Decisions for getting a dog

[JudyC]

We did have a dog from when she was a puppy until she was 14, but it's seven years since we lost her.
At the time I said it wasn't right to get another dog. My working hours had increased and the kids were grown up and moving away to Uni etc. I just felt we didn't have the time to devote to a dog.
Now I only work a half week and DH doesn't start work until the afternoon. Our oldest son lives a ten minute walk from us.
I'm almost on the point of getting a dog. I say almost as there are still some decisions to make . What breed of dog? A puppy or a rescue.
I'd like a labradoodle as they don't tend to shed and seem quite easy going.
DH like spaniels but do they tend to be a bit hyper?
Our last dog was a cross breed, she had beagle in her so could be a bit naughty and take off over the fields now and then. And she wouldn't settle out in the car or if we sat outside a pub . I really want a dog we can take out with us easily.
I'm just still nervous about committing and getting it right.

[scottishmum]

We have a cocker spaniel , two types working and show cocker.
Worker needs lot more stimulation and excercise than the show , show needs much more grooming etc though.

Both types are great dogs , they are easy to train and happy dogs.

Our cocker can have as much excercise outside or have a 15 min walk and he’s happy.
He will sleep same whatever he’s had lol.

[JudyC]

I'm happy to have a dog which needs some grooming. And we do walk a lot, can easily spare at least an hour to hour and a half each day in the week and longer at weekends.

[aqualiv]

I left it a long time between dogs and like you’re doing thought long and hard about the breed
What dogs are you drawn to when out and about?
Do you want a large dog or a smaller one
Have a look at temperaments online to find a good match

You could go and have a look round a local rescue or look on their website


We d always had spaniels before and I wanted a change
As much as I love spaniels and always will, I wanted a more chilled dog this time with no groomer visits

[JudyC]

I'd prefer a non shedder minimal if possible. Our last dog shed all year round and it was like tumbleweed if I didn't hoover every day. Also our daughter is a bit sensitive to hairs if not quite allergic. She doesn't live with us but does visit when she can.
A medium dog, not too yappy, likes long walks but equally happy if left 4 hours max now and then.
I do like collies as well as labradoodles. A friend has two , the first a rescue is really easy going, the puppy seems a bit more of a handful.

[JudyC]

Oh and I like Labrador's but they can shed a lot? Hence me considering a labradoodle

[Stitchesmumanddad]

I have a cockapoo. Best dog Ive ever owned or known. Loving, friendly, kind and so easy to look after. Everyone loves my dog

[scottishmum]

I brush my cocker spaniel most days , he never sheds , it’s a myth that long haired dogs shed and you find hair all over.

In contrast my neighbour boxer constantly sheds and it’s sharp like little hairs , also with labs I believe.

[scottishmum]

Originally Posted by Stitchesmumanddad

I have a cockapoo. Best dog Ive ever owned or known. Loving, friendly, kind and so easy to look after. Everyone loves my dog

See more...

We have lots of cockapoos Aron shore, lovely little dogs.

[sparklegirl]

We have a wee rescue Tibetan Terrier and she is a joy. She doesnt shed and has a lovely nature, We had looked at all kinds of breeds but discounted any that were crossed with poodles as I had read in a few places that they tended to be needed and suffer separation anxiety. We went on a few lists but said we would take a puppy or a rehome and thats what we got. Ours is 6 and had been a breeding pup living in outside kennels her entire wee life. She is a such a sweetheart and is a great size, although she is tiny for her breed. we have all adapted to living together beautifully and we cant imagine life without her now.