Adopting pet for first time

[Fridgedaire]

My 8 year old DS has been begging for a dog for years and seems to have a genuine interest and love for dogs. We are currently trying to decide as a family about adopting a terrier\collie cross puppy from our local animal rescue centre. I have met with their advisors, they will assess us and our home for suitability etc. I really just want to make sure we are making the right decision for us and the dog. Can anyone offer any tips/advice? While I like dogs (all animals) I would not put myself in the traditional 'dog lover' category and I am aware that as my son is only 8 most of the responsibility will rest with me at first. Also, the people at the centre have told me the dog must be walked twice a day and probably an hour per walk, is this typical? Any advice greatly appreciated

[pigsDOfly]

Firstly, forget the idea that the responsibility will fall on you at first. It will fall on you, full stop.

Most children will get bored with the dog after the initial excitement has worn off and you certainly cannot expect an eight year old child to train a dog. What happens when he's a teenager and has other things going on in his life, what if he then decides that he has no time for the dog? Are you still going to be prepared to walk it.

What if he goes off to uni in 10 years time, he won't be taking the dog with him.

Don't get a dog because a child begs for one, there are thousands of animals that have to be rehomed for this reason, unless you and your DP are prepared to put in all the work necessary to train and look after it.

And yes, unless you get a very small or elderly dog 2 one hour walks a day is the minimum.

[MaynJune]

You won't really know what you're getting with a cross, but terrier x collie is likely to be high energy and need mental stimulation. Training will be full on, I imagine.
You should think how tying a dog is. It has to be walked several times a day every day no matter what the weather's like, and needs company too.
It's a shame how many dogs are up for rehoming once the novelty of cute puppyhood wears off.
My dog is older now and has a congenital bladder problem which means she has accidents in the house and needs out more often than most. I love dogs in general and her in particular and I don't mind. Some people would mind,
Think about these things before you go ahead.

[Fridgedaire]

Thanks you for the frank advice, it's important I consider all this

[MsAtomicBomb]

If you do decide to get a dog OP I personally would go for a lower energy breed that would be easier to manage, if this is going to be an issue for you. A retired greyhound for example wouldn't need two hour long walks a day.

[BagelGoesWalking]

Please don't go for a terrier/collie combo! I'm actually quite horrified annoyed that a rescue would recommend his mix for first time owners.

Other points:
Your DC will lose interest. Kids do once the dog is no longer a novelty and becomes part of the furniture, so to speak.
You son will grow up - dog will still be around when he's left school and gone to uni (or whatever he does).
You will have to spend a lot of time toilet training and all other kinds of training needed for a puppy.
Days out have to be planned, can no longer be spontaneous. Ditto holidays, visits to relatives etc.
You have to walk every day, rain, sun, snow.
Even if you don't work, do you want to be doing your own thing, or looking after a dog?
There are lots of benefits but a lot of things to consider.

[Fridgedaire]

Thank you. I'm now annoyed too if this mix is wholly unsuitable for first timers. My son is in love and now I will have to have a serious talk with him which may upset him greatly if we don't mo r forward with this

[Fridgedaire]

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