Best option for new dog

gettingready

I never seen a dog that would make me puke either - it was a figure os speech, comparison whatever you want to call it.

I do not just like GS, but GS is the only dog I would personally have.

With staffs I do not like the shape, the jaw, the lot.

And I like mastifs, boxers, bulldogs (bigger jaws etc) etc but staffs just not a dog I want to be around at all.

cepheus

I didn't really want this thread to drift onto arguments about breeds just the best option of acquiring one, or if I should at all.

Sally_A

cepheus wrote: »

I didn't really want this thread to drift onto arguments about breeds just the best option of acquiring one, or if I should at all.

Going back to thread No 1, I reckon an adult, maybe 3 - 5 years old, possibly a greyhound rescue would suit you. They love sleeping, are usually laid back, but will happily go on long jaunts (but would probably need to be kept on a lead as they are sight hounds).

cepheus

Yes I can imagine there are plenty of greyhounds in need of care. Short life together though.

troubleinparadise

Hi Cepheus,

As a dog owner myself, apart from my own preferences, I have to consider what arrangements I have to make if I go away or need someone to come in to deal with my dog.

So an amenable dog, such as the majority of labradors, who will be predictably good natured and accepting, who can either be walked by someone, or lodged elsewhere, would be high on my list.

Another breed I like are the Scottish terriers, or West Highland terriers - a smaller dog with lots of personality, but usually not the "attitude" of some other types of terrier!

Whilst I'm supportive of the idea of rescue dogs, I also have to consider that I need a dog that doesn't have "problems" and will have a predictable nature; because I don't have the time to deal with a dog with potentially 24/7 issues, and which will fit in with my life as well as myself with the dog's needs.

And if you have to go out for a few hours during the day, a mellow dog (back to labrador again!) can cope, whereas a more highly strung dog (like a spaniel or collie) often can't, and it isn't fair on either side to have the wrong dog in the wrong situation.

OK, that's me in my situation.

But in simple terms of great companionship, perhaps a feeling of security in the home, and a motivation for a structured daily routine, what a good idea - its a win/win in my eyes.

gibson123

I am very lucky, I have just adopted an 18 month old, well trained jackadoodle with perfect manners, apart from a dislike of other dogs, (we are working on this). I got him as he was living with his older brother and a lovely family, however he was attacked by an out of control sheepdog when out on a walk and began being anti-social with other dogs including his older brother. His owner couldn't retrain him as he was bullying the older dog and it was just too difficult with the dogs in one house. Anyway I got speaking to her and she knew I lost my old dog (17 years old) in the summer and asked if I would be interested in taking her dog. I have always taken rescues and had some lovely dogs however I have also had my furniture totally eaten, my neighbours upset and had to do a lot of work with all the dogs for them to regain their confidence and trust. We have always suceeded.
My advice is to put an advert in Pets at Home and on Gumtree offering to re-home a dog, people's circumstances do change, and there are often good families looking for a new family for their pooch. In terms of breeds, I think it comes down to personalities, I personally am not keen on staffies, I find them a bit boring and plodding, every rottweiller I have ever met is a big softie but a little bit stupid, collies can be hyper and unsettling, terriers can be yappy and territorial, I prefer mongrels really and also love any gun dog type personality, happy to settle down in the evening but will walk for miles and don't get into a state every time I put the washing machine on. So for me it is the labradors, retrievers, spaniels that I like best. Then terriers and collies.

cepheus

< this one I used to look after for someone (on some workdays) was a very affectionate dog, socially excellent with people and dogs, but was very greedy and would backtrack for any food it remembered, and would make for any muddy water from a distance of 300 metres. It's lab mate, another rescue dog stole every tennis ball in the district into her mouth.

No dog is perfect, especially if third hand.

Helen2k8

OP you could try fostering an "oldie" - they will probably have a routine, will appreciate someone being around, be less inclined to charge around like a lunatic i.e. easier to manage without an enclosed garden

You mention being in a back-to-back - my experience of the Victorian version is that the stairs are very steep - something to consider with teeny and/or old dogs.

Some massive jumping-to-conclusions here about reasons for not wanting certain breeds! OP, you will know when you find the right dog.

cepheus

There are Border collie and Lurcher homing centres near to were I live.

http://www.thebordercolliespot.com/dogs-needing-homes

http://www.lurcher.org.uk/dogs-to-adopt

The Border Collie who lives next door has manners of a saint. Similar with a Border collie/Jack Russell cross I know, but I doubt if that would be the case with a rejected dog who may have been mistreated.

As far as I can see all re-homing centres insist on a wall and home visit so until/if I get a tallish one built which would be rather unsightly due to fact that it is a front garden, it makes a dog rather academic.

I may ask if they will accept fostering on a temporary basis.

3v3

I have just adopted a dog from a well-known rehoming centre. It is something I have been musing over for quite some time but only recently has it been possible to make it a reality.

He wasn't given up due to being mistreated but due to recently developed health issues with his previous owner who's GP recommended the dog would need to be re-homed; so, please do not assume that rescue dogs have mistreatment in their history as it's not always the case.

His first birthday is in a week's time, so he's still a puppy (albeit a very large thing!)

The home visit only took place when we had chosen him, made a few visits and verbally rubber stamped our decision. The purpose of the visit was (and this is a direct quote who came!) "to ensure you have a patch of grass and secure fencing".

However, there is one part of my fencing which is not 6' but waist high; I told them we were in the process of getting a "man-who-can" to sort that out (which we are and which will be done later this week) but my point is, we were permitted to adopt him *before* this work is carried out and *without* them asking to check that it has indeed been carried out In other words, maybe not quite so "academic" as you first believe?

Clearly you would need to walk your dog on a lead for toilet breaks (instead of merely letting it out the front door for a quickie in an unsecure front lawn area) because you do have an obligation as a responsible owner to keep it on a lead in public areas, but I think you already realise that anyway.

I hope you find a way around any perceived "issues" and find what you are looking for.