatal!  Make sure your dog is 100% safe.  

FACTS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A PUPPY

Owning any dog is a life long commitment.
Before you decide to go out and purchase your puppy here is
a list of questions you might like to think about.

1. Am I prepared to alter the way I, we live in order to look after a dog?

2. What do I want from my dog as a member of this family?  Remember all breeds have their own characteristics.

3. Do I  want a dog or a bitch?  With most breeds the dog is a larger and heavier than the bitch.  In English Setters the dog can reach 27 inches and weigh between 70 to 80 lbs.  The bitch will grow to between 24 - 25½ inches and weigh between 60 to 65lbs.  If you have very young children this is worth bearing in mind.  The English Setter has a wonderful temperament and they are great with children, but a fully grown English Setter Dog hurtling towards a child in full flight could knock them off their feet!

4. If the answer to owning a English is still yes - then please see the list of contacts I have include below.

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