What is the safest most responsible way to get a dog?

[Poinsettiasarevile]

I have never owned dogs, but with my kids now being a bit older and both of us WFH full time, spending most of our leisure time out and about, we really want to add a dog to the family.

We originally wanted a mut from a resuce, but most say no kids / older kids and or must have one or more other dogs. Also not interested in any bull dog, fashion or greyhound/lurcher type breeds, which make up most of the dogs in the shelters. Have had our name down at local shelters for over 12 months and nothing suitable has come up.

Have looked at buying a puppy, but there are soooo many for sale, some at insane prices which makes me nervous about puppy farming. Where can i go to educate myself on how to get a dog from a reputable source that is right for our family? Have spoken to all dog owners we know and they all have different views, particularly on types of dog.

Research breeds and decide whats right for your family. In my opinion there's am axis between needing exercise and being obedient. Dogs with lower exercise needs often appear to be the ones that run off on walks, poor recall etc. Dogs that are very trainable need high stimulation and exercise.
So I think the lifestyle you want with the dog is important. From there you can identify types of dog (e.g terriers, farm dogs, gun dogs, lurchers etc) particular breeds and crossbreeds. It really is an individual choice to suit your family.

Once you know what kind of dog you are looking for then you can approach rescues and also breeders. I'd look on kennel club, ring breeders and talk to them. Paradoxically the online reviews probably won't be helpful.

Also maybe ask the staff at your local vets, and local dog walkers with the kinds of dog you want where they got them. HTH :)

The reason they say older kids is because they need to be responsible enough not to tease the dog, leave it alone at meal times, let it sleep etc

Its there for the dogs protection and that if the child.

Thanks @AdamRyan i hadnt appreciated the trade off in trainability / obedience and the need for high levels of stimulation. My MIL has a poorly trained collie that is very reactive to other dogs whilst on lead. I find it v stressful walking her, so keen to avoid that. We do have the time to invest in proper training tho.

Research the breed you think most suited to your lifestyle then find breeders, I think local councils have lists of breeders and the kennel club. Then go and visit the breeder to see if you feel happy with how they look after theirs dogs etc. This is what we have done with our next dog, currently on a waiting list for the next litter, have visited the breeder, asked lots of questions and am happy the animals are well looked after. Also, Facebook has lots of breed specific groups where you can get breeder recommendations/peoples experience.

Once you have researched the breed of dog that is going to be most suitable for your family, contact the breed club of the breed.

The club secretaries are the ones with the knowledge of the breeders, what their litters are like, when they will be breeding etc etc.

Expect a good old interview on the phone by them, they need to know who to put you in touch with

When I got my last cocker, way back in the 00's, I spent ages with the club secretary chatting about my experience with cockers, what I was wanting from a dog - did I want show type or working, what our lifestyle was like, would I be interested in agility/showing/working , was I fussed on the colour etc etc, before she put my name forward to a reputable breeder who was going to be breeding that year. Then again, a long phone call with the breeder, then invited to the home to meet the dogs - to be told I was on the reserve list. I never got to pick my dog, she picked the dogs to suit the owners. Alfie was a wee monster ( as cockers can be, but she knew I had experience and wouldn't be ringing up saying take him back I cant cope, because I had been there before - always had cockers )

He wasnt cheap

Good breeders only breed to improve the gene pool.They do a lot of research and spend a lot of money in doing so to ensure there are no defects being passed on down the generations so they breed rarely and their litters are expensive and they have waiting lists. But they are also the breeders who will take a pup/dog back if circumstances change and will be there for you when you are struggling getting through the biting/chewing stage

Right now we have a frenchie/Pug cross, came from an unplanned litter from a friends bitch and was a freebie. So different from a cocker, adorable, a snuggle monster, excellent with children other dogs, everyone, but still at three years old can not go through the night :( When I researched them I was reading this and I was saying thats mad, all my cockers were clean by 10 weeks, any dog can be trained to be clean and I got laughed at. I now eat my words.

FB has a page for all breeds and its worth joining a few to get a feel for the breed from real owners

KC registered breeder. It won’t be cheap though.

I wouldn’t rule out whippets/lurchers:greyhounds- they can make wonderful family dogs.

I have had so many people say the same. I dont think i could love one of those skinny lanky scaredy looking dogs. I want a dog with some bounce.

good advice above - if you are uncertain, and it is a first time go for an easy breed - probably the easiest of them all is a labrador - easy to train, loves being with kids, very relaxed dogs, etc.

Maybe look at some of the smaller rescues. Many will rehome nationally and have all sorts of dogs. It's a good sign that the ones you've tried have been picky about the family they think will be right for each dog.

How old are your children? I don't think I'd be looking for a puppy if the children are under 10 or so.

My vet recommends Cavalier King Charles spaniels for family dogs but you do have to do your research very, very carefully as the gene pool is so small and they can be subject to a number of inherited problems. Good breeders will be aiming to breed these out so are worth supporting.

Decide on the breed you'd be interested in and look for local dog rescues. Our daughter at the time was 6 and places like the RSPCA were saying no children under 12 but we found a pug rescue and they are better and judging each family and dog individually,rather than a blanket "no you've got children so you you can't adopt from us".

Some breeders for certain breeds are also militant.

Research some breeds then join the UK Facebook groups for them. You'll get to know common pros and cons of each as well as details of additional health testing you should look out for. You'll also get to know the signs of a puppy farmed dog. I'd do this for several months until you understand a lot about the breed.

From your description a lab or non working spaniel may suit. We have a cavalier but you have to be so careful in finding a breeder. Ours took 2 years to find. Our cav will outwalk anyone though but she's also adaptable and happy with a shorter walk if required so you need to make sure you pick the right breed for your family.

I dont think a rescue dog is a good idea for first time dog owners.