Rescue Dog Advice
Discussion
Hi
I'd (we'd) like a dog. The OH and I both love dogs and feel it's now time to take the plunge.
We'd kind of decided on a rescue, as my OH's family dogs have always been rescue-sourced and have always been great.
However, from researching what's available we're getting into a bit of a muddle and it's not really moving forward.
Our circumstances:
Would we be better with an older dog to start us off with? Or a younger pup that we can bring up 'our' way?
Any particular breed suggestions that's more 'easy going' for a relative first-timer than others? Any ones to avoid?
Or am I just straight over-thinking this?
I get that this isn't a scientific process, but any pointers would be useful.
TIA
I'd (we'd) like a dog. The OH and I both love dogs and feel it's now time to take the plunge.
We'd kind of decided on a rescue, as my OH's family dogs have always been rescue-sourced and have always been great.
However, from researching what's available we're getting into a bit of a muddle and it's not really moving forward.
Our circumstances:
- We have no children, with no intention to produce any.
- We are early 40's
- We both work full time
- My in-laws live around 100 metres from our house. They have had dogs all their lives but have now reached an age where they don't want to have another full-time. They have said they can come in to our house most days to let a dog out and/or take it back to theirs for a few hours whilst we're at work.
- We don't want a huge dog, but don't want a rat either.
- We have both been around dogs for most of our lives, but have never owned one ourselves.
- We have a reasonable-sized house, secure garden, etc
- For PH-ness, I have an estate car ready for transportation. (BMW 520d Touring, if you're curious)
Would we be better with an older dog to start us off with? Or a younger pup that we can bring up 'our' way?
Any particular breed suggestions that's more 'easy going' for a relative first-timer than others? Any ones to avoid?
Or am I just straight over-thinking this?
I get that this isn't a scientific process, but any pointers would be useful.
TIA
Labrador.
Loving, loyal and terrific personality. It's rare you'll get a vicious Labrador.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtehZoXDs-U
Admittedly biased as I have 2 and one is inspired by this.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPfM0-rrI9A
Loving, loyal and terrific personality. It's rare you'll get a vicious Labrador.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtehZoXDs-U
Admittedly biased as I have 2 and one is inspired by this.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPfM0-rrI9A
Edited by e30m3Mark on Thursday 1st November 14:33
e30m3Mark said:
Labrador.
Loving, loyal and terrific personality. It's rare you'll get a vicious Labrador.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtehZoXDs-U
Admittedly biased as I have 2 and one is inspired by this.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPfM0-rrI9A
ThanksLoving, loyal and terrific personality. It's rare you'll get a vicious Labrador.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtehZoXDs-U
Admittedly biased as I have 2 and one is inspired by this.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPfM0-rrI9A
Edited by e30m3Mark on Thursday 1st November 14:33
Would a Labrador not chew it's way through my house?
My cousin had one and it got to the point where he was physically eating the internal doors....!
I'd say you're overthinking it IMO (and understandably so).
If you're set on a rescue (well done) I'd recommend an open mind on the breed - you may miss out on the best dog for you.
You can research most centres and their offerings online nowadays, but take it with a pinch of salt, most are a hard sell. I'd recommend visiting as many rescue centres as you can, see the dogs, spend time with them and take them for walks. Take your time and try and get to know the dog. You need to form a bond, and that bond needs to be reciprocated (it shouldn't take long to realise you've found the one).
An example for when we were looking was an incredibly cute little staffy with a beautiful smile. Described as friendly and loving. When we saw him, we quickly realised he did not like men, great with my Mrs, but ignored me completely.
One thing which jumps to mind about your circumstances is that you both work - some rescue centre won't like this (we had the same issue). We got ours from our local council's stray centre (think of the dog pound you see in films) so it was much more relaxed affair as they need the dog gone ASAP. These dogs can't be walked and they are literally locked in a run until they are re-homed, taken to a rescue centre or euthanased. Most dogs here were incredibly hyperactive.
Bear in mind that these dogs may not have had the best start in life, they may not have been regularly exercised and may be on a bad diet - generally speaking, the condition you'll see them in the rescue centre, could the worst (behaved) they'll ever be. Try and overlook it but be conscious that some dogs may have a fear of certain things that will be very hard to overcome, men, women, beards, hats, ugg boots - anything!
Age wise it's your choice, as a rule of thumb, dogs start to calm down when around 3 years old. There is no such thing as you can't teach an old dog new tricks. But the older they get, the harder it'll be.
Also, one piece of advice, it's your choice. The bond with the dog is your decision. Do not be swayed by friends and family.
We rescued our first dog 3 years ago - we were told at the time he was around 3, but very quickly realised he was closer to 1 (so he's just over 4 now - ish). Within the first few months, we managed to train him to 90% where we want him to be (less on some days
) but some habits are in him firm and without really strict behavioural training I don't think will come out, if at all, such as being a bin dipping scrounger (but we like little characteristic like this about him). On that note, it's said it can take around 6 months for you and the dog to settle and be comfortable with each other so it may take some time for to see the true him/her.
A good example we had on training is in his first week he was like a kangaroo. Full of energy and had clearly been allowed to jump around in his previous life. He headbutted my Mrs on the first night (she was stood up) and made her cry - to the point she didn't want him anymore. But we trained that behaviour out very quickly.
If you're set on a rescue (well done) I'd recommend an open mind on the breed - you may miss out on the best dog for you.
You can research most centres and their offerings online nowadays, but take it with a pinch of salt, most are a hard sell. I'd recommend visiting as many rescue centres as you can, see the dogs, spend time with them and take them for walks. Take your time and try and get to know the dog. You need to form a bond, and that bond needs to be reciprocated (it shouldn't take long to realise you've found the one).
An example for when we were looking was an incredibly cute little staffy with a beautiful smile. Described as friendly and loving. When we saw him, we quickly realised he did not like men, great with my Mrs, but ignored me completely.
One thing which jumps to mind about your circumstances is that you both work - some rescue centre won't like this (we had the same issue). We got ours from our local council's stray centre (think of the dog pound you see in films) so it was much more relaxed affair as they need the dog gone ASAP. These dogs can't be walked and they are literally locked in a run until they are re-homed, taken to a rescue centre or euthanased. Most dogs here were incredibly hyperactive.
Bear in mind that these dogs may not have had the best start in life, they may not have been regularly exercised and may be on a bad diet - generally speaking, the condition you'll see them in the rescue centre, could the worst (behaved) they'll ever be. Try and overlook it but be conscious that some dogs may have a fear of certain things that will be very hard to overcome, men, women, beards, hats, ugg boots - anything!
Age wise it's your choice, as a rule of thumb, dogs start to calm down when around 3 years old. There is no such thing as you can't teach an old dog new tricks. But the older they get, the harder it'll be.
Also, one piece of advice, it's your choice. The bond with the dog is your decision. Do not be swayed by friends and family.
We rescued our first dog 3 years ago - we were told at the time he was around 3, but very quickly realised he was closer to 1 (so he's just over 4 now - ish). Within the first few months, we managed to train him to 90% where we want him to be (less on some days
) but some habits are in him firm and without really strict behavioural training I don't think will come out, if at all, such as being a bin dipping scrounger (but we like little characteristic like this about him). On that note, it's said it can take around 6 months for you and the dog to settle and be comfortable with each other so it may take some time for to see the true him/her. A good example we had on training is in his first week he was like a kangaroo. Full of energy and had clearly been allowed to jump around in his previous life. He headbutted my Mrs on the first night (she was stood up) and made her cry - to the point she didn't want him anymore. But we trained that behaviour out very quickly.
Edited by EnthusiastOwned on Thursday 1st November 15:35
The best dog I have ever known came from a rescue centre. I didn't want another dog (had one and had recently lost another) but this lad was sat there, looking very sad and unhappy. He was with his sister and she bullied him and he was just sat at the back of the pen, scared, timid, sad.
I took him out for a walk with my other dog who loved him instantly and I would have taken him home right then and there if they would have let me - home visits to be done first. His name was 'Leo' labrador./Doberman cross and he was superb in every respect. My wife used to joke that 'God hands every pre-born pup a manual on how to be the 'perfect family dog' and most of them would chew it up or wee on it, but Leo read it cover to cover and understood every word.
He barked at everyone that came to the door (and it was a Hell of a bark!) but if we said it was okay, he shushed instantly and if they were allowed in (therefore friends) he would be sat on their knee within 5 minutes, he was perfect in every way and he was a dog that we didn't go looking for and a breed/cross we had never considered (not keen on Dobermans) so don't be too set in your ways, you could miss out on a 'Leo'.
Saddest day of my life when he died and he even did that with consideration
I took him out for a walk with my other dog who loved him instantly and I would have taken him home right then and there if they would have let me - home visits to be done first. His name was 'Leo' labrador./Doberman cross and he was superb in every respect. My wife used to joke that 'God hands every pre-born pup a manual on how to be the 'perfect family dog' and most of them would chew it up or wee on it, but Leo read it cover to cover and understood every word.
He barked at everyone that came to the door (and it was a Hell of a bark!) but if we said it was okay, he shushed instantly and if they were allowed in (therefore friends) he would be sat on their knee within 5 minutes, he was perfect in every way and he was a dog that we didn't go looking for and a breed/cross we had never considered (not keen on Dobermans) so don't be too set in your ways, you could miss out on a 'Leo'.
Saddest day of my life when he died and he even did that with consideration
Don't get a dog. They need company. How are you going to bring up a dog your way if you're never there?
You say your in-laws can pop around 'most days' when you are at work, do you expect a dog to cross it's legs all day?
Get a cat, it won't give a s
t where you are as long as it has food and water.
Sorry if that sounds harsh.
I've just adopted a rescue dog from someone who thought they were doing the right thing, but sadly fell short. It's not something you should take lightly.
You say your in-laws can pop around 'most days' when you are at work, do you expect a dog to cross it's legs all day?
Get a cat, it won't give a s
t where you are as long as it has food and water.Sorry if that sounds harsh.
I've just adopted a rescue dog from someone who thought they were doing the right thing, but sadly fell short. It's not something you should take lightly.
ehonda said:
Don't get a dog. They need company. How are you going to bring up a dog your way if you're never there?
You say your in-laws can pop around 'most days' when you are at work, do you expect a dog to cross it's legs all day?
Get a cat, it won't give a st where you are as long as it has food and water.
Sorry if that sounds harsh.
I've just adopted a rescue dog from someone who thought they were doing the right thing, but sadly fell short. It's not something you should take lightly.
+1You say your in-laws can pop around 'most days' when you are at work, do you expect a dog to cross it's legs all day?
Get a cat, it won't give a s
t where you are as long as it has food and water.Sorry if that sounds harsh.
I've just adopted a rescue dog from someone who thought they were doing the right thing, but sadly fell short. It's not something you should take lightly.
ehonda said:
Don't get a dog. They need company. How are you going to bring up a dog your way if you're never there?
You say your in-laws can pop around 'most days' when you are at work, do you expect a dog to cross it's legs all day?
Get a cat, it won't give a st where you are as long as it has food and water.
Sorry if that sounds harsh.
I've just adopted a rescue dog from someone who thought they were doing the right thing, but sadly fell short. It's not something you should take lightly.
I agree that dogs should not be left alone all day. It is not good for them.You say your in-laws can pop around 'most days' when you are at work, do you expect a dog to cross it's legs all day?
Get a cat, it won't give a s
t where you are as long as it has food and water.Sorry if that sounds harsh.
I've just adopted a rescue dog from someone who thought they were doing the right thing, but sadly fell short. It's not something you should take lightly.
However, we work Monday to Friday and when I say "most days" I mean maybe one day a week when my in-laws couldn't pop in.
Without being over-defensive, do you believe that someone should be there all day? That would rule out a lot of dog owners.....
I can assure you that, having rescued 5 dogs over 30 years as a family, we're not taking this lightly.
pequod said:
ehonda said:
Don't get a dog. They need company. How are you going to bring up a dog your way if you're never there?
You say your in-laws can pop around 'most days' when you are at work, do you expect a dog to cross it's legs all day?
Get a cat, it won't give a st where you are as long as it has food and water.
Sorry if that sounds harsh.
I've just adopted a rescue dog from someone who thought they were doing the right thing, but sadly fell short. It's not something you should take lightly.
+1You say your in-laws can pop around 'most days' when you are at work, do you expect a dog to cross it's legs all day?
Get a cat, it won't give a s
t where you are as long as it has food and water.Sorry if that sounds harsh.
I've just adopted a rescue dog from someone who thought they were doing the right thing, but sadly fell short. It's not something you should take lightly.
All dogs need company and interaction. Some may go for a few hours alone each day but what sort of life is that? They may as well still be in the rescue centre.
Incidentally my wife and I have had a total of four Labradors all of whom came from rescue centres of one description or another. I'm semi-retired and my wife works from home and they are like a shadow, always following you around from room to room (even sitting outside the loo when you are in there!). They are pack animals and don't like being alone. Might be worth talking to a rescue centre and explaining your circumstances but I suspect that they won't be too keen when they know the dog may be alone for periods of the day.
Our latest is an 11 year old chocolate male collected from the Dog's Trust five weeks ago. This is meeting him for the first time.
Edited by TR4man on Thursday 1st November 16:42
Muzzer79 said:
I agree that dogs should not be left alone all day. It is not good for them.
However, we work Monday to Friday and when I say "most days" I mean maybe one day a week when my in-laws couldn't pop in.
Without being over-defensive, do you believe that someone should be there all day? That would rule out a lot of dog owners.....
I can assure you that, having rescued 5 dogs over 30 years as a family, we're not taking this lightly.
Yes, I do believe you shouldn't leave a dog home alone all day. I didn't say that someone should be there all day, but to expect a dog to sit at home for 8 to ten hours with no company or stimulation is wrong. Tell any rescue organisation that you'll be doing that and they won't give you a dog.However, we work Monday to Friday and when I say "most days" I mean maybe one day a week when my in-laws couldn't pop in.
Without being over-defensive, do you believe that someone should be there all day? That would rule out a lot of dog owners.....
I can assure you that, having rescued 5 dogs over 30 years as a family, we're not taking this lightly.
Before I considered getting a dog when working full time (and wife) I asked myself how would the dog fit into my/our lifestyle. The answer wasn't leaving it on its own all day but whether I/we could take the dog with us into the office to be with us and whether we were prepared to take it for a good walk EVERY lunchtime as well as before and after work.
I'm not sure how your familys' 30 year dog ownership was planned around the dog, maybe someone was there or came home at lunchtime, but maybe you need to think about this 'decision' a bit more given what you have told us?
I'm not sure how your familys' 30 year dog ownership was planned around the dog, maybe someone was there or came home at lunchtime, but maybe you need to think about this 'decision' a bit more given what you have told us?
ehonda said:
Muzzer79 said:
I agree that dogs should not be left alone all day. It is not good for them.
However, we work Monday to Friday and when I say "most days" I mean maybe one day a week when my in-laws couldn't pop in.
Without being over-defensive, do you believe that someone should be there all day? That would rule out a lot of dog owners.....
I can assure you that, having rescued 5 dogs over 30 years as a family, we're not taking this lightly.
Yes, I do believe you shouldn't leave a dog home alone all day. I didn't say that someone should be there all day, but to expect a dog to sit at home for 8 to ten hours with no company or stimulation is wrong. Tell any rescue organisation that you'll be doing that and they won't give you a dog.However, we work Monday to Friday and when I say "most days" I mean maybe one day a week when my in-laws couldn't pop in.
Without being over-defensive, do you believe that someone should be there all day? That would rule out a lot of dog owners.....
I can assure you that, having rescued 5 dogs over 30 years as a family, we're not taking this lightly.
The dog will be alone for a few hours in the morning or afternoon, most weekdays.
On the few occasions when my in-laws cannot be around in the day, someone else will be around for the dog at lunchtime.
I'm surprised at some of the replies here - maybe I've not explained this very well.
The set up I'm describing seems better to me than a lot of other dog households I've seen, where the dog just has a dog-walker come in for an hour in the middle of the day?
Muzzer79 said:
ehonda said:
Muzzer79 said:
I agree that dogs should not be left alone all day. It is not good for them.
However, we work Monday to Friday and when I say "most days" I mean maybe one day a week when my in-laws couldn't pop in.
Without being over-defensive, do you believe that someone should be there all day? That would rule out a lot of dog owners.....
I can assure you that, having rescued 5 dogs over 30 years as a family, we're not taking this lightly.
Yes, I do believe you shouldn't leave a dog home alone all day. I didn't say that someone should be there all day, but to expect a dog to sit at home for 8 to ten hours with no company or stimulation is wrong. Tell any rescue organisation that you'll be doing that and they won't give you a dog.However, we work Monday to Friday and when I say "most days" I mean maybe one day a week when my in-laws couldn't pop in.
Without being over-defensive, do you believe that someone should be there all day? That would rule out a lot of dog owners.....
I can assure you that, having rescued 5 dogs over 30 years as a family, we're not taking this lightly.
The dog will be alone for a few hours in the morning or afternoon, most weekdays.
On the few occasions when my in-laws cannot be around in the day, someone else will be around for the dog at lunchtime.
I'm surprised at some of the replies here - maybe I've not explained this very well.
The set up I'm describing seems better to me than a lot of other dog households I've seen, where the dog just has a dog-walker come in for an hour in the middle of the day?
What's the longest the dog will be left alone for & how often? Don't feel obliged to answer here, but a rescue organisation will ask these questions. I know from recent experience.
We got our first dog when we were in similar circumstances to you OP, late 30s, no kids, none on horizon, both worked full time, the only difference we didn't have family close by.
We had to show the Rescue Centre (Dogs trust) that we had a robust plan for the dogs welfare, ours was;
> one of us walks dog for 30/45 minutes every morning at 07:00 and leave for work at 08:00.
> dog walker comes at 12:00 and walks dog for 60 minutes.
> one of us home by 18:00 and walks dog for 30/45 minutes and if not/or delayed then dog walker able to come back.
As for which breed... In my experience go to the rescue centres and one will speak to you!
We've still got the 1st rescue she's now 15 and is more pro me than Mrs M, we've just got a 2nd which really doesn't like men but tolerates me as I'm the one who is home so walk and feed him everyday.
We had to show the Rescue Centre (Dogs trust) that we had a robust plan for the dogs welfare, ours was;
> one of us walks dog for 30/45 minutes every morning at 07:00 and leave for work at 08:00.
> dog walker comes at 12:00 and walks dog for 60 minutes.
> one of us home by 18:00 and walks dog for 30/45 minutes and if not/or delayed then dog walker able to come back.
As for which breed... In my experience go to the rescue centres and one will speak to you!
We've still got the 1st rescue she's now 15 and is more pro me than Mrs M, we've just got a 2nd which really doesn't like men but tolerates me as I'm the one who is home so walk and feed him everyday.
Can I just reiterate what I posted earlier?
Dogs are social animals and need us as owners to provide that interaction! If you are planning a daily dog walker that gives the dog some interaction (and exercise) that is just the same as they will get at the rescue centre, which IMHO is not enough.
I know that my dogs (previous and present) would reluctantly accept that for a short term solution (holidays, etc) but if you want to bond with a dog, this isn't sufficient, sorry!
Dogs are social animals and need us as owners to provide that interaction! If you are planning a daily dog walker that gives the dog some interaction (and exercise) that is just the same as they will get at the rescue centre, which IMHO is not enough.
I know that my dogs (previous and present) would reluctantly accept that for a short term solution (holidays, etc) but if you want to bond with a dog, this isn't sufficient, sorry!
Working full time and dog ownership aren't mutually exclusive, fortunately, otherwise I would have missed out on owning more than 10 dogs over the last 20-odd years. My OH works from home now, so it isn't an issue.
You do need to think harder than others, though, which you seem to be doing.
I would never recommend (or have) a puppy as a full-time worker. Some people seem happy to leave them in a crate all day, but I wouldn't.
When I worked full-time and was single, I had my mum to come in mid-morning to let the dogs into the garden, then a dog walker came at lunchtime to take them out.
I always had older dogs (at least 2 years old) and always had more than one, so they were company for each other. Many of my dogs were sighthounds (greyhounds and lurchers) who tend to be more laid back and flexible about how much exercise they require. They were happy with one or two 30 minute walks a day, but at weekends and during holidays, they could manage walks of several miles.
You do need to check with rescues, because most won't rehome a puppy to full-time workers, and won't want an adult dog left longer than 4 hours without a break. You may find that smaller, independent rescues are more flexible than national ones, but all will expect you to have plans in place to look after the dog.
Good luck.
You do need to think harder than others, though, which you seem to be doing.
I would never recommend (or have) a puppy as a full-time worker. Some people seem happy to leave them in a crate all day, but I wouldn't.
When I worked full-time and was single, I had my mum to come in mid-morning to let the dogs into the garden, then a dog walker came at lunchtime to take them out.
I always had older dogs (at least 2 years old) and always had more than one, so they were company for each other. Many of my dogs were sighthounds (greyhounds and lurchers) who tend to be more laid back and flexible about how much exercise they require. They were happy with one or two 30 minute walks a day, but at weekends and during holidays, they could manage walks of several miles.
You do need to check with rescues, because most won't rehome a puppy to full-time workers, and won't want an adult dog left longer than 4 hours without a break. You may find that smaller, independent rescues are more flexible than national ones, but all will expect you to have plans in place to look after the dog.
Good luck.
Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff