What's the best way to find a puppy?

remembered_nights

We got our lovely cats after seeing notices in shop windows... Don't think it works that way for puppies though! Our last dog was from a rescue now closed down (well it was, erm, about 20 years ago!)

We're in the north-west if that helps? Not looking for a pedigree

SpoonyOh

Ask your local vets, look in the local free newspapers, avoid pet shops and breeders if possible (force of habit, you can ignore me on the last two if you want).
I just Googled this if it's any use: http://www.dogpages.org.uk/nth-west.htm
Does it have to be a pup? Plenty of older dogs need homes...

Kimberley

Why not phone the RSPCA or Dogs Trust for your local branch and go from there. Good luck in your search

Kimberley

SpoonyOh wrote: »

Ask your local vets, look in the local free newspapers, avoid pet shops and breeders if possible (force of habit, you can ignore me on the last two if you want).
I just Googled this if it's any use: http://www.dogpages.org.uk/nth-west.htm
Does it have to be a pup? Plenty of older dogs need homes...

It's not really advisable to look in the free ads papers, you gets loads of BYB and scammers on there. Also those who steal pets from gardens tend to sell them on there.

foreign_correspondent

Yes you are right - shop window ads are not the way to go, please do not support the breeding of more pups when so many nice, healthy dogs are being pts, and so many pups are turning up in rescue because litters are not selling due to the credit crunch at the moment. Also, pregnant b1tches often turn up in rescue and when their pups are born they need homes too.

Absolutely loads of pups in rescue at the moment all over the place - how about joining dogpagesand having a look?

Here are some that I found and posted for someone else yesterday - not in your area, but just to let you know they are out there! Also, there are loads of lovely adult dogs, many come already housetrained and much less demanding than a pup. (past the chewing, needing to be let out in the night, weeing and pooping everywhere stage! - yes pps are cute but give me an older sensible doggy anyday! lol!)

It says poss lab x collie?:smileyhea
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/in...owtopic=184194

these are lovely - terrier x's :rotfl:
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/in...owtopic=183818

These are lovely and from the super rescue where my Badger came from! (ok I am posting gratituous puppy pictures now! lol)
http://mayflowersanctuary.com/dog-re...g/bellas-pups/

foreign_correspondent

what sort of dog are you looking for anyway - I know you arent bothered about a pedigree, but any ideas on size and type of dog? short haired, long haired, energetic, placid etc?

You say you have cats - do you have kids and do you work full time? (a pup is not going to settle well in a full time working home and is likely to have lots of problems and its not fair on the pup, an older dog may be ok if someone can let him out at lunchtime)

orlao

If you have a certain breed in mind, contact the breed rescues.

I know that Rottweiler Rescue Trust for instance, ( not saying that you are looking for a Rott) are getting loads of breeders asking them to rehome litters that aren't selling!

The breed rescues are also very good at pointing you in the direction of reputable breeders if you decide to buy....after all they are cleaning up after the "bad" breeders IYSWIM.

Penny_Watcher

As you're in the North West your local Dogs Trust is the Merseyside branch.

Be prepared to wait for a while is you want a puppy. A friend of mine had months to wait, but she's had a bad experience trying to rehome a retired greyhound so she was firm she wanted a pup this time.

Also some shelters don't encourage rehoming pups in the lead up to Christmas for obvious reasons.

Good luck in your search for a new pal

Kerriebaby

Depends entirely on what you want out of a dog. I am currently looking at breeders for my next dog ( know what breed I want and why, had them before )

have a look on https://www.dogsblog.co.uk. lots of rescues there

remembered_nights

Not sure what kind of dog really - medium sized and likes walks? I will check out all the links guys, thanks!

We have been looking at a puppy as thought it might be hard to find an older dog who already gets on with cats. And there is someone home full-time. And, well, they're cute

Kerriebaby

We have been looking at a puppy as thought it might be hard to find an older dog who already gets on with cats. And there is someone home full-time. And, well, they're cute

would you be interested in a GSD x Rottie? I happen to know of a litter that is heading into a rescue very soon