Where to find a puppy...

Kinski

Person_one wrote: »

As a breed for young children, I can't recommend bichons highly enough. They are a good size for little ones, they are very easy going, tolerant and relaxed and I've never met an aggressive one. Of course, its still very important that they are raised and trained properly, and they do require a fair bit of grooming but if you keep their coats short its not really much trouble.

I'm still recommending rescue, of course!

You've not seen my Ellie in full flight :rotfl:, to be fair to her she's an ex breeding !!!!! that was used and abused by some sod of a puppy farmer just to make money. Bichon's are great wee dogs and so affectionate, I'd love another one but my oh went a funny colour when I mentioned it .

Gingham_R

BubblyMumbles wrote: »

Rescue centres are full of pups at 6 months to a year cos that's when it becomes 'too difficult' for people. Play biting is what they do, it's up to you as the owner to teach them not to, you don't just rehome them.

It's true that there are an awful lot of pups this age in rescue centres and I agree that it's probably because of how hard it is at around this age.

That said, if someone wasn't aware of how hard it would be and it became too difficult for their family to cope, rehoming is a much better option that what happened to our rescue pup - who was a stray and quite poorly as a result. It's also a better option than keeping the dog and not giving it the time and training it needs and ending up keeping it outside in a kennel to bark at everyone who passes all day long out of boredom and frustration.

People make mistakes and I'd rather applaud them for trying to put it right than condemn them.

Edit - it really is flippin hard work! Our pup is on a long lead round the kids and will be until the mouthing stops. But I knew that would be the case and it's a job I feel able to take on. If I hadn't researched dog behaviour, checked out different breeds and how rescue dogs need extra support, I'd have been completely overwhelmed by what is totally normal puppy behaviour and not had a clue how to handle it.

BubblyMumbles

Person_one wrote: »

Sorry, but that's rubbish. You're more likely to get a nip from a poorly trained dog, a frightened dog, or a pup removed from its mother too young.

Size and gender have nothing to do with tendency to bite, where did you pluck that gem out of the air from? :rotfl:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2254479/Sausage-dogs-are-the-most-aggressive-dogs.html

There's one source about size, there's plenty of info out there if you want to look for it.

I thought most people that knew anything about dogs were aware of that? It's hardly new news. :rotfl:

Myrtle77

BubblyMumbles wrote: »

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2254479/Sausage-dogs-are-the-most-aggressive-dogs.html

There's one source about size, there's plenty of info out there if you want to look for it.

I thought most people that knew anything about dogs were aware of that? It's hardly new news. :rotfl:

I think that report says more about the kind of people who get small dogs than it does about small dogs themselves.

You could say much the same about staffies. They're not horrible dogs at all, it's just that a lot of horrible people get them, and that's how they end up with their reputation.

candjsmum

Yes I have to agree, you dont just rehome a pup because it gets too much of a handful. Ours normally starts nipping and biting when she's hyper and wants to play. My children then spend about half an hour playing with her to distract her from biting. When she gets too much we put her into her "crate" to calm her down. They do grow out of it but it is very hard work.

Caroline_a

I cannot believe the bit in that report that said the American woman had to have her dachshund put down because he chewed her big toe off!!. Now, I've had dogs all my life, and some have been pretty competent chewers. But if I had no feeling in my toes... why would I have a pup in bed with me????? Some people.....:huh:

Gingham_R

Caroline_a wrote: »

I cannot believe the bit in that report that said the American woman had to have her dachshund put down because he chewed her big toe off!!. Now, I've had dogs all my life, and some have been pretty competent chewers. But if I had no feeling in my toes... why would I have a pup in bed with me????? Some people.....:huh:

Got to admit, I'm not a stupid person, but it hadn't occurred to me that a dog might chew off my toe.

Person_one

Gingham_R wrote: »

Got to admit, I'm not a stupid person, but it hadn't occurred to me that a dog might chew off my toe.

Never had a pup? Nothing is safe that doesn't object.

RHYSDAD

rising_from_the_ashes wrote: »

Have you considered looking at a rescue - many are overflowing with dogs & pups needing homes.

An animal rehomed from a rescue will make just as good a pet as one from a breeder .....

We visited a rehoming place not too far from us and we met a gorgeous little Yorkie/Jack cross that's around 18 months old and just lovely. Calm, confident and in good health. She walked well with us, was completely relaxed with our two boys and, after youngest let go of her lead, came back to my wife with a furiously wagging tail. If she's not claimed before, we collect her Monday. Got her jabs, microchipping and spaying lined up ASAP. We can't wait to get her now!! Thanks for the replies re this thread!!

hethmar

Hope it all goes well and pleased that you adjusted your ideas a bit It sounds an interesting cross, Ive met a few of that cross and they are a delightful handful - ideal for kids I should think. Do get her insured asap too. Let us all know how you get on.

If the boys have never had a dog before, please make them absolutely aware she isnt a toy (seen too many dogs in rescues or put down due to kids being over boisterous with them and getting nipped - or indeed one poor little dog who was blinded by a toddler who thought poking things in her eyes was ok).