Thinking Of Getting A Dog

[Izaro]

hi there

Before I begin I just wanted to point out this is something we have been considering for some time and not a christmas idea!

Well, as the title states we are thinking of getting a dog. We being a couple with 2 children age 5 and 6. About 12 years ago when living with my parents we got a family dog from a rescue centre. He was four years old, a collie/lab cross and was apparently there to be rehomed as he could jump 8 foot and kept escaping. We were advised he was good with dogs, cats and children. His tail had been damaged, apparently because it was shut in the door when he was a pup so looks like it has been docked, only is a bit longer with a curl on the end!

We took the dog home and gave him about a week to settle before taking him to the vet for a check over. The vet told us he had chronic ear infections and various signs of abuse. The vet also thought him to be about 18 months old. As he has never tried to escape the vet thought the long term costs of treating his ears was probably the true cause for him being given to the rescue home. Even now he still has treatment for his ears including 2 operations this year.

Although told he was good with dogs, he is only good with small dogs and tends to attack those bigger than him particulay great danes and alsations for some reason



He is scared of children, which although dissapionting was not really a problem as I am the youngest in the family and was mid teens when we got him. Other things he is scared of are doorbells, letterboxes, bikes , ladders, hats, to name a few. We love him regardless and just altered our lives to fit our slightly bonkers addition to the family.

Now to get back to the point, we would like to get a dog. While my heart says rescue one that needs a home, my head says get a puppy and train it your way. As we have two kids it would not be a case of changing our circumstances to suit, the dog needs to fit in with us. Part of me wonders if I am asking too much? I know any dog from a rescue centre can be returned but I dont think I have the heart, especially to tell my kids " the dog didnt behave so we sent it away" . I think it sends out the wrong messages. I realise also that temprament is genetic as well as learnt but before making the big step of getting a dog want to minimise all chances of it not working out, causing upset for all not least the dog.

so there we go, my huge long rambling, your thoughts would be appreciated. Other info on us is we have a house with a fair size garden and Im a boring housewife who stays home all day.

I suppose what I am asking is, When is it ok not to rescue a dog?

 

[Bloo]

Have you been to a local rescue centre ? Most of them have playpens where you can take the dog for a walk or spend some time with it in the enclosed area. I know it's never a "sure thing" but there are some fabulous rescue dogs that would fit in perfectly in a rescue home. Many dogs have a good history to trace back, so try to stick with one where you know as much as possible.
You can do the initial groundwork on your own and if you find a few dogs that you think might fit into the family, take them (your family) along to the centre and see what they think and how they get on with the dogs.
It's difficult for little kids to go time after time after time, looking for the right dog - without getting over excited and then dissapointed when not returning home without one.

Dogs will react differently in any new environment and will take time to settle down, but you get a good indication of the interaction and behaviour when in the play-pen. Speak to the staff who handle the dog, clean and care for it - and get their opinion.

Then again, pups are fabulous for young children to grow up with (yours are not too young to have uncoordinated grabbing little hands that pull and tug) and you have the time to train one - so that certainly is an option.

You can go either way really

 

[Izaro]

thanks for that

I am a great believer in re-homing, but feel let down by my previous experience. The centre we got Stanley (my parents dog) from was shut down soon after we got him. I realise that the dogs history plays a big part when making a choice, but Stanley is proof that peolple lie and get it wrong.

I'v not come across any rescue centres with playpens, but they sound like a great idea and will do some investigating. Where I live there are Loads of ex racing Greyhounds looking for homes, or ones that were bred but never made it to stardom on the track. They are not one of my favourite breed to look at so know very little about them. most people will say they would not make a good family pet and need loads of exercise, however the rescue centres say otherwise. The synical part of me wonders if they just say that to get them re-homed

If I dont think this over and investigate all options to make an informed choice and just go and get a pup, I know I am going to feel really guilty.

 

[catxx]

i worked at a rescue centre for a while.
the greyhounds there were lazy buggers!
of course not every greyhound will be the same
they tend to be sweethearts
NOT good with cats or anything fast moving and small and chasable though!

 

[Izaro]

thanks catxx,

When you read through the various info on greyhounds looking for a home they do have some thet have never raced, so are ok with small furry things -get your point though . as someone who has worked with greyhounds, as a general rule, would you say they could adjust to being a family pet?

 

[RandomWiktor]

If you are not looking to rescue, I would very strongly suggest only going to a registered, reputable breeder. BYBs, puppy mills, pet stores, "my neighbor's dog had puppies," etc. are all unsound sources for puppies. Bad genetics can make them just as unpredictable as an adult rescue dog. Do some reading on which kennel club has the most responsible practices. Then look for a breeder with a very good reputation of a breed that you are interested in. See if they have any upcoming litters. Better yet, see if any of thier dogs turned out to be not quite show quality (DQ for markings and the like). You might be able to get a puppy inexpensively.
However, many animal shelters also have puppies. Since any pup is something of a "crapshoot" with how they will turn out, a shelter pup has just as much of a chance of becomming a good dog as one from a breeder. However, I would ask some backround info from the shelter; for example, if either parent dog came in, what health state were they in, and how was the temperament?

Anyways, on to the rescue stuff (heh)
Greyhounds are indeed very, very mellow. In fact, most of the ones I've seen are more content to lay around on your couch all day then get exersize; I think they got enough exersize for a lifetime at the track. All of the ones I've met have been extremely gentle, so I doubt that they would hurt the kids, and most good rescues will screen them to see if they get along with other animals or not before adopting out. My only quarrel with them is that they seem to "tollerate" petting rather than crave it. Of course, maybe thats because I've never owned one; everyone I know who has actually had one as a pet absolutely raves about them. They do need to be exersized, but from what I've heard, they don't need some giant yard to gallop around in; they enjoy running, but most are quite content with a liesurely walk around the block. The one thing you do have to be careful of health-wise is not feeding them a large meal before going for a walk; they are prone to twisted stomaches. However, seeing as every breed has a quirk and this one can largely be prevented, I wouldn't let that ruin them too much as a "selling point."

If you're not wild about greyhounds, I would suggest looking for a large, well-reputed shelter. Or a breed rescue; they're AWESOME if you're looking for a dog of a certain breed without the lofty breeder's fee and troubles of raising a puppy. Things to look for on their web pages would be no-kill, spayed/neutered/vacc'd animals only, microchipping, temperament testing, etc. And, you can "check up" the dog yourself by thoroughly looking it over and making sure there are no signs of ill health. Most decent humane societies will also let your walk the dog, or even foster the dog for a few days to see how the dog reacts to different people, animals, and places.

I understand with children, especially young ones, why you would be worried about the baggage a pre-owned dog could come with. So, I would only adopt from a place that temperament-tests. If you think you have the time and patience for a pup, many shelters have puppies for adoption as well; you could be lucky enough to snatch one up, then you can play a big role in how the pup's temperament develops.

Just some suggestions since your kids are young though: No tiny dogs. Too easy for a child to accidentally hurt, and some of these breeds have been very over-bred, and may have unsound temperaments. Avoid designer mutts and pet store dogs, as once again, poor breeding and poor socialization in puppyhood at the store could badly effect temperament (not to mention health!). If you look for a specific breed, aim for something gentle and mellow; terriers, spitz-type breeds, etc. can sometimes be too tenacious or too aloof for children. Generally retrieving breeds, companion breeds, and some guarding breeds are best for kids. And of course, if you get an adult dog, just make sure you're aware of all of its quirks. See that the dog is comfortable being touched, both gently and roughly, all over. Make sure it isn't an animal with any chronic pain issues that may cause it to nip if a toddling child plays too roughly. And always be sure that, if it is a breed that is rather large, it has been trained leash manners and "stay down" so your kids are safe around it.

Good luck finding a new dog, and I hope you pick a winner!

 

[catxx]

when i was a toddler some family friends had a german shephard, biggest softy on the world, us, being toddlers could sit on her and she just wouldn't care. she was a sweet heart.
when i was a baby my grandparents had a black labby, he was great with me too, have pictures of me crawling all over him.

i've always found small toy dogs to be snappy and vicious though. i would never recommend them to go with a young family.

like someone said, if you want a specific breed type, go to a breed rescue! they'll know the breed's temperament inside out.

there are greyhound rescues everywhere, so if they do interest you give them a call.

 

[Izaro]

Thanks for the great detailed post

No worries on the "too small" side of things, my other half seems to lean towards totally impratical sized dogs that I would class more as a donkey! If I had to guess at a size it would be a vague "medium".

Although Im not wild about a greyhounds looks, I can see they may have many other qualities and after all beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I wouldnt try to trade in one of my boys because I didnt personally like his looks, so see no reason to write the idea off before really finding out a bit more about them

Im off to do some googling on local shelters now I have a better idea of what is availible with regard to services offered. Either way, Im in no rush, the chosen dog will be right rather than quick!

thanks for all your help

 

[Bloo]

Smaller dogs are generally snappy etc. because the are so much smaller and need some form of defence - when size alone won't help. And some of it is just breed character. That's why smaller dogs are "generally" not best with young children.

But yes, breed specific rescues are fabulous too - though you will (almost) never find a very young dog here - however 99% will come with a very detailed history.
Say for instance you are looking for a Labrador retriever (probably one of the best "family type dogs"), you can contact the Labrador Rescue or LRSE&C or do a search for a more local rescue. They are all around - you just need to know where to look

 

[GSD]

Always try and get to know an older dog before you let a rescue dog into your home,however nice and friendly they might seem at first you may not know what the dog has been through and can be unpredictable.Even more so as you have children.Not trying to put you off though,there are many lovely dogs looking for a home,as you have children though i would think very carefully about what you do.

If i was you i'd get a rescue puppy,it will be easier to fit it in to your lifestyle and you will be able to introduce it to the children etc,i think it just would be a safer option,at least youll know its background.

whatever you decide good luck

 

[billieollie]

Hi,
Having rescued and rehomed more than 150 dogs whilist I was living in Dubai, I think you only need to ask yourself and family a few questions....
1) do you want a big or small dog???
2) Do you want a puppy or full grown??

I have had all sorts of dogs, young,old,big,small, good and bad, I now have 3 dogs, one is a boxer and the other 2 are desert dogs, all of them had been ill treated, I rescued them from Dubai and bought them back to the UK about 4 years ago, they are faithfully brothers and sisters to my only daughter, she adores them and they put up with her!!!

My advice to you is... make sure you really want a dog, really really want a dog. if you decide on a pup, who is going to clean up after it? When its grown, it wont be so cute. Who will look after it if you want to go on holiday?? Is your home and garden big enough for a dog, if not are you prepared to take it for walks when HE wants to go, not when you have time to go! Even on a lazy cold winters sunday morning!!! And the biggy....the cost...vets bills, you always get them at the worse time!!!!

Any dog that you choose, either a resuce or from a breeder, you never know how he is going to turn out, it depends on how you make him turn out.
The only thing I would suggest is that a small dog is not really very good with children, as children can be heavy handed, I think a bigger solid dog is better around children, especially boxers, I have had 7 over the years, brillant breed of dog for children to grow up with.

Why dont you get in touch with the RSPCA or alike to find out about fostering a dog, that way you get to try out all sorts of breeds and sizes, you never know you might fall in love with one of them without even knowing.

Good luck in your search, let us now how you get on

 

[pebbles]

hi , its good to know you are giving it time and thought .. A lot of Dog rescue centres give a chance to walk the dogs , this would give you chance to get to know a dog and how it behaves with you , who knows after walking it a few times you may want to take it home !

 

[Izaro]

thanks for all the imput

to respond to some of the questions raised, yes we have given this a lot of thought As I clean up after everyone else in the house, that job will fall to me! I will also have the job of main daily walk, but my partner will do late night walk before bed as we dont live in a great area (this is Essex people, at a grand age of 27 Im not allowed out after dark!)

We are an outdoors type of family who enjoy walks, bike riding and kite buggying whatever the weather. Children are also great practice at doing what needs to be done rather than what you would like

We tend to holiday with family in this country, mainly Devon where we are origionally from so the dog will come too. If we get to a stage where we want to go abroad then we have plenty of family who are dog lovers.

As for the cost, Stanley has been an eye opener! must say though, dealing with unexpected cost is also a skill you develop with children! my parents are also great at bridging a gap when Im wailing " how can your feet grow a size when we only bought shoes 2 weeks ago"

think we have all bases covered, just now need to find our perfect pooch

 

[pica_nuttalli]

sorry, i have to throw in my 2-cents as well.

have you thought about some of the larger spaniels and other "hunting" breeds? my family has "rescued" several spaniel mixed-breeds over the years and the larger dogs have always been very sweet-tempered. a good friend of mine also has a pure-bred brittany spaniel that is just the squishiest, friendliest dog. i can really say that any of them has been particularly intelligent but they've all been quite obedient. the adult rescues have had strong hunting instincts but the dogs raised as pups around cats & such have posed no problems.

my extended family has also owned several pure-bred cocker spaniels and cocker spaniel mixes. i can't recommend those to a family with small children as they tend to be quite snappy. the cockers also seem to bond almost exclusively with their primary caregiver and are very protective of that person against any percieved threats--including such violent activities as giving hugs. i don't know of anyone ever hurt by the dogs i'm acquainted with, but they will bark, growl, and snap in defense of "their" territories and possessions. i don't call them dangerous by any measure, but definately ill-tempered with anyone outside their immediate family group.

 

[Jessica13]

Labrador all the way!

You will not find a better dog to have around children. If you go to a proper breeder (NOT a puppy farm!) and see the parents you cant go far wrong. We have 3 (mum and two pups) and i can honestly say i am 100% sure my dogs would NEVER turn on anyone. They are the sweetest, gentlest dogs you could ever meet. They are fantastic with everyone from babies to elderly people and seem to know when they have to be extra careful around people.

They'd also suit your outdoor lifestyle! They'd do all of that! We've taken ours camping, bike riding through the forests and i exercise them most days with the horse

If you're willing to pay a bit more from a breeder id definately recommend it. In an ideal world we'd all rescue dogs, but with young children i wouldnt advise it purely because you dont know whats happened to them and what might trigger them to turn on you. If you get a well bred puppy, and are able to visit it as its growing then you should have no problems at all