Dogs

[Funkymoover]

Hubby has finally caved and agreed we can get a dog. We've had cats before but never a dog. We both work, we have 2 kids (9 & 10).

My sister has offered to come and let the dog out at lunchtime or have the dog at hers sometimes, I only work 25ish hrs a week over 4 days so will have time in the morning/evening to walk it.

I have no real idea where to start looking for a dog, hubby would like one of the white scotty dogs, is this a good idea, will one of these be any good with the kids? I'm not fussed what sort of dog but prefer not to have a big dog so any suggestions of what to go for would be good I'm happy to have a rescue dog if they are suitable for us

[gforce_iom]

The Kennel Club website is a good place to start or ask friends and relatives of reputable breeders in your area.

[DJBenz]

Consider a rescue dog. There are many beautiful dogs in need of homes that could benefit from a loving family environment.

[RT7]

Originally Posted by DJBenz

Consider a rescue dog. There are many beautiful dogs in need of homes that could benefit from a loving family environment.

See more...

Couldn't agree more

[yogadeb]

Rescue All the way . So many dogs desperate for homes ending up in rescue through no fault of their own . It's terribly sad and they just crave love and good homes . Please consider rescuing one . I have 2 rescues and they are great dogs .
And I've got 2 kids and never had a problem with behaviour as I've been prepared to put the effort in to training it which all dogs need ( not just rescues) plus my kids have always been taught to respect animals so don't pull them about etc .

[IAN2003]

i don't regret getting our dog but they do need constant attention and plenty of walking, just leaving them on there own for a few hours at a time can cause distress because they think your abandoning them so this cause real stress to them. i would think about it a bit longer if i was you and see if you can really give the dog the time that it needs. we're fortunate enough that Lynne only works nights so i'm there when she's not and Lucy gets all the attention she needs, but if that changed, i don't know what we'd do.

[secretivemum]

I would be tempted to say steer clear of a rescue dog if this is your first ever dog, they tend to need more work and experience...our rescue centres near us wouldn't let us have a rescue centre until our youngest was 10 so you might struggle anyway.
A little scotty dog would be as good a breed as any if you get it from a good source...make sure you meet its mum and preferably see it in its normal surroundings so you can see if it is happily pottering around with its brothers and sisters or whether it is sitting in a corner growling!
Most dogs are fine with children as long as you put the hours in when the puppy is small...we use a crate and the children know that if puppy goes into its crate then it is not to be disturbed, the crate is the pups den and safe place and should be treated with respect. If puppy has gone to his den to be quiet for a bit then let him...this was the hardest thing my children found when they were younger - they wanted pup to play all the time which wore him out and made him grumpy!
We did lots of research before choosing our pup and we walked him for nearly three months before we actually got him as we wanted to be absolutely sure that we had time for him in our lives. Our imaginary dog walks used to cause quite a stir in the park especially when DS2 insisted on picking up the imaginary dog poo and taking it to the bin

[WhereIBelong]

You need to be 100% committed to having a dog.

They need to be walked in the rain as well as dry, and when you are tired, or ill. They need to be cared for if you want to all go out shopping or to the cinema - are you going to go see a film and than a meal out or a day out at the shopping centre, next city? Who will let the dog out?

I would not do it if I worked full time - depends on the hours you are working and how long you can take off work to settle a new dog/pup in - they cannot be left for more than an hour or 2 when very young - or your "toilet training" is going to take a looooooooooooooong time.

It is a big commitment, not one I wanted really, but everyone else wanted one, so I caved - on condition I don't go back to work full time. I'm still not sure who got the best end of the deal

[Enchanted]

I'd go with the majority and consider a rescue dog.
Not all rescue dogs are 'problem dogs' who require specific training. There are many many in rescues who are perfectly well trained, socialised, well-behaved etc who are in a rescue through no fault of their own (moving, emigrating, owner death/bereavement, allergies, illness etc etc). Considering the amount of time you're all out of the house - an already trained rescue could be far more suitable than a puppy. I wouldn't consider a puppy if it's going to be home alone for so long. It will need constant attention at first to be settled in, trained etc

[Lell]

We have bred a couple of litters of Border Terriers and I would say you definitely want to see mum and pups in their own home. A decent breeder will ask about your home situation, I don't object to working families but like to know arrangements will be in place for the pup during the day. I also think taking about Two weeks off work when the pup arrives is good to try to establish a routine and work on toilet training. I always give my pup owners a puppy pack including food and the pups are vet checked and had their first inoculation so ask about these sorts of things. See how mum interacts with you and your children. As well as our 4 Borders we also have a rescue pointer. He is fantastic but not sure I would recommend a rescue as a first dog especially with children. You will find breeders advertised on Champdogs.