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New puppy - should we or shouldn't we?
I would love to have a dog, but it seems such a big undertaking, I don't know where to start. Other people I know just seem to jump in with both feet, but I'm a bit more cautious than that!
We always had dogs at home when I was a child, but I can't really say I was that aware of their needs and care etc.
We have 2 cats, a rabbit and 2 guinea pigs at the moment, so we are more than capable of caring for pets. I feel, though, that a dog would be such a wonderful addition to the family, as I can clearly remember the joy and pleasure they brought to my childhood.
I'd like to hear any advice on breeds which would be good with children (oh, yes, forgot to mention we have 3 of those, age 11, 9 and 6!), good with cats and don't need tons of exercise. I love the look of Westies - would they fit the bill?
TIA
We always had dogs at home when I was a child, but I can't really say I was that aware of their needs and care etc.
We have 2 cats, a rabbit and 2 guinea pigs at the moment, so we are more than capable of caring for pets. I feel, though, that a dog would be such a wonderful addition to the family, as I can clearly remember the joy and pleasure they brought to my childhood.
I'd like to hear any advice on breeds which would be good with children (oh, yes, forgot to mention we have 3 of those, age 11, 9 and 6!), good with cats and don't need tons of exercise. I love the look of Westies - would they fit the bill?
TIA
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First let me say how refreshing to hear of someone really giving this subject some thought before rushing in and getting a dog.
If you decide to go ahead, please ensure that you only get one from a reputable breeder. There are people on here who can put you in touch with people, rather than just answer an ad in the local free paper or go online without knowing anything about the breed/breeder. Make sure any
health checks for that breed are done, and that the breeder is offering lifetime support.
Check what health issues are involved, i.e. Cavaliers have heart problems, Westies have skin problems and many breeds have inherited eye conditions. Reputable breeders will only breed from stock that is tested or free from such conditions, whereas some people will breed from their dogs without even knowing there is a problem in the breed.
Now breeds, it would be a good idea to visit a dog show or a country fair and chat with people who have different breeds, and find out about their good and bad points. If you let me know which area you are in I can let you know what is on in the near future. Make a short list and decide what you want from a dog, things like short or long coat (are you willing to groom it or pay someone to clip the coat), big or small, dog or bitch, eat a lot or is cheap to keep, etc.
Hope this has given you something to think about, and feel free to ask any more questions. Good luck.
If you decide to go ahead, please ensure that you only get one from a reputable breeder. There are people on here who can put you in touch with people, rather than just answer an ad in the local free paper or go online without knowing anything about the breed/breeder. Make sure any
health checks for that breed are done, and that the breeder is offering lifetime support.
Check what health issues are involved, i.e. Cavaliers have heart problems, Westies have skin problems and many breeds have inherited eye conditions. Reputable breeders will only breed from stock that is tested or free from such conditions, whereas some people will breed from their dogs without even knowing there is a problem in the breed.
Now breeds, it would be a good idea to visit a dog show or a country fair and chat with people who have different breeds, and find out about their good and bad points. If you let me know which area you are in I can let you know what is on in the near future. Make a short list and decide what you want from a dog, things like short or long coat (are you willing to groom it or pay someone to clip the coat), big or small, dog or bitch, eat a lot or is cheap to keep, etc.
Hope this has given you something to think about, and feel free to ask any more questions. Good luck.
I would love a dog. I have pondered whether to get one since I stopped working about 3/4 years ago.
I have a couple of cats - so it is a major decision. Are they going to terrorise a puppy?
I wish you well in trying to make this decision. Dogs take so much work and it would be like deciding whether to have another child.
Best of luck.
I have a couple of cats - so it is a major decision. Are they going to terrorise a puppy?
I wish you well in trying to make this decision. Dogs take so much work and it would be like deciding whether to have another child.
Best of luck.
Wolf is right, the decision whether or not to get one in the first place, whether you have the time to spend bringing up a puppy, whether there is someone at home to look after one, whether you have the time, money and inclination to provide for a dog for anything up to the next 12 - 15 years or more are all far more important considerations that have to be gone into before you even think of which breed.
Sorry, but I've got to stick my five pence worth in here; when you're thinking of a dog, PLEASE consider a rescue. I've had two rescue dogs, Jasper who was border collie/greyhound and was wonderful with both adults and children, and Jasmine who we have now and who is pure border collie and just as good with children.
I don't know what your chances of a small dog from a rescue centre are, but I believe they do have them, only perhaps not as many as larger dogs, but for me there are just so many dogs out there desperate for homes, it seems a shame to go and buy one.
Also (and this is experience speaking), Jasmine is only 10 months old and she's done a little bit of chewing since she arrived. However, she's house trained and quick to learn. I don't think I could even contemplate a tiny puppy with pee and poo all over the place and teeth into everything! Most rescue dogs are past the point of disaster, which has to be an advantage!
I don't know what your chances of a small dog from a rescue centre are, but I believe they do have them, only perhaps not as many as larger dogs, but for me there are just so many dogs out there desperate for homes, it seems a shame to go and buy one.
Also (and this is experience speaking), Jasmine is only 10 months old and she's done a little bit of chewing since she arrived. However, she's house trained and quick to learn. I don't think I could even contemplate a tiny puppy with pee and poo all over the place and teeth into everything! Most rescue dogs are past the point of disaster, which has to be an advantage!
Westies are great little dogs but do need a lot of excercise as do most small terrier type dogs, as a dog walker I've walked 4 so far and none of them were very good with cats. As Lankeela says they can suffer from skin problems 3of the ones I took out had,also most terrier types need a lot of mental and physical stimulation otherwise they can become very destructive, people tend to think because a dog is small it doesn't need much excercise but I've found it's the other way round, Anyway good luck in finding the right breed, you sound a sensible person. Gelda
Good advice from everyone, thank you.
I actually think this is a harder decision than having a child!! At least when having a child, we get advice from the professionals every step of the way (not always good advice, but that's another thread!)
lankeela, we're in East Yorkshire, I like your idea of visiting shows to talk to breeders, and also I agree with your comments about the local press - I'm not keen at all on simply finding a 'breeder' that way either. I also take your comments about having the time to devote to a dog, this is why we've waited until the children are as old as they are, I finally feel that I do have the time. Also I only work 2 hours each morning, and am at home the rest of the day, and we live near the most wonderful expanse of common pasture which is heaven for exercising.
julia, I've been thinking of rescue dogs, although as you say the smaller breeds are few and far between, but bearing in mind gelda's comments it seems I made a mistake in assuming that smaller dogs=less exercise, so size may not be so much of a deciding factor. My only reservation about rescue pets is that our cats have all been rescue cats and have all come with problems (which I've been able to cope with as I'm used to cats). However being new to dogs, I'm not sure I could cope in the same way - although as I type this, I'm realising that there's just as much chance of finding a problem with a puppy and I'm sure I'd learn to cope, so maybe it's not such an issue - OK, I'm waffling now!
You've all given me good points to think about, thank you again. I'll do what lankeela suggests and find some reputable people to talk to, also I thought I'd have a chat with the people at Dog's Trust, where my daughter sponsors a dog. It's obviously not something we're going to rush into, so watch this space for the next batch of questions!
Thank you all again.
I actually think this is a harder decision than having a child!! At least when having a child, we get advice from the professionals every step of the way (not always good advice, but that's another thread!)
lankeela, we're in East Yorkshire, I like your idea of visiting shows to talk to breeders, and also I agree with your comments about the local press - I'm not keen at all on simply finding a 'breeder' that way either. I also take your comments about having the time to devote to a dog, this is why we've waited until the children are as old as they are, I finally feel that I do have the time. Also I only work 2 hours each morning, and am at home the rest of the day, and we live near the most wonderful expanse of common pasture which is heaven for exercising.
julia, I've been thinking of rescue dogs, although as you say the smaller breeds are few and far between, but bearing in mind gelda's comments it seems I made a mistake in assuming that smaller dogs=less exercise, so size may not be so much of a deciding factor. My only reservation about rescue pets is that our cats have all been rescue cats and have all come with problems (which I've been able to cope with as I'm used to cats). However being new to dogs, I'm not sure I could cope in the same way - although as I type this, I'm realising that there's just as much chance of finding a problem with a puppy and I'm sure I'd learn to cope, so maybe it's not such an issue - OK, I'm waffling now!
You've all given me good points to think about, thank you again. I'll do what lankeela suggests and find some reputable people to talk to, also I thought I'd have a chat with the people at Dog's Trust, where my daughter sponsors a dog. It's obviously not something we're going to rush into, so watch this space for the next batch of questions!
Thank you all again.
xanderma, I am so excited for you, and so pleased you've come to ask advice here, there are some very knowledgeable people, and it seems you've met some of them already :)
I can't tell you how happy having a dog makes me...even at 6.30am in December!! He is my reason for getting up in the morning (especially as it's currently my summer hol, so I would otherwise just be pootling around!) and is a pleasure to be with. We have a Collie, almost 3, and he is my first dog, so I have had a lot to learn! There are plenty of very informative and accessible books you can get hold of. I think if you pick the "right" dog for you and your family, you are set for a lifetime of happiness, provided, of course, that you can meet its needs and wants for upwards of 10 years.
They are a huge commitment, but then, you sound very committed, so no problems there! It sounds as if you have the perfect conditions into which to bring a new dog, and you will make a dog very happy! Jack, our dog, isn't child friendly AT ALL, so I am always cautious-but I would suggest the same rule applies overall: don't leave kids unsupervised with a dog. I am sure you will be sensible enough to know that!
A rescue dog would love a forever home with you, and I am very inclined to suggest you visit local rescues. They will do very stringent checks to ensure the right dog for the right home, and will match a dog to your lifestyle. It may take a while, but it's so worthwhile. The only risk with a rescue dog, especially a slightly older one, is that the rescue may not hold comprehensive history for it, and so wouldn't be certain about suitability for kids. However, I am sure they wouldn't give you a dubious dog, as they are very careful. And as long as you are careful too, there won't be a problem.
I can't tell you how happy having a dog makes me...even at 6.30am in December!! He is my reason for getting up in the morning (especially as it's currently my summer hol, so I would otherwise just be pootling around!) and is a pleasure to be with. We have a Collie, almost 3, and he is my first dog, so I have had a lot to learn! There are plenty of very informative and accessible books you can get hold of. I think if you pick the "right" dog for you and your family, you are set for a lifetime of happiness, provided, of course, that you can meet its needs and wants for upwards of 10 years.
They are a huge commitment, but then, you sound very committed, so no problems there! It sounds as if you have the perfect conditions into which to bring a new dog, and you will make a dog very happy! Jack, our dog, isn't child friendly AT ALL, so I am always cautious-but I would suggest the same rule applies overall: don't leave kids unsupervised with a dog. I am sure you will be sensible enough to know that!
A rescue dog would love a forever home with you, and I am very inclined to suggest you visit local rescues. They will do very stringent checks to ensure the right dog for the right home, and will match a dog to your lifestyle. It may take a while, but it's so worthwhile. The only risk with a rescue dog, especially a slightly older one, is that the rescue may not hold comprehensive history for it, and so wouldn't be certain about suitability for kids. However, I am sure they wouldn't give you a dubious dog, as they are very careful. And as long as you are careful too, there won't be a problem.
That was a bit blah sorry! It's just so nice to hear people thinking before they just acquire a dog. Even after research etc., I still had no idea what actually owning a dog would be like! I am on a constant learning curve, and most of what I do centres around him. Morning walk, midday walk, teatime walk, evening walk! No holidays unless my partner is able to dogsit, as I wouldn't ever put him in kennels. No long days out without him! But I chose that, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Lots of luck in your search, I am thrilled for you :) x
Lots of luck in your search, I am thrilled for you :) x
The dogs trust is a great place to start. If you visit their site:
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our_centr es/
they give lots of information on rehoming dogs etc. They also show some of the dogs at each centre and give you a history/any problems they may have.
The only thing I would say is follow your head NOT your heart!
Good luck!
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our_centr es/
they give lots of information on rehoming dogs etc. They also show some of the dogs at each centre and give you a history/any problems they may have.
The only thing I would say is follow your head NOT your heart!
Good luck!
There are almost 200 breeds of dogs recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK. Most people tend to look at the same few breeds, Labs, Westies, Cavs, Russells, but there are many more that would probably be more suitable.
There are also several native British breeds that are under threat because their numbers are dwindling due to people not knowing about them. There is a special promotion of these breeds going on, and they include such breeds as the Sealyham Terrier (like a Westie but no skin problems),
Smooth Collie (like Lassie but short coat), Cardigan Corgi (like the Queens but slightly bigger and with big ears and bushy tail), King Charles Spaniel (like a Cavalier but smaller and turned up nose), Field Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Deerhound, Bloodhound, Otterhound, and several more.
Have a look at the Kennel Club site http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk and click on buying a dog for further information on breeds.
Taking on a rescue dog is a great thing to do, but many of them are in there for a reason and novice dog owners might find some problems difficult to cope with. Same as with crossbreeds, unless you know precisely the temperament and size of the parents you never know what you are going to end up with.
There are also several native British breeds that are under threat because their numbers are dwindling due to people not knowing about them. There is a special promotion of these breeds going on, and they include such breeds as the Sealyham Terrier (like a Westie but no skin problems),
Smooth Collie (like Lassie but short coat), Cardigan Corgi (like the Queens but slightly bigger and with big ears and bushy tail), King Charles Spaniel (like a Cavalier but smaller and turned up nose), Field Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Deerhound, Bloodhound, Otterhound, and several more.
Have a look at the Kennel Club site http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk and click on buying a dog for further information on breeds.
Taking on a rescue dog is a great thing to do, but many of them are in there for a reason and novice dog owners might find some problems difficult to cope with. Same as with crossbreeds, unless you know precisely the temperament and size of the parents you never know what you are going to end up with.
Depending on how far you are prepared to travel, here are some dates and venues where you can see either one breed of dog or many different ones.
Sunday 26th August at Newark Showground (all breeds)
Sunday 2nd September Humberside Cavalier Club (Harworth)
Yorkshire Pekingese (Oulton Institute), Yorkshire Afghan (Carlton Towers), Yorkshire Collie (Snaith)
Sunday 9th September Rotherham CS (Dearneside Leisure Centre - all breeds), Sheffield Bulldog (Arkwright Centre)
Saturday 22nd September North Lincs (Newark Showground- all breeds)
This is just a few and shows go on most weekends so if you find a breed you are interested in I will let you know where you can see them and chat to the owners, otherwise just go along to any of the shows.
Sunday 26th August at Newark Showground (all breeds)
Sunday 2nd September Humberside Cavalier Club (Harworth)
Yorkshire Pekingese (Oulton Institute), Yorkshire Afghan (Carlton Towers), Yorkshire Collie (Snaith)
Sunday 9th September Rotherham CS (Dearneside Leisure Centre - all breeds), Sheffield Bulldog (Arkwright Centre)
Saturday 22nd September North Lincs (Newark Showground- all breeds)
This is just a few and shows go on most weekends so if you find a breed you are interested in I will let you know where you can see them and chat to the owners, otherwise just go along to any of the shows.
lankeela, thanks again for some good advice. I take what you say about the possible temperaments of rescue dogs - yes, there will be good and bad, as with our cats, but as I said before, I felt equipped to deal with the cats' problems, but wouldn't be with so equipped to deal with a dog in that way - you are right in what you say there.
Thank you for the details of the shows - most are well within reach. Also some interesting points on disappearing breeds, not something I was aware of at all. This is obviously a subject that matters a great deal to you, you have a wealth of knowledge!
I know that this is something we are definitely going to do, I'm mentally going through all the practicalities such as day trips and holidays with a dog, and so far I've answered all my own questions on how we'd cope!
I do appreciate the time you've taken to help me - now I'll go off and do some research and make my decision - watch this space, I'll be back!
Thank you for the details of the shows - most are well within reach. Also some interesting points on disappearing breeds, not something I was aware of at all. This is obviously a subject that matters a great deal to you, you have a wealth of knowledge!
I know that this is something we are definitely going to do, I'm mentally going through all the practicalities such as day trips and holidays with a dog, and so far I've answered all my own questions on how we'd cope!
I do appreciate the time you've taken to help me - now I'll go off and do some research and make my decision - watch this space, I'll be back!
xanderma, I can't wait! lankeela makes a good point bout rescue dogs, they do often come with baggage. Many will take just that bit more time and effort-but so so worth it if you can! Google Greyhound Rescues for example, not suitable for you with your cats, but just an idea of the kind of dog you could have (it's a shame, as greyhounds are lovely pets, and often very child-friendly by all accounts).
I just want other dog owners to be happy, as I am with Jack, and wish more people had the utter delight of owning a dog.
Your thoughtfulness and consideration is so good to see, and I hope you find the perfect dog for your lifestyle. The Dog's Trust website partners Welcome Holiday Cottages, which has its own website accessible through a link on DT. Most cottages are pet-friendly, and are in some fab locations, with pubs nearby for sitting outside for tea, and plenty of long and lovely walks! So you could spend the next 15 years doing a tour of all the pet-friendly holiday cottages in the UK!
Woof woof
I just want other dog owners to be happy, as I am with Jack, and wish more people had the utter delight of owning a dog.
Your thoughtfulness and consideration is so good to see, and I hope you find the perfect dog for your lifestyle. The Dog's Trust website partners Welcome Holiday Cottages, which has its own website accessible through a link on DT. Most cottages are pet-friendly, and are in some fab locations, with pubs nearby for sitting outside for tea, and plenty of long and lovely walks! So you could spend the next 15 years doing a tour of all the pet-friendly holiday cottages in the UK!
Woof woof
Just wanted to say we were in the same situation and had been for some years, as my children if you can call them that now are 19 and 25, and both have always wanted a dog and I was adamant that we wouldnt be able to give it the time and to be honest I didnt fancy picking up its poo! But we did some research, bought some books asked other dog owners questions and finally decided on a border terrier called Harvey, he is now 11months old and he has been with us since he was 10 weeks old and I can honestly say I dont regret a minute of it he is a complete joy, always pleased to see you, wagging his tail so much that he almost falls over, and he has been so easy to train, mind you all that was a little embarrassing at first the sight of 4 adults clapping and saying good boy whenever he did a wee or poo in the back garden! but Hey it worked, and we have had no chewing, although we always make sure he has plenty to play with if he is left at any time. So I would say go for it, but just be aware of vet bills etc, ! We wouldnt be without him now and he is thoroughly spoilt as you can imagine, even by our extended families.
I am a rescue dog. I have baggage, but then who does not? I have made the hairless family I live with, very happy. (before me they kept crying about their previous dog).
Its better here with settees, people, warmth, than at the rescue centre. The rescue centre is full of lovely people but they couldn't take me out for a walk every day let alone twice. I had toys but no one to hang on to the other end or to throw them for me.
I am so grateful to them, but apparently I have brought more joy to their lives than I can ever receive in kind.
Its better here with settees, people, warmth, than at the rescue centre. The rescue centre is full of lovely people but they couldn't take me out for a walk every day let alone twice. I had toys but no one to hang on to the other end or to throw them for me.
I am so grateful to them, but apparently I have brought more joy to their lives than I can ever receive in kind.
My name is Frankie and my sister and I are rescue cats. We settled into our new home brilliantly.
Before us, years ago, our human had a rescue mutt - a Lab/GSD mix and he was not a nice doggy. Our human loved him but he only liked her and tried to kill everybody else. People had been bad to him.
But not all rescue dogs are like that, this mutt was 5 years old before he moved in with our human. He lived until he was 14. He wasn't much of a cat lover!
Compared to cats dogs are pants, but we still wish you luck in finding a new dog.
Frankie and Merlin
Before us, years ago, our human had a rescue mutt - a Lab/GSD mix and he was not a nice doggy. Our human loved him but he only liked her and tried to kill everybody else. People had been bad to him.
But not all rescue dogs are like that, this mutt was 5 years old before he moved in with our human. He lived until he was 14. He wasn't much of a cat lover!
Compared to cats dogs are pants, but we still wish you luck in finding a new dog.
Frankie and Merlin
we have cats, chickens and 3 kids similar age to yours - last year we made the decision that we wanted a dog and did visit the local and not so local rescue places but couldnt find anything for us.
in the end we researched breeds and ended up with an irish red setter puppy - he's now 20 months and is super, last week we took on a collie/lurcher rescue girl who is 15 months old and needed a home urgently - we know very little about her but she is fitting in well here.
we chose a puppy first as it was out first dog and youngish kids who werent confident around dogs, they have grown up around our setter and were happy to take on our rescue girl.
at the time we didnt know much about dogs with baggage and werent confident about taking such a dog on, do your research first and puppies arent all poo and widdle, we had very accidents and have more now with our rescue girl !!
in the end we researched breeds and ended up with an irish red setter puppy - he's now 20 months and is super, last week we took on a collie/lurcher rescue girl who is 15 months old and needed a home urgently - we know very little about her but she is fitting in well here.
we chose a puppy first as it was out first dog and youngish kids who werent confident around dogs, they have grown up around our setter and were happy to take on our rescue girl.
at the time we didnt know much about dogs with baggage and werent confident about taking such a dog on, do your research first and puppies arent all poo and widdle, we had very accidents and have more now with our rescue girl !!
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