I need advice from people in the know!

SandunesAndRainclouds · 2017-01-15 09:20:48

I've been thinking about adding a dog to our family for a while, but would like some advice from those with experience! Our dog would fulfil several roles and would almost have a job within our family so a breed that responds well to training would be best. First and foremost it would be loved and groomed until it's hearts content but would also be given its own space to retreat and rest. I've heard about crates - are these really necessary or can the space be, for instance, under the stairs where bedding etc could be. Secondly I run a lot and would love for the dog to run with me. Again I know this would take training (which is fine) and I'd like the dog to run on a short, waist tether rather than hand held lead. I don't know if that makes any difference! I have 4 DCs, one has learning difficulties. I'd like to have a dog who is calm, or who can be taught to be calm with her. My perfect dog would be able to be trained to walk alongside her and potentially even to sit at roadsides without command so she stops - much the same as you'd see a therapy dog for autism do. We have met therapy dogs who would be able to do all of the above, but am I asking too much? The dogs we know are a border collie, a Labrador and a Labrador x Golden retriever. I'm fully prepared to be told that I've invented an non-existent dream dog! I wouldn't rule out a rescue dog but every dog I've looked at online can't be rehomed with children or cats and we have both! I think we'd give a lovely, interactive, busy home to the right dog but I just don't know how to find the right one. There was a recent thread on here about dogs listed for sale on Gumtree and I was looking at them feeling so sorry for them, I wanted to rescue all of them! How do I find a reputable breeder? I absolutely do not want to buy from anyone that could be a puppy farm type but I don't quite know how to spot that if it's hidden well... Sorry that turned into an essay! Hopefully you can see that I'm trying to consider this sensibly and I'm not rushing into getting a dog for the sake of having one or without considering the responsibilities fully.

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The OP has asked us to delete this thread as its identifiable. They are grateful for all of your comments.