please be assured, those of you who are concerned about me having a rescue dog with 2 children - thank you so much for being concerned (lets face it, where children are concerned you cant be too concerned, my boy is same age as baby p ) the kids are never left in the room with the dog without RESPONSIBLE adult supervision. i wouldnt leave them and the dog with my mum, for example, even though i trust my mum with their lives, as she is not used to dogs and i dont feel happy that if something happened such as the dog taking a toy, she would know how to deal with it appropriately. even if im nipping to the kitchen, 5 paces from my lounge, the dog comes with me. its as much for loki's protection and happiness as the kids - my 17 month old has a penchent for whacking stuff with his cup

if he shows any sign of aggression towards the kids - or anyone else for that matter - we'll be straight to the dogs trust for help - throughout his life, they offer assistance and advice on the training and handling of the dog. he has barked at the kids, being a pup he gets a bit excited, but he's imediately and firmly reprimanded, and if he continues, he's put out the room. he knows already his place in the pack!!!

on an aside, im possitive i seen his brother today, in my street!!! wee tiny staffy pup with dogs trust lead. if i see him again, i'll ask lol!

loki is part of the family now, and will be for the rest of his life, and we're all thrilled. although not when he farts, thats less than thrilling, stinking mutt lol! (meant with the deepest affection )

Sounds to me like this pup has landed on his paws with you !

Nice to hear he is settling in and the family are enjoying him ! May you have many happy years together !

First, I wouldn't recommend a rescue centre as the dogs there may have been abandoned for a reason. OK, there are good dogs too, but there is that risk.

Go for a dog with a known placid temperament. Small dogs tend to be aggressive as well as large ones. I would recommend a Rough Collie (Lassie, see my avatar) but if that is too large then you can get the miniature version called a Sheltie or Shetland Sheepdog.

our rescue dog, Loki, is a staffie cross and has settled wonderfully, and has so far shown a lovely nature. we are fully aware of his background, as are the dog trust, as he was under their care from 3 weeks to 11 weeks old

thank you, we're looking forward to a long time together. only complaint i have is i picking up his poo *insert vomit smiley*

but every coin has a dull side

Sorry to hijack your thread, Jessica Rabbit, but I'm also thinking about getting a dog.

I'm an experienced dog owner but my lifestyle has changed a bit since I last had one. I need a dog who can get on with my 3 rabbits and who can be left alone up to 4 hours (weekdays only - he or she has got me full time at weekends).

I work about 10 minutes from my house and my plan is to nip home at lunchtime to take him or her for walkies, with a longer walk in the evening and MASSIVE walks at the weekends.

I'm thinking a small to medium sized adult rescue dog, maybe about 3 or 4 years old, with a fairly docile nature. It's not for selfish reasons - I want to save a life and the dog I have will be well looked after. I'm concerned about the alone time, though. Is 4 hours too long?

What do you think? Bad idea?

PS adult household (just me) - no kids!

Start a new thread DaniB as I think people might not be looking at this one so much now that JR got hers.

(Though personally I don't think 4 hours is too long but that really depends on the dog. Some breeds can be left and others can't - the rescue will probably be able to advise on which of their dogs are ok to leave)

Thanks for the advice, PIDGAS. I'll do that.

lol, no probs, hijack away

when we were at dogs trust, there were quite a few adult dogs, and the recomended maximum time you could leave the more settled ones was 4 hours, so im sure if you explain your situation to your local rescue centre, they'll be able to find a dog to suit you

best of luck, hope you find a lovely companion