The reality

wdmfapq4zs83hv

We have been considering getting a dog for a while now. We are trying to weigh it all up and really do our research first. I would hate to make a mistake. So dog owners can you give me an idea what the reality is of having a dog. The ups and the downs. The things I may not have thought of. Did you regret it? We have small kids under 5 so its a major consideration. Also would you go for a rescue or a puppy or a rescue puppy. Any input appreciated

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

We have been considering getting a dog for a while now. We are trying to weigh it all up and really do our research first. I would hate to make a mistake. So dog owners can you give me an idea what the reality is of having a dog. The ups and the downs. The things I may not have thought of. Did you regret it? We have small kids under 5 so its a major consideration. Also would you go for a rescue or a puppy or a rescue puppy. Any input appreciated

When it comes to kids under 5, and especially under 3 - I'd always say to steer clear of a puppy. It's essentially another baby to toilet train, that will teeth and cause untold destruction in the house. A rescue at around the year mark who has been in foster with children would be best. You'll likely get a house trained, lead trained and socialised young dog with proven ability to cope with young kids and you still get the 12+ years of life from them

wdmfapq4zs83hv

ShaShaBear wrote: »

When it comes to kids under 5, and especially under 3 - I'd always say to steer clear of a puppy. It's essentially another baby to toilet train, that will teeth and cause untold destruction in the house. A rescue at around the year mark who has been in foster with children would be best. You'll likely get a house trained, lead trained and socialised young dog with proven ability to cope with young kids and you still get the 12+ years of life from them

Thank you. That does make a lot of sense. A lot of people have told me not to get an older dog as we wouldn't know their history. And safety will be no1 priority with kids.

sillysmiles

If you are already thinking of getting a dog, I'm not going to go through the pros of getting a dog as they are amazing as everyone knows.

The cons (some of which may not be a consideration for you as you already have kids)

> Hair - everywhere! Get used to hoovering and learn to accept it!
> Your freedom. You will not be able to not go home after work spontaneously as you'll have to go home to let the dog out to go to the toilet.(though you have kids so this is probably not a consideration for you)
> Weekends away - you need to consider who will take the dog, or if you can bring him/her with you or if you need to pay for kennels
> Vet Bills. Depending on your dog he/she may or may not end up needing the vet a lot and then you have to think about pet insurnance vs just having a sum of "just in case" money. It'll need regular vaccinations
> Cost of good quality food.
> Walking. At least twice a day hail rain or shine. Dogs don't understand you are feeling sick or pyjamma days or its lashing or the roads are frosty and slippery and you don't want to go out.


To be honest, most of these aren't downsides just ways your lifestyle will need to change to accomodate a dog.

sillysmiles

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

A lot of people have told me not to get an older dog as we wouldn't know their history. And safety will be no1 priority with kids.

However, with an older dog, you are more likely to be able to see if they have issues with kids or if they are in a rescue, the rescue should know.

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Thank you. That does make a lot of sense. A lot of people have told me not to get an older dog as we wouldn't know their history. And safety will be no1 priority with kids.

If you go to a reputable rescue, they might not be able to give you all of their history, but they'll be able to give you a very detailed run-down of their current characteristics. Fostering is essentially a normal home setting for a dog and that is when they display their normal qualities. Some rescues will have had dogs from young pups and they do have a history because all they've ever known is the rescue!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Does anyone here foster? Maybe that might be a good way of testing the waters....

Sam Kade

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

We have been considering getting a dog for a while now. We are trying to weigh it all up and really do our research first. I would hate to make a mistake. So dog owners can you give me an idea what the reality is of having a dog. The ups and the downs. The things I may not have thought of. Did you regret it? We have small kids under 5 so its a major consideration. Also would you go for a rescue or a puppy or a rescue puppy. Any input appreciated

No small children under 5 but we have 2 dogs, you'd want someone around all day as they need to go outside to relieve themselves and they will also beg from the table even though they have plenty dog food. Dogs are pretty clever at wrapping you around their finger Stay away from rescue get a pup, but you will have to train them, up early in the morning to let them out, the secret is to make them pee and ****e on the grass that way they will never have an accident in the house. My daughter is a dog groomer/small animal carer so I know what I'm talking about.

VonVix

1. Don't expect to change your lifestyle for a dog. From what I have experienced, it doesn't work. You already need to be the kind of person who likes to go out for daily walks or hikes. Sure, there are some people who can get a dog and then bring them out for walks on a regular basis, when before they weren't really the going out and walking type... but you have to be realistic.

2. Don't get a dog without being aware of what the dog was bred to do. I have come across so many people who have made this mistake, only for them to try to change their dogs biology through lackadaisical training. Having a good understanding for your breed's traits can go a long way in helping you understand their behaviour, which can make life a little easier for both of you.

Fostering may be ideal for you, if a rescue could place you with a suitable dog considering you have children. It would be able to give you a clearer understanding of how your life may change and how much management you will have to do in terms of keeping your dog and children supervised when around each other.

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Does anyone here foster? Maybe that might be a good way of testing the waters....

I fostered for quite a while. We don't any more as our house is over-crowded as it is with a collie and two kids. It's definitely a great way to test the waters. If you get in touch with local rescues and explain what you're after, they can pair you up with a dog they think will suit for fostering. If it doesn't work out, the rescue still know way more about the dog and can work better at finding a forever home, best case you meet the dog of your dreams
But if you think rescue might be worth it, pass no remarks on people who say to avoid it. The majority of dogs in rescue are there because the previous owners did not have enough time and the dog's emotional needs were neglected. Dogs who were surrendered due to behavioural issues come with a clear tag in reputable rescues - volunteers will always be transparent about a dog's flaws

aonb

DONT get a dog unless you (both) genuinely LOVE dogs!

DONT get a dog "for the children"

DONT get a dog if there is no-one in the house all day (working)

DONT get a dog if you are not prepared to have the dog indoors

The upside of dogs is they provide unconditional love.
If you bond with your dog, its a wonderful relationship
You get to go for a walk with your dog every single day, regardless of the weather
You will worry about your dog the same as any other member of your family.
Your clothes, furniture, floors will be covered in dog hair
You cant leave the house for the entire day, without considering your dog
You cant go away for the weekend or holidays without organising care for your dog (+plus the cost)
Your can talk to your dog all day long

Your dog is a living creature, who has feelings, feels pain, needs food, love, security and care for its entire life.

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Thanks for the replies. Im home all day so that wouldn't be a problem. We rarely do anything spur of the moment as we have small kids. Would expect dog to be a house dog, do people really leave dogs outside??!! We both love dogs though I have never had one so Im a bit worried. suppose the main thing holding me back is the safety issue with the kids. Maybe fostering would be a good option.

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. Im home all day so that wouldn't be a problem. We rarely do anything spur of the moment as we have small kids. Would expect dog to be a house dog, do people really leave dogs outside??!! We both love dogs though I have never had one so Im a bit worried. suppose the main thing holding me back is the safety issue with the kids. Maybe fostering would be a good option.

I would consider fostering to be a good option for everyone, no matter the age of the desired dog and even for people looking to buy. It's a reality check without the lifelong commitment!

d9oiu2wk07blr5

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Does anyone here foster? Maybe that might be a good way of testing the waters....

I posted this last year about a certain white deaf JRT with a larger than life personality. I am happy to say that he was the perfect fit and I am now mumsy to two four legged children who will never ever grow up . It was the best advice that I had gotten here on boards.ie.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=98788353

Kailey Teeny Dime

Kailey Teeny Dime wrote: »

I posted this last year about a certain white deaf JRT with a larger than life personality. I am happy to say that he was the perfect fit and I am now mumsy to two four legged children who will never ever grow up . It was the best advice that I had gotten here on boards.ie.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=98788353

Aww yay!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Anyone recommend a breed that might be suitable? Preferably small, non shed ( or little shed) , not too energetic, more on the lazy lap dog type! And obviously no1 good with kids. Im drawn towards a shih tzu or similar. Oh and Im very drawn to English bulldogs, I dont know why! Any opinions? My favorite dog are golden retriever but might be a bit big for us with only a small garden.

tk123

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

My favorite dog are golden retriever but might be a bit big for us with only a small garden.

I have a small garden .... and 2 retrievers lol! One is asleep beside me and the other is asleep on the other couch

wdmfapq4zs83hv

tk123 wrote: »

I have a small garden .... and 2 retrievers lol! One is asleep beside me and the other is asleep on the other couch

Would imagine they are very energetic as puppys though?

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Would imagine they are very energetic as puppys though?

Almost all puppies are very energetic, but I think what TK means is that a small garden shouldn't affect the size of the dog - they have to be walked twice a day no matter how big they are

wdmfapq4zs83hv

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Almost all puppies are very energetic, but I think what TK means is that a small garden shouldn't affect the size of the dog - they have to be walked twice a day no matter how big they are

True. But would some breeds be naturally more energetic? Or is it all about how you rear them? Would two half hour walks be sufficient for most dogs?

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

True. But would some breeds be naturally more energetic? Or is it all about how you rear them? Would two half hour walks be sufficient for most dogs?

Well as pups you can only walk them after their shots and I believe it's 5 minutes per month of age. Unfortunately even in breeds there are exceptions. One dog might be happy with two half hour walks. Another could expect two hour-long walks or more!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Well as pups you can only walk them after their shots and I believe it's 5 minutes per month of age. Unfortunately even in breeds there are exceptions. One dog might be happy with two half hour walks. Another could expect two hour-long walks or more!

See I dont want to take on too much, realistically 2 half hour walks is all I could fit in. Suppose i assumed the bigger the dog the more exercise they need

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

See I dont want to take on too much, realistically 2 half hour walks is all I could fit in. Suppose i assumed the bigger the dog the more exercise they need

Ironically, the bigger the dog (with some exceptions), the less exercise they need! A greyhound would need far, far less exercise than most terriers! Dogs don't exercise themselves in a garden, if that's what you were thinking?

DBB

It's often the other way around... The small dogs can be real live wires, whilst a lot of bigger dogs can be real slobs
To be honest, whilst I have a real fondness for the breed, Shih Tsus may not be your best choice with young kids. They can be quite sassy and opinionated. There are always exceptions of course, but you'd want to tread quite carefully if this is a breed you're seriously considering.
With young kids, the Cavalier is often a great choice. They're generally very patient, happy, and non-confrontational. They shed... But nowhere near as much as a Retriever! There are health issues too, but that's the case with all-too-many of the popular breeds.

shakencat

I foster
I currently have a 13week pup that I'm fostering.
I'd definitely get a rescue dog.
And if possible. One toilet trained!! But young enough to adapt to your lifestyle:)

Dogs are amazing.
I have two of my own, one was a foster that we kept!

The main thing I find is break away and having someone to mind the dog.

I'm lucky that I have someone to help..
I do work for a company called housemydog, which allows owners to meet the minder, check the house out, the people,.Fully insured, reviews of past dog stays!
I mind dogs just like my own, walk them like I do ours etc!

So exciting, let us know how you get on, or if you need help with what rescue etc!

Personally I prefer large dogs (I have a Lab and a rottie)
I find them calmer and genuinely nicer than little dogs.

Just up opinion though!!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Do you really think I could have a retriever? I never thought of a king Charles but I'll take a look. An older puppy who is already house trained would be great!

shakencat

i think retrievers are mad things!!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

shakencat wrote: »

i think retrievers are mad things!!

Why?

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Also whats the different between a pure bred and mix? Im seeing lots of mix breeds for example cavapoo , csvalier & poodle cross. Very cute! But is there any negatives to these kind of cross breeds?

shakencat

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Why?

just ones ive met have been badly or not trained at all.
So thats all i can go by!!
they were all mad!
But of course there are great ones who are trained! You just need to be dedicated to helping your dog be the best they can be

Choc Chip

Just be a wee bit cautious about the housetraining point - both of ours came to us as older dogs and had very few accidents. However, they don't come knowing where the toilet is so you will have to show them where you want them to go, make a fuss when they go there, and get used to their signals for needing to go out. Having said that, both were FAR easier than housetraining a puppy!

I can't open the pandora's box of designer corssbreeds on a Sunday evening. Not with the prospect of Monday on the horizon...

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Also whats the different between a pure bred and mix? Im seeing lots of mix breeds for example cavapoo , csvalier & poodle cross. Very cute! But is there any negatives to these kind of cross breeds?

The huge negative to these cross-breeds (known as designer breeds) is that ou have no guarantee what you are going to get. Now, keep in mind, this is only a negative if you are purchasing one - they do appear in rescues as well!
Take the Cavapoo you mentioned. First off. What size will the pup be? Well, anything between Cavalier and Poodle! What about temperament? Well, a quick Google of the two breeds that are crossed will show you what combinations you could end up with! What about grooming? Well Cavaliers have a long, silky coat and shed quite a bit, while poodles have a tight, curly single coat and tend to shed little to none at all. Combined together you could go either way but likely end up with a dog that needs very regular grooming attention.

Long story short, there is nothing "wrong" with having a crossbreed. The issue is that people will pay breeders for one with absolutely no guarantee of what type of dog they are going to get (despite what the breeder might promise you ). Pure bred dogs are held to a standard. Some do deviate, but there are certain things you can be fairly certain of, for example grooming needs, height and, if sourced from a reputable breeder, health and genetic issues (or lack thereof).

wdmfapq4zs83hv

ShaShaBear wrote: »

The huge negative to these cross-breeds (known as designer breeds) is that ou have no guarantee what you are going to get. Now, keep in mind, this is only a negative if you are purchasing one - they do appear in rescues as well!
Take the Cavapoo you mentioned. First off. What size will the pup be? Well, anything between Cavalier and Poodle! What about temperament? Well, a quick Google of the two breeds that are crossed will show you what combinations you could end up with! What about grooming? Well Cavaliers have a long, silky coat and shed quite a bit, while poodles have a tight, curly single coat and tend to shed little to none at all. Combined together you could go either way but likely end up with a dog that needs very regular grooming attention.

Long story short, there is nothing "wrong" with having a crossbreed. The issue is that people will pay breeders for one with absolutely no guarantee of what type of dog they are going to get (despite what the breeder might promise you ). Pure bred dogs are held to a standard. Some do deviate, but there are certain things you can be fairly certain of, for example grooming needs, height and, if sourced from a reputable breeder, health and genetic issues (or lack thereof).

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I see what you mean. I suppose if your willing to take on the characteristics of either breed then its not a problem. My heart is telling me to get a rescue though! Maybe best to go into somewhere like dogs trust and have a chat to them. And maybe start off with a foster

shakencat

You can find a pure bred in a rescue... Plenty get dumped too

Our Rottweiler is a pure bred... He was in the pound, got him at 4months..

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I see what you mean. I suppose if your willing to take on the characteristics of either breed then its not a problem. My heart is telling me to get a rescue though! Maybe best to go into somewhere like dogs trust and have a chat to them. And maybe start off with a foster

Rescuing is great, and hugely admirable. There is nothing wrong with sourcing a well-bred pup from a breeder either. I wouldn't be inclined to recommend paying for a designer crossbreed. Generally, you would not get the same quality of care like genetic health testing on parents, but they come with the same price tag. These types of pups end up in rescue fairly regularly because people who are novices to dog-keeping see the money to be made and decide to give it a go, and then suddenly find all of those neighbours and friends aren't so keen to pay for the pup once it's there in the flesh

tk123

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Do you really think I could have a retriever? I never thought of a king Charles but I'll take a look. An older puppy who is already house trained would be great!

You need to find a reputable breeder if you want a retriever because they can have health and behavioural issues like resource guarding if they're from a crappy breeder - like my boy..
My girl on the other hand came from a great breeder and she was as chilled out as a puppy as she is now! Everyone thinks she's old because she's that relaxed! 'Is she very old?' 'No she's 10 months old'

I don't think mine are mad but I've put a lot of time training them and still do - they're certainly better trained than any of my friend's dogs(!) Maybe some boardsies who've met them can confirm lol!

ShaShaBear

tk123 wrote: »

You need to find a reputable breeder if you want a retriever because they can have health and behavioural issues like resource guarding if they're from a crappy breeder - like my boy..
My girl on the other hand came from a great breeder and she was as chilled out as a puppy as she is now! Everyone thinks she's old because she's that relaxed! 'Is she very old?' 'No she's 10 months old'

I don't think mine are mad but I've put a lot of time training them and still do - they're certainly better trained than any of my friend's dogs(!) Maybe some boardsies who've met them can confirm lol!

You better hope I never meet them, lest one of your beauties become afflicted with an odd disease that turns them black and white and only answering to the name "Opie" :pac:

Choc Chip

shakencat wrote: »

You can find a pure bred in a rescue... Plenty get dumped too

Our Rottweiler is a pure bred... He was in the pound, got him at 4months..

Though you could be waiting a while for particular breeds - I hardly ever see cavs... and breeds like pugs get snapped up almost instantly. Greyhounds and collies are EVERYWHERE and for some reason I'm seeing a pile of sheps right now (though I might just notice them 'cos I love them). So the OP might have a bit more choice if he's willing to take a cross-breed rather than wait for a particular pure bred pup in rescue?

wdmfapq4zs83hv

tk123 wrote: »

You need to find a reputable breeder if you want a retriever because they can have health and behavioural issues like resource guarding if they're from a crappy breeder - like my boy..
My girl on the other hand came from a great breeder and she was as chilled out as a puppy as she is now! Everyone thinks she's old because she's that relaxed! 'Is she very old?' 'No she's 10 months old'

I don't think mine are mad but I've put a lot of time training them and still do - they're certainly better trained than any of my friend's dogs(!) Maybe some boardsies who've met them can confirm lol!

So is best place to find a reputable breeder the kennel club? And what makes a crappy breeder or a great breeder? Sorry if silly question all new to me!

DBB

Choc Chip wrote: »

Though you could be waiting a while for particular breeds - I hardly ever see cavs... and breeds like pugs get snapped up almost instantly.

You might be surprised! The rescues that specialise in certain breeds get a huge amount of dogs surrendered to them "on the quiet" directly from the owners, with no big fanfares to get the dog out of the pound or similar emergency.
Because these specialist rescues usually have a waiting list of people, many dogs come in, get prepared, and get moved to their new homes without ever once appearing on any websites!
I know that this certainly applies to the Cavalier specialists

Choc Chip

DBB wrote: »

You might be surprised! The rescues that specialise in certain breeds get a huge amount of dogs surrendered to them "on the quiet" directly from the owners, with no big fanfares to get the dog out of the pound or similar emergency.
Because these specialist rescues usually have a waiting list of people, many dogs come in, get prepared, and get moved to their new homes without ever once appearing on any websites!
I know that this certainly applies to the Cavalier specialists

That's rather lovely DBB!!

ShaShaBear

DBB wrote: »

You might be surprised! The rescues that specialise in certain breeds get a huge amount of dogs surrendered to them "on the quiet" directly from the owners, with no big fanfares to get the dog out of the pound or similar emergency.
Because these specialist rescues usually have a waiting list of people, many dogs come in, get prepared, and get moved to their new homes without ever once appearing on any websites!
I know that this certainly applies to the Cavalier specialists

The only Cavalier-specific one that I know of advertises very regularly that they don't rehome to houses with kids under 5 though, or is that something they put up to deter people?

DBB

ShaShaBear wrote: »

The only Cavalier-specific one that I know of advertises very regularly that they don't rehome to houses with kids under 5 though, or is that something they put up to deter people?

I'm not speaking for them because I don't know, but maybe there's wriggle room depending on circumstances. Quite a few rescues are hesitant/cautious about placing dogs with really young kids.

ShaShaBear

DBB wrote: »

I'm not speaking for them because I don't know, but maybe there's wriggle room depending on circumstances. Quite a few rescues are hesitant/cautious about placing dogs with really young kids.

I did wonder, because we were looking to adopt from them before Opie came along and to constant posting that rule put us right off!

wdmfapq4zs83hv

I just met a tiny Yorkshire terrier and I cannot believe she was 14 yrs old! She looked only a few weeks. There were 2 of them but the other was much bigger. Owner said big one was crossbreed, Small one purebred & that's the size of the purebred ones. She really was tiny. Are yorkies that small??

wdmfapq4zs83hv

Just read yorkies not great with small children oh well...

ShaShaBear

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

Just read yorkies not great with small children oh well...

Quite a few terriers aren't great with children. As for size, a lot of people are duped into buying "teacup" or miniature Yorkies, because they think it is a breed in itself. Its usually just two runts bred to produce smaller puppies, aka not good! With the ages of your kids, I wouldn't be going near any dog that small OP.

DBB

The tiny ones are called teacup Yorkies, created by breeding the smallest dogs to create tiny, dwarfed dogs. Contrary to what their owner told you, these tiny dogs have only very recently become popular, and whilst "teacup Yorkie" describes its size, it is still a bog standard yorkie in all other respects.
To the best of my knowledge, they're prone to a lot of health problems, and many seem to be nervy, anxious little things... This alone makes them a risky choice for children (though I do admittedly know one who is devoted to his owner's young son), but they're also not robust enough for any rough and tumble with kids. Accidentally drop or trip over a dwarfed yorkie, it's going to end up in the vets.
A dwarfed yorkie might just reach 1kg in weight, whilst a normal Yorkie is closer to 3kg in weight, some are a little bigger again.

padzer

ShaShaBear wrote: »

When it comes to kids under 5, and especially under 3 - I'd always say to steer clear of a puppy. It's essentially another baby to toilet train, that will teeth and cause untold destruction in the house. A rescue at around the year mark who has been in foster with children would be best. You'll likely get a house trained, lead trained and socialised young dog with proven ability to cope with young kids and you still get the 12+ years of life from them

Sound advice there.

We have 2 children under 5 and after deciding to get a dog had been going up to Ashtown pound to walk their dogs for a few weeks. It gave us a chance to see which breed we would like to get.

Had settled on a Lurcher and had been booked to pick a certain one up, was 2 or 3 years old and so placid and laid back. On the day we were to collect him, we got a call to say the dog had been collected by his owner. We were gutted, but that day got a call from <snip> to say they had a Lurcher that had been thrown out on the M50. Poor thing, couldn't say no when we seen her.

She was only 3 or 4 months old, so required toilet training and had a habit of jumping up on the kids, also ran the cat out of what was her home.

Have her about 6 months now, did a course of obedience training which has sorted out the jumping up and is great on the lead and now sleeps in her crate. Amazing to watch the speed of her off the lead in the park chasing a ball and socialising with other dogs. Still terrorises the cat though, and chews absolutely EVERYTHING, nothing is safe, kids toys, shoes, skirting, doors. Also has the back garden destroyed from sprinting up and down it.

She is a great dog and part of the family now but it is pretty much like having another child with the amount of care and attention that is required.

Choc Chip

Carla Ancient Fishnet wrote: »

So is best place to find a reputable breeder the kennel club? And what makes a crappy breeder or a great breeder? Sorry if silly question all new to me!

The kennel club is a good starting place, but not a guarantee that the breeder is reputable. Breed clubs may be able to recommend a breeder, but really the main points I would want to be satisfied on are (and I haven't ever bought a puppy, only rescued so other may have more):

- See the mother (father may be a stud dog and not present). Are you happy with her temperament - is she shy, nervous/ confident, happy?
- What temperament do the puppies have? Are they shy ,confident, happy, nervous? Puppies temperaments vary (we had 2 fosters from the same litter that were like night and day) but they shouldn't be cowering away from you.
- See where the puppies were raised - I'd want them to have been raised in the home and be used to household noises/ interaction with people.
- Ask what socialisation the breeder has carried out - have the pups been exposed to kids, cats, other dogs...?
- Health tests - research the breed's specific health issues and ensure that the breeder has tested for these (e.g. syringomyelia in cavaliers).
- Worming, initial vaccinations and microchip - are these done? It's now illegal to sell a pup without microchipping.

Red Flags:
- Being told that something happened to the mother so you can't see her.
- Arranging to meet to give you the puppy halfway (so you don't see where it was raised).
- Being told that the breeder will forward you the papers later.

Sorry about the length!
Edit: There is a sticky in this forum on puppy farm awareness - that's worth a read if you do go down that road rather than rescuing. It goes through the above and more - I just should have linked to that.:rolleyes:

wdmfapq4zs83hv

padzer wrote: »

Sound advice there.

We have 2 children under 5 and after deciding to get a dog had been going up to Ashtown pound to walk their dogs for a few weeks. It gave us a chance to see which breed we would like to get.

Had settled on a Lurcher and had been booked to pick a certain one up, was 2 or 3 years old and so placid and laid back. On the day we were to collect him, we got a call to say the dog had been collected by his owner. We were gutted, but that day got a call from <snip> to say they had a Lurcher that had been thrown out on the M50. Poor thing, couldn't say no when we seen her.

She was only 3 or 4 months old, so required toilet training and had a habit of jumping up on the kids, also ran the cat out of what was her home.

Have her about 6 months now, did a course of obedience training which has sorted out the jumping up and is great on the lead and now sleeps in her crate. Amazing to watch the speed of her off the lead in the park chasing a ball and socialising with other dogs. Still terrorises the cat though, and chews absolutely EVERYTHING, nothing is safe, kids toys, shoes, skirting, doors. Also has the back garden destroyed from sprinting up and down it.

She is a great dog and part of the family now but it is pretty much like having another child with the amount of care and attention that is required.

Thank you these are the type of posts I need to read, the reality! I know they chew everything but never occured to me they would chew skirting etc! Its s great idea to go and walk the dogs at tje rescue I didn't know you could do that. I will definitely look into that