Which Dog?

Hi J,

I agree, I think dogs are great for all children.  Have you any experience with dogs.

I came from a family who had never had dogs.  Since being married we have had two adult rescue dogs,  both now passed away. We decided to get a puppy. Really hard work compared to getting an adult already house trained etc.

How old is your child?  A puppy can be 'nippy' when teething and very boisterous around small children.

I would strongly advise you to re home a rescue dog about 2 years old. By that time they are mature, calmed down and their personallity/ temperament has developed.

A good rescue organisition will not let you take a dog they consider to be unsuitable.

As far as which breed to consider, you get a range of temperaments within the same breed, even the same litter.  Our ten month old Sprocker was the boldest of the litter and continues to be headstrong compared to some of his brothers and sisters who we have kept in touch with.

I suggest you go to your local library and borrow books on dog care. If you are considering a puppy I suggest you read The perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey before you rush into anything. I have about six puppy books and this is the only one which mentions the problems of the adolescent puppy. A stage they go through at aprox 6-12 months. A bit like human teenagers. Apparently this is the age when many dogs are given up for rehoming because their owners don't know how to deal with their behaviour/haven't got the time,patience for training.

If you decide on a particular breed, most breeds have rehoming websites.

Good Luck.

Hi J,

I agree, I think dogs are great for all children.  Have you any experience with dogs.

I came from a family who had never had dogs.  Since being married we have had two adult rescue dogs,  both now passed away. We decided to get a puppy. Really hard work compared to getting an adult already house trained etc.

How old is your child?  A puppy can be 'nippy' when teething and very boisterous around small children.

I would strongly advise you to re home a rescue dog about 2 years old. By that time they are mature, calmed down and their personallity/ temperament has developed.

A good rescue organisition will not let you take a dog they consider to be unsuitable.

As far as which breed to consider, you get a range of temperaments within the same breed, even the same litter.  Our ten month old Sprocker was the boldest of the litter and continues to be headstrong compared to some of his brothers and sisters who we have kept in touch with.

I suggest you go to your local library and borrow books on dog care. If you are considering a puppy I suggest you read The perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey before you rush into anything. I have about six puppy books and this is the only one which mentions the problems of the adolescent puppy. A stage they go through at aprox 6-12 months. A bit like human teenagers. Apparently this is the age when many dogs are given up for rehoming because their owners don't know how to deal with their behaviour/haven't got the time,patience for training.

If you decide on a particular breed, most breeds have rehoming websites.

Good Luck.