New Dog At 1 Year Old Around 5 Year Old And 3 Year Old

[yellownana]

A girl on a Facebook website is selling a dog aged 12 months. It looks like he’s mixed with a staffy and boxer type dog. He’s very beautiful and I’d love to give him a home.

He has apparently been around children before and I have taken my girls to see him and he seemed fine.

He was found aged 12 weeks wrapped around a lamp post with some wire. He then broke his ankle at 6 months, which has now healed.

He’s house trained and fine around cats. My question is, would you buy a dog at this age if you have children this young?
People are saying I shouldn’t as he could turn on the children and obviously if this happened I would never forgive myself. My partner has suggested getting one from a pup, but personally would rather have one a bit older as he will be going to the pound otherwise.

I’m picking him up tomorrow for a few hours to see how he gets on. I just don’t know what to do now?

Has anyone ever bought an older dog around children and what are the chances of something actually happening?

[woofgang]

Too many imponderables. Shes SELLING him or he's going to the pound? Is everything you know about this dog what the FB girl has told you and do you know her apart from on facebook? Where did she get him from? how do you know he is housetrained and fine around cats?
Sorry but facebook is a bit notorious for people selling dogs and other pets and being...well...economical with the truth. Where did she get the dog from?

[Dizmo]

Cheers Woofgang :

[Dizmo]

There really is no right or wrong answer to this one.

We've re-homed over 170 dogs, some young and some very old. How they are with children is entirely down to past lifestyle and how the children are towards the animal. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are, in my opinion, very loyal to their owners and although some people think they are a menace I would disagree. However, they are built like houses and can get very boisterous - this could result in injury to your children even if he is just playing. Staffy's (especially young ones) like to throw their weight around.

[Dizmo]

Question the current owner;

Why did they take him at 12 weeks?
Why are they now wanting rid of him?
How did he break his ankle at the age of 6 months?

You need to question why the owner wants rid and don't always believe the first thing you hear. The stuff we get told when people dump animals on us is just pure fiction - people lie.

[Dizmo]

woofgang: Sorry I only just read your post. I'm all over the shop at the moment lol. You're right though, I wouldn't, and don't, trust Facebook.

[yellownana]

Why did they take him at 12 weeks? They found him wrapped around a lamp post with some wire so took him home.

Why are they now wanting rid of him? She has split with her partner and is living with her sick mum who cant look after him.

How did he break his ankle at the age of 6 months? He fell 'awkwardly' into a wall.

If she doesn't sell him he will have to go to a shelter. I don't know her no.

So confused now :-(

[ummmm]

I would not buy a dog from someone off facebook.

[anneasquith]

if he goes to a shelter he may well be assessed and rehomed.

[woofgang]

Ok, honest horrible answer. If it was me and I wanted to get a dog, then this is not how I would do it, especially with children in the mix. I would be going to a well run rescue that assesses the dogs in its care and will also assess you and your children and make sure that your choice of dog matches well with what you can manage. I would also think VERY hard before getting a dog so near to christmas. Any dog needs a calm quiet introduction to a new home and I am betting that calm and quiet won't describe your house at christmas.
I think that getting an older dog could be a good idea for you. Pups are lovely to have but blooming hard work especially with children, especially with a 3 year old. You will still be rescuing a dog if that is important to you.

Honestly I think this girl has got you by the heartstrings. I think that this decision is one that needs to be made firmly with your head for everyone's sake, including the dog you rehome. Sorry but I do.

[Prudie]

I wouldn't get a dog off FB either, it's far better that he does go to a shelter who can assess him and what kind of home he'd suit. And sorry I don't believe any of her reasons especially not falling into a wall.

[Dizmo]

Prudie: You know why he isn't at a shelter? because the current owner won't get paid for him.

This type of thing makes my blood boil and I am very open with people who come to us and say "I'll let you know, I'm waiting to hear back from someone on FB selling *******".

[Tilly2]

He'd be better off, in a good shelter, than being sold off willy nilly on Facebook.

[corylus]

Don't do it.

[FrogNog]

Let her take him to the pound and then make your enquiries with them.

[ladybirder]

You're not going to like my advice but reading your previous questions I don't think you are in a financial position to be thinking of taking on any dog. Also 3 months ago you were contemplating an abortion, having problems with your partner, not in a good place with your life so why on earth do you want to add a vulnerable dog into this mix? Facebook shouldn't be allowed to let the site be used to sell unwanted animals to anyone who wants them where they don't have to undergo the checks that a rescue would have in place. This poor dog needs a stable loving home for the rest of its life. Ask yourself if you can give him that.

[woofgang]

Hmmm looks like she doesn't like our answers......

[frugalfred]

I do voluntary work for a dog rescue charity (home checks, etc.) and under no cicumstances would we rehome a dog to a household with children under five years old.

[ladybirder]

Yes I was thinking the same wg. I fear for this dog, whichever way it goes.

[lankeela]

I have answered this on another thread, suggesting that the mix of dogs he is might lead to him being seized by the authorities as a Pit Bull type.