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Rescue Centres Closed. Where to get a pup?

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  • 26-03-2020 8:32pm
    #1
    Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭


    Now that we're home for the foreseeable future, we've decided we can invest the time into training a puppy.
    We are a family of two adults and three children (aged 10-13). Ideally, we'd like a small dog. We have a secure garden.

    The problem is all the rescue centres around us seem to be closed. We submitted a questionnaire online to <snip>and did a phone interview. We have passed their criteria to get a puppy but they have none available and they said to call back in 2 or 3 weeks and they might have something.

    However, I feel that would be valuable time lost and I'm now wondering should we go privately. I have no idea how to find a reputable place.

    I looked up the Irish Kennel Club but it seems you need to know the breed you want in advance. There are so many options. It's a bit mind boggling.

    I've looked on dogs.ie and while most of the pups I looked at seemed to be IKC registered and vaccinated, the ones I liked the look of weren't so I'm wondering does that mean they're likely to be from a puppy farm.

    Thanks in advance for any advice.


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    #2
    alias no.9
    Registered Users Posts: 6,266 ✭✭✭alias no.9


    Ring your local vet, they may know of someone whos dog has had a litter of puppies who need homes.

    Once you're not after a dog with papers or some designer breed posh mongrel, there are always dogs who need good homes.


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    #3
    JustAThought
    Registered Users Posts: 5,323 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    seems like a great time to get a puppy when everyone has time and is trapped inside with lodes of energy to commit!! I didn’t realise when I got my dog that different dogs have different characteristics based on what they were originally bred for and this this affects their breeds typical energy levels and daily needs. so for example dalmations were bred originally as carriage dogs to run behind the coaches of nobility and so have LOTS of running daily needs. Ditto Hungarian Vizlas who were bred to hunt deer for aristocrats and so have huge daily energy needs. Ditto sheepdogs who are supersmart and like to organise and herd anything including often small children or cats and like to obsess with balls or chasing after things you throw for hours on end. Some dogs shed a lot and hve reputations as being snappy and/or agressive eg - Jack Russels., Some are known for their kind family like temperments - Retrievers & Labs, etc etc. Everyone says lurchers are couch potatoes and only need about half an hour off lead run a day, and we all know the myth of labradoodles/cockapoos being non shed is totally unreliable and that thou small they are often really high energy and need lots of exercise.

    Its really worth thinking about the breed before you fall in love with puppies or decide based on price. Ifs also really worth scrutinising the value of having a restricted breed dog as there are strict rules regarding them
    not being allowed off lead and always being muzzled in public and in parks - and many people are very quick to be abusive to you or your kids if you have one. The shelters are literally full of them or mixes of them which are still liable to the same restrictions as fullbreeds.

    I found when I was looking hat the kennel club wanted only to recommend their registered breeders and a very limited number of them - as I dis not fancy spending 2 or 3k on the type of dog I wanted I went elsewhere.

    Its worth waiting and biding your time as the puppy or breed may not be available the wek or day you want to buy/adopt one. For the right breed and dog, it really is worth taking your time.


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    #4
    Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭Chocolate


    By dogs with papers, do you mean certified to be a particular breed. (You can tell this is my first time venturing into this forum in Boards!)

    No, having a particular breed doesn't bother us.
    A small dog that is family friendly would be ideal.

    Now I'm sorry if I'm about to offend you all straight away but I'd rather not have a pug or a staffie. They might be lovable but the look of them turns me right off. Not that I'm a model myself, mind you!


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    #5
    Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭Chocolate


    Just thought, thank you for your long reply.

    We live in a semi- d with a small garden and would be able to offer a dog about 1 hour exercise in a day over maybe two half hour walks.

    We will not be getting a restricted breed dog.

    So we're hoping for a dog who would be content with that amount of exercise.


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    #6
    Del2005
    Registered Users Posts: 18,915 ✭✭✭✭Del2005


    Chocolate wrote: »
    By dogs with papers, do you mean certified to be a particular breed. (You can tell this is my first time venturing into this forum in Boards!)

    No, having a particular breed doesn't bother us.
    A small dog that is family friendly would be ideal.

    Now I'm sorry if I'm about to offend you all straight away but I'd rather not have a pug or a staffie. They might be lovable but the look of them turns me right off. Not that I'm a model myself, mind you!

    Don't overlook ex racing greyhounds, they only need a bit of a walk and then will lounge around all day. A lot of small dogs have lots of energy and this down turn won't last as long as a dog, will your kids/you still have the time to walk and entertain an active dog when back to school and work?


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    #7
    Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭Chocolate


    Del2005 wrote: »
    Will your kids/you still have the time to walk and entertain an active dog when back to school and work?

    Well, a walk half an hour twice a day, with a bit of play here and there in the house is what I'm guessing if I'm being realistic.
    My eldest, in particular, is dog mad and will give loads of attention. The other pair will likely give it sporadic attention.

    The greyhound, I've heard is a lovely dog but another one whose look I just can't warm to. I know it shouldn't matter and I feel a bit guilty about it but there you go.


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    #8
    JustAThought
    Registered Users Posts: 5,323 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    At least you know what you like and don’t like! What age is your eldest and how soon will s/he be off dating and gone to college!!

    I met a man with a newfoundland puppy (40kg!) and its mammy yesterday and he assured me it only needed a half hours walk every day !


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    #9
    JustAThought
    Registered Users Posts: 5,323 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    there is this website which shows a picture of the different types of dog and if you go into the breed details it gives you a bit of an idea of what to typically expect in the context of height, etc. Its UK based so ignore the rest! Might give you some ideas of what might or might not suit! ( when you are looking in rescues etc) . You need to go directly into the dog breed section - ignore the search.

    petsforhomes.co.uk


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    #10
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    I’m sure that the council pounds are still operating, even if not open to the public.

    I second the retired greyhound!


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    #11
    DBB
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 9,729 Mod ✭✭✭✭DBB


    Hi OP,
    Forgive me for asking, but you don't mention it... is your normal lifestyle (whatever normal is these days :o) a suitable one for owning a dog? So, for example, when things get back to normal, how many hours would the dog be alone for during the week?
    Again, apologies if you've already got this sorted!
    For what it's worth, many of the rescues have pretty much had to grind to a halt because the process involves volunteers doing home visits, and transport, and dogs need trips to the vet prior to adoption... all of these activities are either curtailed, or simply not possible now, as long as the social distancing requirements are in force.


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    #12
    strandroad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,676 ✭✭✭strandroad


    OP if the rescue is responsible it's closed... if the people running it come down with the virus who is going to look after the dogs?

    You may want to tune into your local social media, there might be cases of abandoned puppies near you. Otherwise it's definitely worth it to use this time to do your basic research into general types of dog breeds and their respective needs for when you can return to <snip> etc.

    If not a greyhound perhaps a lurcher? Such easy dogs, and unfortunately puppies are easy to find.


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    #13
    Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭Chocolate


    We'd be gone for about 6 hours in the day from September.
    But my next door neighbour who is dog mad has offered to step in to allow the dog out for wees.
    My childminder has also offered to mind the dog during the day too.
    Both have their own dogs.
    My husband will be working at home sometimes too.


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    #14
    Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 142 ✭✭Chocolate


    I wasn't complaining about the rescue centres being closed. Not at all! It's essential that they close.

    I was just saying I need help to find a puppy as I'm new to all this. I don't want to inadvertently support the puppy farm industry so I thought I'd seek advice here.


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    #15
    DBB
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 9,729 Mod ✭✭✭✭DBB


    Ah brilliant! You've obviously thought it through beyond the next little while. If you do get a pup, I'd strongly suggest you do what too many new owners don't think of doing... even though you're home, you need to get pup used to spending time alone during the day.
    Being home 24/7 is an excellent opportunity to do this gradually, so that by the time September rolls around, your new pup will be well used to, and happy with spending time alone :)
    I can't help you with where to get a pup from, because of the widespread shutdown, but whilst I know you're mad keen to get a pup as soon as possible to make use of this time, don't feel under pressure to take the first one that comes along, unless it's what you're looking for.
    The very best of luck with your search now :)


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    #16
    JustAThought
    Registered Users Posts: 5,323 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    I also found this which might interest!

    https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/finding-the-right-dog/non-shedding-breeds-of-dog/

    Its from the uk kennel club site so should be fairly accurate rather than a lot of the lists on the internet that seem to be mad finger in the wind jobs. Use it with the breeds section on the other website & it might help! Obviously being the kennel club it dosn’t mention the halfbreed fashions but they are genetic luck of the draws in what you might get Inbox.


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    #17
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,024 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    AIGRC posted this earlier so I assume it’s be the same for other clubs?

    “ Please Note
    It has been brought to our attention that our Club Secretary has been inundated with calls from people looking for puppies. The Club are NOT aware of any available litters at present. Please be patient, God willing when we get over this virus we would expect that members may mate their bitches, meantime please remember that quite a lot of Breeders won’t be keen about having a litter as it involves meeting future owners etc in their homes.

    We thank you for your patience “



    I had been hoping to get a pup in a few months but the whole pandemic situation means I can’t do the kind of socialisation I’d want to do - I already have spooky boy Bailey so I need to be able to make a pup as bulletproof as possible so it doesn’t pick up on big bro’s fears.


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    #18
    Springwell
    Registered Users Posts: 531 ✭✭✭Springwell


    I have a litter now (not suitable pets, working gundogs) and they are going nowhere for the foreseeable future. Travelling to collect a pup is not essential travel and they're sold to homes 2-14 hours away.


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    #19
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,024 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    Springwell wrote: »
    I have a litter now (not suitable pets, working gundogs) and they are going nowhere for the foreseeable future. Travelling to collect a pup is not essential travel and they're sold to homes 2-14 hours away.

    You can post pics for us and still maintain social distance!! :D


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    #20
    Springwell
    Registered Users Posts: 531 ✭✭✭Springwell


    Voilá. A week old today.


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    #21
    cocker5
    Registered Users Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    Springwell wrote: »
    I have a litter now (not suitable pets, working gundogs) and they are going nowhere for the foreseeable future. Travelling to collect a pup is not essential travel and they're sold to homes 2-14 hours away.

    Working gun dogs? Not suitable as pets?

    I adopted a ex working gundog 11 weeks ago who was dumped Offaly pound then a rescue centre saved him and he’s most definitely a pet .. loves his comforts ... took him a week or two to settle and not to think everyone was out to hurt him but now he’s an amazing dog and I can only imagine how more he’ll progress over the coming months!

    A springer .. wouldn’t be without him!


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    #22
    JustAThought
    Registered Users Posts: 5,323 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    georgous snoozy pups - for now!! I think s/he means their lunatic energy levels! Fair dues to you - is there a pic of your adoptee!?


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    #23
    Springwell
    Registered Users Posts: 531 ✭✭✭Springwell


    cocker5 wrote: »
    Working gun dogs? Not suitable as pets?

    I adopted a ex working gundog 11 weeks ago who was dumped Offaly pound then a rescue centre saved him and he’s most definitely a pet .. loves his comforts ... took him a week or two to settle and not to think everyone was out to hurt him but now he’s an amazing dog and I can only imagine how more he’ll progress over the coming months!

    A springer .. wouldn’t be without him!

    :rolleyes: I'm a vet and I also work for a gundog rescue. ;) I would not recommend this litter to any pet home that wasn't already committed to an active sport - "walks" do nothing for these guys, they need a job! Litter was sold to field trialing homes before my girl was mated and there's a waitlist.

    Also, my workers are all pets, all live in the house and two sleep on my bed...they have comforts but they're most definitely happiest when working.


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    #24
    Springwell
    Registered Users Posts: 531 ✭✭✭Springwell


    JustAThought wrote: »
    georgous snoozy pups - for now!! I think s/he means their lunatic energy levels!

    Yup, energy and drive in trial bred dogs just don't suit pet only homes, not that most gundogs aren't working pets. Rough shooting/Woodcock type dogs make much better pets, generally - I have a rescue one of those too currently


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    #25
    gmisk
    Registered Users Posts: 32,043 ✭✭✭✭gmisk


    Lots of people here recommending greyhounds.
    They do seem to make great pets. The ones I tend to meet have a lovely temperament.

    I am a bit biased as I have one but a french bulldog could make a good pet. There are a few rescue groups on Facebook which I would recommend, if you want to buy one go via IKC only some seriously dodgy sellers about. They can have some health problems so do your due diligence. Also always insist on meeting the mum and dad and ensure they well cared for.
    Our fella is 3 had him since 8 weeks we visited him about 4 times before taking him home and zero health issues...bar rolling a grass seed into his cheek!
    Put the training in at the start and definitely get them used to being alone for some time.
    Myself and my husband both work but I do flexi and he does shift work, so longest our fella is alone would be 6 hours, two decent walks a day.
    Good luck!


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    #26
    makeandcreate
    Registered Users Posts: 451 ✭✭makeandcreate


    JustAThought wrote: »
    At least you know what you like and don’t like! What age is your eldest and how soon will s/he be off dating and gone to college!!

    I met a man with a newfoundland puppy (40kg!) and its mammy yesterday and he assured me it only needed a half hours walk every day !

    But to really give a Newfoundland a good home you have to give them swim time. They are amazing in the water - I looked after a pair of elderly Newfies and was amazed when the elder one, that was deaf and doddery must have smelled the water and ran across a road to get into a river then swam like a baby. After that we were a regular feature - me in the river waving sausage rolls trying to get her out again! Not giving the dog their natural scope is not fair.
    Now I've a Bull Terrier - rehomed him - a total different animal - he's a tough twirling loon for a while,then a chilled out family guy - and have emergency housed 3 others in the past 2 years as people buy them and then cannot cope with them at 18 months/2 years.
    If a puppy buyer Needs advice - ask someone with a 5 year old dog or a 15 year old dog that they like. And most of all let them realise - it's that long. My kids will hopefully leave home before the Bullie does ....


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    #27
    cocker5
    Registered Users Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    JustAThought wrote: »
    georgous snoozy pups - for now!! I think s/he means their lunatic energy levels! Fair dues to you - is there a pic of your adoptee!?

    Here you go!! Here’s Cooper!

    What I will say is yes I agree they are not for the faint hearted, full of energy, ball / fetch obsessed .. but that’s grand for us we’re doing 25km hike with him this Saturday! Plus he’s get 7km walks each day!

    As did our cocker whom we lost in August!


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    #28
    volchitsa
    Registered Users Posts: 7,024 ✭✭✭volchitsa


    Springwell wrote: »
    :rolleyes: I'm a vet and I also work for a gundog rescue. ;) I would not recommend this litter to any pet home that wasn't already committed to an active sport - "walks" do nothing for these guys, they need a job! Litter was sold to field trialing homes before my girl was mated and there's a waitlist.

    Also, my workers are all pets, all live in the house and two sleep on my bed...they have comforts but they're most definitely happiest when working.
    Gorgeous pups, Springwell. I love Springers.

    I have am question about that: do you not occasionally get pups that just can't hack it as gun dogs though? Afraid of the noise etc.

    Or is that a problem with pups from certain dogs only, like a genetic tare?
    Because my (very limited) understanding about dogs bred for hunting is that it happens fairly regularly, but I've no idea whether it's random or traceable through gene lines.

    Or maybe it's always down to poor training techniques by the owner? I've heard you can get sheepdogs that end up being bullied by the sheep if they're put to work too young/in the wrong conditions!


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    #29
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,024 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    volchitsa wrote: »
    Because my (very limited) understanding about dogs bred for hunting is that it happens fairly regularly, but I've no idea whether it's random or traceable through gene lines.

    Is this is actually a thing though? I wonder is this just something rescues say - 99% of people I've met who've rescued a gun dog have been told by rescue that the dog is gun shy when it was spooky/hyper, or not soft mouthed enough when it was chewing the house down.... but how does a rescue know this when so may dogs have no history coming into a rescue? :confused:


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    #30
    JustAThought
    Registered Users Posts: 5,323 ✭✭✭JustAThought


    they may also like the odd sheep snack or be too vigalent in herding and nipping them to get it right -dog OCD /overbred! I used own and train a gundog - you have to introduce them to guns gently and patiently and in a particular way and train them properly - not every dog thst is the breed is a ‘ natural’ or is afept at what it is supposed to be good at -eg a retriever that will retrieve but will mash it on its way back or whose mouth is always too hard or who will swim after prey but not understand that if its still alive and flying/swimming it can’t just keep following it until it reaches Wales etc . Some dogs are so obsessive at what they do that they are no good at the full picture! And some dogs are just missing an essential bit of the overall picture that makes ttem the Rainman of the pack -brilliant at the bit they do well but no good in the overall context!


    COOPER that is a fabulous looking very regal looking dog! I’d say he could but and sell you! Georgous! Enjoy your 20k walks!!!!


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    #31
    CelticRambler
    Registered Users Posts: 6,720 ✭✭✭CelticRambler


    Something else to bear in mind at present: puppy vaccinations are not (necessarily) going to get done at the usual times, which will have a knock-on effect on when you can take them out once restrictions are lifted.

    And also: I don't know what the situation is like in Ireland right now, but here in France although vet practices are theoretically open, a lot of them have suspended their normal work and have placed their staff and equipment at the disposal of the local hospitals (something similar is being done in the UK). This means they are no longer really available to deal with the kind of accidents that tend to happen to pups.


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