Puppy Advice (merged)

DKLS

There is only one dog for a family that I would recommend .... a Basset Hound, fabulous temperment, very entertaining yet stubborn with it.

I am surprised at the amount of working breeds suggested on here, I wouldnt have a Springer or a Collie for a family, unless its for a very active family.
I once spoke to an old gundog trainer at the Yorkshire show, who had bred Springers for 40 years, I asked him do they ever calm down?, His reply which I will never forget, in the broadest Yorkshire " Ay lad bout 10 mins before it dies"

Kimberley

By getting a dog from as rescue as Sammy has said, the dog will be put with the right family. We don't rehome a stray for instance with people with young children because we don't know their background.

We get loads of dogs come in that are brilliant with kids, the two I have now love kids to bits. Some of the dogs we have for rehoming are still with their owners who will know everything about the dog.

Most dogs are ok with kids if treated well from a puppy, but to get an older dog then you must ensure the dog is ok with kids because of their past. Rescues like Battersea dogs home and my one will vet the dogs and test them with other dogs, kids and cats.

Also a rescue will be there for you and the dog for the rest of it's life if you ever face any problems.

Goodluck in your search.

spaceman5

how about a german short haired pointer, lovely temperant, and good with kids as well

andybodoyd

We got a golden lab 2 weeks ago (12 weeks old when we got her and our first dog ). She is generally very good and will already sit, lay and give paw when she is listening. But is very headstrong and is already quite a big girl and if her mind is elsewhere tends not to hear. It is very early days and takes time with training but she does usually have a mad half hour where she jumps up,is a bit bitey and grabs at clothing and holds on as if her life depended on it. Our kids are a little older but do find this a little difficult to deal with. With time and training she will be absolutely fine and she is already a positive addition to the family.

orlao

rev229 wrote: »

I am quite concerned that we will be turned away from rescue centres because of my daughters special needs. Our son will be devistated as will I as I really feel that having a dog would be so good for him.

I think you have to check out various charities policies, maybe by phone because some are more rigid than others about the rules they apply! I believe the bigger/better known charities are the most cautious.....I suppose they're not going to take the risk of bad publicity if goes wrong.

I spoke to my friend today and mentioned this thread.....she said that the reason she was refused was that her son who was 12 at the time was considered to be at risk from a dog because he may not understand "doggy" language and may not learn when to back off.....the whole communication thing IYSWIM. Also he has terrible tantrums from frustration so they were worried about the dogs safety also so maybe these things wouldn't apply to your DD? I'm sorry if I misled you, I only got this extra info today and TBH I don't blame the rescues, in these circumstances they were doing what they were meant to do.

f1re_cr4cker

have u considered a pug?? they arent yappy like most small dogs and are very affectionate and friendly, great with kids!

sammy_kaye18

rev229,

is it definately a dog you want as a pet or simply to please the kids? (im sorry if that sounds mean but you said you had to talk hubbie into it so would he be helpign or would you get the 'well you wanted the dog' speech on occassion?) but was thinking if it is merely a pet your after then maybe another animal would be better whereas a puppy takes alot of training and with the cautious nature of most rescues now with children. Maybe a different animal that still is very affectionate but needs looking after would keep your son happy, teach him to care for an animal and still be beneficial and good for the kids. For example do you have a garden? How about a bunny or guinea pigs?? They can sit and watch them run around in a run, learn about caring by cleaning them out, feeding them etc but also not much training and moneysaving as they can eat the grass when out in the garden and any veggies scraps?

Also you mentioned that your DD is timid near dogs and doesnt like them jumping up etc - I know this can be trained out of them but even a dog who is trained has excitable moments. Also would she just not like it or would it unnerve /upset her if the dog was to do this when you got it?

Im sorry if the post sounds funny - it is in no way ment to sound weird or whatever jsu tthere are plenty of smaller furries needing homes in rescues too and i wonder if a dog was somethign you all had your heart set on on merely were after a pet.

Lots of hugs and hope you find somethign soon

Sam
x

RooBee

andybodoyd wrote: »

We got a golden lab 2 weeks ago (12 weeks old when we got her and our first dog ). She is generally very good and will already sit, lay and give paw when she is listening. But is very headstrong and is already quite a big girl and if her mind is elsewhere tends not to hear. It is very early days and takes time with training but she does usually have a mad half hour where she jumps up,is a bit bitey and grabs at clothing and holds on as if her life depended on it. Our kids are a little older but do find this a little difficult to deal with. With time and training she will be absolutely fine and she is already a positive addition to the family.

Labs come in 3 colours: yellow, black and chocolate (sometimes known as liver). If you were sold a golden, then the breeder knew very little about Labs.

Sorry, off topic, I know but one of my pet hates and I'm not even a Lab owner!

sammy_kaye18

wait isnt that right then cos i always thoguht labradors were known as

golden labs (yellow ones)
black labs (black obviously)
and then there was brown/chocolate labs

Kimberley

Yes they are Golden Labradors. I'm no expert, I just googled golden labs