Considering a puppy, but what breed and from where?

hethmar

How old are the kids? Rescues vary and you may find a breed rescue a bit more relaxed over criteria, especially if the dog has a known history with children. A puppy will require a great deal of time to care for and train and I get the impression you dont feel you will have a lot of time?

gettingready

Of course I am going to suggest a GS... and of course from a rescue that will rehome with kids... BUt then I am a GS type of person so....

http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/

Dogs by Region menu on the left... Hmmmmm



I want them all... wish I had the space

This georgeous boy I have met as he is being fostered by a friend of mine - he is going to a new home on Xmas Eve

http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=825?osCsid=cbed5235687f2dd68c2174c933607fb9

bethie

what about a spaniel?!

Person_one

Have you actually spoken to people at the rescues or are you going off what they say on their websites?

I've found that most of them are actually more flexible than you'd think if you have a chat and explain your personal circumstances. On paper I'd never have been allowed to rescue, but here I am with two little dogs curled up on the sofa with me!

If you do find a rescue that's willing to work with you, I'd say don't get hung up too much on breed. Dogs are all individuals after all and you get some that are 'perfect' examples of their breed and some that seem to have an identity crisis, like my parent's terrier who think he's a collie (even does the drop and stalk thing) or my bichon who thinks he's a cat. Rescues will know the dog's personalities and will be able to match the right individual to your family generally.

Good luck!

Youdontseeme

bethie wrote: »

what about a spaniel?!

I was just about to suggest a Springer, although you say you like dalmations and they were bred for running over long distances. As with labs you have to be careful with their hips but I guess this is true for most dogs. They are also very loving and good with kids, they can be a bit potty though (or maybe that was just the one I had experience of!)

YDSM

Air_Cooled_75

Our Cocker is lovely, she's so good with the LO (he's 17 months, she's 2 and a bit) She went up Snowdon with my DH and a group of friends and coped really well. She also likes to have a run with any runners we see when out walking (she won't disappear and rarely goes from out of my sight) She's a fun little thing (although she isn't as small as some of the Cockers that we come across) Loves eating used tissues though, can sniff them out a mile off...

Caroline_a

Spinone.. run forever, fab temperament, lovely breed!

Griizelda

I have a flat coated retriever. He's now seven and we got him when the children were 15, 7, 3 and 14 months. Flat coats have very few health issues as they haven't been bred as extensively as some other breeds. He's a happy, friendly dog and loves everybody (it's part of their nature). He also lives very happily with four cats. Recall is pretty good, particularly with a whistle or the word "biscuit"! They're not small dogs though (although not a big as an Akita).

Chakani

Our children are 3 and nearly one. I have found that rescues generally are not willing to rehome younger or more energetic dogs where there are children. I have really gone down all the avenues I can find, and every rescue I've spoken to that says they do rehome "suitable" dogs, seem to view elderly or very sedentary dogs as the only suitable ones. If anyone is aware of a specific rescue, particularly in the South East, that will rehome pups or young adult dogs with young children, provided the adults are competent, I would be glad to know about it.

I am not lacking time to deal with and train a pup, as I am at home all the time, I am aware of the workload, and restrictions but I have to be realistic in that I don't have the available time to exercise the brain of a collie every day for the next 15 years - I know how demanding they are, and they really do take hours of work. That would be my breed of personal choice, but not the right one for us, now.

Person_one

Three and nearly one?

May I respectfully suggest that you hold off until your youngest is at least walking confidently? I know many people manage really well with dogs and babies but most of the people I know who are doing it are clear that its very very hard work and if they hadn't already had the dog when the baby was born they' have waited a few years.

A puppy especially seems like you'd be putting an awful lot on your plate! In 3 or 4 years you'll be able to enjoy the dog so much more!