Re: Getting A Dog
 

We got our Alsatian when he was about 3 years old, from a recuse place in Bradford. Turns out he'd only been in there a week before me ma fell in love with him, got kicked out from the police training squad, no doubt he didn't fill all their criteria.

He's an absolutely fabulous dog, had very bad dog aggression problems, we've lessened those but my mum doesn't discipline as I did so he's picked up bad habits again :rolleyes: Doesn't help I don't see him like I used to either. But the moment he came into the house 6 years ago, he fitted right in. Impeccable obedience, picked up our way of life superquick and made himself right at home. We were lucky I reckon.

I often regret not having had him from a pup, just because he would have been the most loyal animal you could wish for, with no dog aggression problems (or men with big sticks...). But no pet is perfect and at the end of the day a dog is a dog, a living entity who's behaviour you shouldn't even pretend to think you can predict, particularly with certain breeds.

As long as I had the time and the energy to dedicate much love and commitment to a puppy, I wouldn't hesitate. If you don't think you have, then a rescue may be the better option. They certainly don't all come with issues, some have simply had to be given up by previous owners for the very reason DB's considering. After a few weeks of adapting and settling in,you'll think they've been there all your life hehe.

Go to a few rescue places (after researching the breed you're after thoroughly) and see which one "picks you out" :-)

Re: Getting A Dog
 

If you want a specific type of breed then look for rescue style websites, pretty much every breed is covered.
We've just been accepted by the Siberian husky rehoming people and are currently waiting for the "right" dog to come along. We'd prefer a pup as it needs to be intergrated with the 2 cats we already have.
If breed isn't important to you then have a looksy HERE
They have a very high turn over of dogs, alot of puppies are available but not usually updated to the site.
Good luck in your search!

Re: Getting A Dog
 

Speedy Claire was looking to rehome someone's dog, I've bumped her thread up.
Not sure about beagles - they used to be used in cigarette smoking experiments years ago & I'm sure they were ' disposed of ' but what a horrendous life! Kept in cages, they would never have made house pets. What b'stewards some people are.

Re: Getting A Dog
 

We have a 10 year old dog (Spinonie mixed with terrier or something) he is fantastic with our little one. She crawls over him, sticks her fingers up his nose and runs him over with her pram. He has his sanctuary on the stairs where when the stair gate is shut she cant get to him.

A few years ago we got a 10 week old lab cross pup from rescue centre. It took an instant dislike to my son who was about 18 months old. It eventually attacked him (completely unprovoked). I had to take it back and I think it might have been put down.

Dogs are great, but dont rush into any decision. I would not buy pedigree and bitzers are so much nicer in temperament and last longer lol

Re: Getting A Dog
 

We've had our rescue cross staffy/pointer for 4 years now. He was about 2 when we got him and although not trained as I would like I did train him within months.

I never saw the reason to pay through the nose for a dog since I only want it as a pet and not for shows or as a working dog.

As long as you like the looks, character and it's of a breed that can follow your lifestyle then that would be ticking all the boxes for me.

Best of luck and do let us know what you get :)

Re: Getting A Dog
 

That's a broad brush statement if ever I saw one!

Re: Getting A Dog
 

see my sig - german shepherd rescue

lots of dogs needing loving homes and not just in scotland. We have contacts all over the UK

Re: Getting A Dog
 

Smudge was re-homed this weekend. :D

Re: Getting A Dog
 

i love GS, i would like to get one when the oppurtunity of getting a dog arises, out of interest what are they like to live with?

Re: Getting A Dog
 

First dog I had was a rescue dog lovely and we never had any problems with her the second and third were bought the second was destructive and at the time we didn't have enough time for the puppy the third one is lovely not a pedigree. I used to volunteer in the rescue kennels and most of the dogs in there were lovely there was a few that were a bit snappy but on the most part 95% of them would have made great family pets and a fair few of them were from people who couldn't afford to or didn't have the time to look after them. If i was looking for my own dog the first place I would go is the rescue shelters. Look there first, if there's nothing suitable there then you can always look at getting a pup then?