Getting a dog, puppy or older dog?

gingin_2

jumpedtheshark wrote: »

Haven't read every reply, but you can search here by breed: http://www.dogsblog.com/

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Awww! I want Nellie!

jumpedtheshark

gingin wrote: »

Awww! I want Nellie!

I surf that site all the time, much to DH's concern I'm waiting for us to move to a converted barn (dream home!) where older dogs with stiff joints can have a good home. I've managed to convince DH that we need to move to a converted barn, but haven't yet sold him on adding to the doggy family.

gingin_2

jumpedtheshark wrote: »

I surf that site all the time, much to DH's concern I'm waiting for us to move to a converted barn (dream home!) where older dogs with stiff joints can have a good home. I've managed to convince DH that we need to move to a converted barn, but haven't yet sold him on adding to the doggy family.

That really sounds amazing. I've always wanted (retired)greyhounds.

Beckyy

Pit Bulls are actually an illegal breed in the UK under the dangerous dogs act, so if they have infact been pit bulls you've seen they're either illegal or are probably staffies or staffie cross type dogs.

I would visit some local rescue centres and see how you feel about the dogs and avice they give. Make sure you think with your head, not your heart.

It's also worth calculating if you can afford a dog, as they can be quite costly, especially if any health problems crop up. There's no way to gaurantee a healthy dog whether pedigree or Heinz 57 rescue.

Maybe try a thread on the pets board?
Best of luck

Darren_G

I have always been a 'little dog' person with a soft spot for Jack Russells (having had several of them over the years) but have to say that the best thing I ever did was to get my Labrador.

We got him as a two year old from Dogs Trust in 2008 and he is the most quiet, loving and gentle boy you could wish to meet. I have had none of the mad yapping, snappiness or toilet issues that come with small dogs and it only costs around £4 a week to feed him (that's with Arden Grange salmon, topped up with some fresh chicken when we are having it - so you could cut costs even more if the dog was fed on something like Wagg).

If you get an older dog from Dogs Trust, they have had chance to develop their 'real' character, and also can be assessed by a behaviourist so that you and the dog can be properly matched. I still visit my local DT (Leeds) regularly and they are never short of smaller dogs - both crosses and pure breeds.

shegirl

If you have a lot going on and problems it isn't the best time for a dog -especially a puppy as they're a lot of work.

Avoid Gumtree like the plague!

Post on the pets board and also give your circumstances and they'll give you advice based on your family life and where to look for dogs

Never underestimate the cost of dogs either,and if you go for a breed that may be prone to certain conditions don't EVER touch a backyard breeder (they should always be avoided anyway).

shegirl

PuppyLove wrote: »

If your worried about paying £500 for a pedigree dog that has had health checks etc then maybe you shouldnt be getting a dog. Any dog will cost you way more than £500 when you think of buying beds, food, toys, lead, collar, injections, flea and worm treatment, insurance etc.

I have a beagle puppy, hes the best! 6 months old now and although he has been hard work i wouldnt change him for the world. Hes so friendly with humans and other dogs and has a lovely nature. Beagles are also known as having little health problems and being great with kids.

Beagles are the best:D Not cheap though!Paid £750 for mine but for a well bred,healthy pedigree that is raised properly you can't complain!

pelirocco

shegirl wrote: »

Beagles are the best:D Not cheap though!Paid £750 for mine but for a well bred,healthy pedigree that is raised properly you can't complain!

I would have said beagles are the worse lol , we took one on ( many years ago) as the previous owners couldnt cope with him , he was a nightmare , lovable , but still a nightmare !

shegirl

pelirocco wrote: »

I would have said beagles are the worse lol , we took one on ( many years ago) as the previous owners couldnt cope with him , he was a nightmare , lovable , but still a nightmare !

They take some training,they really do,but they are the most lovable,happy friendly little things:D

delain

Grooming should also be considered.. We took in a small poodle (supposedly temoprarily) when I was a child and he had to have regular trims around the bum or he would get very dirty doing his business. He was also extremely randy and used to 'get friendly' with any shoes that were left within reach :eek:

So you will need to consider both those things.