It’s a Dogs’ Life - Barney

My wife and I have lived in Chandlers Ford for many years. We know the area well having trod most of its streets at some time or other with a dog in tow – or rather a dog towing us.

Our last dog, Toby, died about 3 years ago now and we decided not to get another dog ourselves, but rather look after other people’s dogs whilst they are on holiday.  Dawn and I are booked up with a vast collection of visiting dogs for most of the year now – and even struggle to find time to take a holiday ourselves.

Barney takes over

The latest friendly mutt to take advantage of us is Barney Mark 2. It’s Barney really but we don’t want to confuse him with the other Barney who was one of our first bookings.  The latest Barney, a tri-coloured working (Field) cocker spaniel, is so pretty that he really should have been a girl.  

Barney is a pleasure to be with and his tail never stops wagging – it even wags in his sleep.  I was putting his lead on the other morning to go for his early morning walk and his tail wagged so hard it made him fall over.

He’s the sort of dog that much prefers people to other dogs. When out walking he might make the odd ‘personal’ sniff at a passing dog, but apart from that he pays little attention to other canines, much preferring to chase his ball and paddle in the Monks Brook.

Get him with people though and he changes completely.  Nothing suits him better than to launch himself onto the nearest lap, and snuggle in for a nice nap. You should see the dismay on his face should you decide to get up and move him!

He immediately knew the best place to sleep

His owners brought a huge, luxurious basket for him to sleep in, but he much prefers sleeping between Dawn and me in our king sized bed. We laid his basket out in the kitchen on the first night, but as we have an open-plan house he was having none of that and was on our bed before we had got our night-clothes on. I am sure that Barney sleeps in the kitchen in his own house, but he seems to know that he is on holiday with us, and expects that extra bit of luxury during his 10 days stay.

Whilst Barney probably does sleep in the kitchen in his own home, we are sure that some of our other ‘guests’ never do. Many owners profess too much that their pride and joy sleeps in some isolated spot in their own house – yet the dog seems to recognise the extra comfort of an extra-sprung mattress!  In most instances we don’t really mind - although we had to limit the company of Louie the Lurcher to an early morning cuddle!

He needs his exercise

Barney loves a walk. Earlier in the week we spent hours at Exbury Gardens. He loved it with so many trees and such lovely smells. (By the way – well done Exbury Gardens for allowing well trained dogs in their gardens – other gardens should take a lesson from them!). We came back exhausted but he was not even out of breath and ready for his next walk.

He’s just been out for his lunch time walk with Dawn and dropped his heavy rubber ball into the Monks Brook. Not surprising it didn’t float and I’m now off to put my wellies on to try and find it before it ends up in the Solent. What a dog’s life it is!

Some observations about the Working (or Field) Spaniel

If you are thinking of getting one of these fantastic dogs then you need to know what to expect. Barney and other Spaniels like him are active, intelligent, inquisitive, energetic, and athletic dogs who love human companionship. They tend to act like puppies, with an enthusiasm for life, for a long time. They thrive on people and don't do well if left alone. They will often choose one person in the household (not necessarily the one he is supposed to) and become that person's shadow.

These are intelligent dogs who like to have a job to do, and they will enjoy doing just about anything as long as it is with their humans. They love to play outside. They are adaptable, fun-loving, playful and trusting. They want to be involved in all family activities, especially the ones that include long walks and trips in the car.

If Field Spaniels get lonely, they will bark, and possibly remove the paint off your doors. So don’t leave them for long at home by themselves. They are not usually problem barkers though, and we haven’t even heard Barney bark at all. However they whine and moan a lot – especially if one of the family members leaves the house for a time.

Barney and his friends need daily exercise. They were, after all, bred for activity and endurance. They enjoy brisk walks, ball chasing and getting wet! These Spaniels are unusually docile, sensitive, and affectionate dogs who will soon become devoted to you. They are superb family dogs.

Colin Welch

Editor - Thanks for your article Colin - If you are interested in finding out more about this breed you may like to take a look at the website of the Field Spaniel Society

www.chandlersford.org.uk