Failed Guide Dogs

PuppyLove_2

Hi everyone,

I want to get another dog and am thinking of a labrador. I do not want a puppy and was thinking about adopting a failed guide dog.

Does anyone know any information about this or how to go about it?

Failing this i would like a dog that is around 1/2 and already slightly trained, do not want to go down the puppy route.

I would like to rescue but me and partner work full time, my parents have my existing dog while we are at work as they are retired but rescues dont seem to like this.

Thanks for your help

Dollardog

Just a thought, labradors have their own rescue clubs as do most breeds, don't know what their policy would be if you told them about the arrangements.

Also, sometimes breeders have slightly older dogs for sale, sometimes it is because they have not done so well showing as they would have liked, sometimes they have bred from them just to get a puppy to show on and then want to find a good home. Or sometimes it might be an older unsold puppy, as some breeders don't always advertise they have pups for sale, preferring people to get in touch with them to see if they have any. As long as you make sure it is one that has lived in a house and not been kennelled all its life it should be at least part trained.
I have had three dogs in that way, one was 9 months and two have been about 2 years old when I got them because I couldn't have a puppy with my circumstances either.

HTH

Hillbilly1

Guide Dogs that do not pass to be fully qualified are called Alternative Career Dogs. Not all are rehomed as pets as they are used to working and go to military or security careers, whatever best suits them.

They are usually 1-2 years by the time a decision is made that guiding is not for them. Please bear in mind some may not make the grade due to behavioural issues and so although trained will need further help.

The regional centres organise the rehming so check the guide dog website and contact your loca one. There will be a mix of breeds on offer and the commonest they use is lab/retriever cross. Therefore being flexible about the breed you would like is key as there are long waiting lists.

As few fail and alternatives are found before rehoming it may also be worth looking at retired dogs.

mildred1978

We had one when we were growing up. She was lovely, and ready trained etc. I didn't think they failed as often these days as they've got better with the genetic mix........??

Katiehound

and as said before I think that they go on to other charities if at all possible- such as working for disabled people.

PuppyLove_2

Thanks everyone!

Ive had a look on the website and it says that you phone them to register your interest.

I would ideally be looking to get the dog at the end of July, do you think its worth me registering my interest now as there will likely be a long waiting list?

It says on the website that failed dogs are usually around 18 months old.