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Can you advise me - I'm considering getting a dog for the first time
I've finally convinced my husband that it would be a good idea for us to give a home to a dog. We both work from home and don't go away very much, and I think that there would be mutual benefits for us and the dog. We would have a reason for going out for walks, and I think dogs are wonderful creatures that add a great deal to their owners' lives. In return, we would do whatever is needed to ensure the dog had a great life.
Trouble is, we don't really have a clue about what kind of dog would be a good choice for us. I know that a lot of people would suggest a rescue dog, but, due to our lack of experience, we are wary about taking on a dog that is set in its ways, and maybe with behavioural problems.
So what I'm wondering is, would you say a puppy or an adult would be better for first-time dog owners?
Thanks for reading!
Trouble is, we don't really have a clue about what kind of dog would be a good choice for us. I know that a lot of people would suggest a rescue dog, but, due to our lack of experience, we are wary about taking on a dog that is set in its ways, and maybe with behavioural problems.
So what I'm wondering is, would you say a puppy or an adult would be better for first-time dog owners?
Thanks for reading!
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That's good advice - thanks.
This.
Beautiful dogs, can't recommend them highly enough OP. Quick learners too, able to adapt easily.
You need to get a breed with an energy level that will suit your lifestyle, and it's not necessarily the size of the dog that matters. You also might want a breed of dog that is easy to train. We have cairn terriers, but they're very independent and stubborn, and not the most obedient. However they are very friendly dogs and great fun.
You might want to consider the following points when looking at breeds.
Obedience
size
energy levels
good at being left alone or need lots of attention (some dogs are better than others)
good first breed to own
What grooming is needed
easily trainable or not easily trainable
Try this
http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds.html
Can't disagree enough with this.
Friend of mine at school used to take on retired greyhounds and they were very happy with them. One note of caution - any cat that strayed into their garden would be attacked and usually killed.
I too agree with this.
Puppies are hard work any dog you get older than six months could indeed have behavioural problems but at least if you do go to a rescue centre the dog will have had an assessment done and you will know a bit more about it compared to someone advertising a dog in the paper and telling you all the things you want to here. Rescues will also support you and the dog in settling in to your home, can advise on any training if needed and will also take the dog back if it is not a fit
Home visits aren't about whether your house is spotless or beautifully furnished, just about spotting any likely escape routes or hazards and a friendly chat to answer any questions you may have. All responsible rescues do this.
Good luck whatever you decide to do.
we had a staffie in that was touch and go for a while after he got attacked by two grey hounds.
That's all any breed wants not just grey hounds
OP just go to a rescue centre and have a look around I'm sure there will be one that you will fall head over heels for.
Different breeds can have different needs. Collies, spaniels, for example, need to have long walks in all weathers. Some breeds are more outdoorsy than others. I think this is the kind if input the OP is after.
Not really, some love mental exorcise some need lots of physical exorcise. Just like humans they are all different.
A few months back, I went into the Dogs Trust because a friend wanted to go and look and I happened to be in her car with her when she drove past. As we were there, a man was taking home a lovely little pup. We looked at the dogs in there and quite a few of them struck me as being absolutely fine.
you just said not really to a dog wanting a bed, food and love. Ok then what dogs doesn't want that??? I didn't say one thing about exercise
This 100%. Brilliant dogs. Until you live with one you cant really explain how brilliant they are.
Yea not get this breed there the best is basically what your saying, when I have know quite a few grey hounds to be aggressive so they aren't for everyone.
Like I said to the OP they need to visit rescues and see the various breeds they have, just because you like grey hounds they may not. Its like little dogs, I don't like them doesn't mean the OP wont. I love staffies but haven't suggest once to get one.
But its well know that certain breeds like greyhounds dont like or need a lot of exorcise. So yes all they really need is food love and cuddles and a short walk or run.
you completely ignored what I said. I wasn't on about grey hounds I'm on about all dogs in general. You said not really when I said ALL dogs want food, bed and love not just grey hounds.
The OP has even said the dog they chose will give the chance to go on walks so clearly they want one the likes exercise.
This is obviously a misunderstanding on what we both read from "that" post you quoted. We shall just leave it there.
Greyhounds are one of the most placid breeds I have ever come across. The reason for suggesting greyhounds is the vast number in rescue which have to come to the end of their racing career and are cast aside around the age of 3. They have had a rubbish time and really deserve some TLC.
I agree the OP needs to visits rescues and get a feel of the right dog for her.
Its the same with staffs. People get them, they are too loving and not aggressive enough for little idiots and then they get dumped. I was so scared of mine because of the horrors stories about them, its embarrassing to say but I didn't like to be left in a room with him. But now I would do anything for my little fatty
I wouldn't be able to go to a rescue because I would get rid of the other half and have lots of dogs
It's not up to me to say 'get this not that' to the OP and I don't think I have done. Since the OP has asked for suggestions I have made one. I think that's OK. Obviously the OP is going to research all kinds of options before deciding.
Oh and I like staffies too. Well done you for having enough restraint not to suggest one.
What is happening a lot now is that a lot of youths have moved on from pure bull breeds/staffis to bull lurchers which are greyhound crossed with a bull breed, often Staffi. This produces a dog that in the right hands is a loving family dog but in the wrong hands can be dangerous as it has the speed of a greyhound together with the strength of a bull breed, usually a staffi.
They tend to be black or dark brindle, slightly stockier than a greyhound with a wider face but unfortunately they are often mistaken for greyhounds and sadly thugs use them for rabbiting and often train them by setting them on cats and small dogs. Then the dogs see another dog and attack as that's what they've been taught to do.
I really don't think that pure greyhounds are any more aggressive to other dogs than most breeds although given that they are bred, trained and used to chase, then cats and small dogs may be at risk from some with high prey drives. One of my girls had no prey drive so was dumped as she was no good for racing. She is fine with everything, cats, dogs, rabbits but one of my other girls has raced so she is walked in a light muzzle for peace of mind.
That was what I meant about needing to know greyhounds and go to a responsible rescue. Once you understand them they are very easy dogs. I couldn't cope with 4 springers or labs but my hounds are wonderful.
They are known as 100 mile an hour couch potatoes! they will do a decent walk but are happy with shorter walks too.