To ask you to read this before buying a puppy?

[hibbledibble]

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/dec/01/rescue-me-why-britains-beautiful-lockdown-pets-are-being-abandoned

I warned of the dangers of the huge demand for puppies over the lockdowns, and many told me I was wrong.

Here it is from the horse's mouth: all those cute puppies are being abandoned now they are stubborn adolescents.

Rescues are currently brimming at the seams: if you are looking for a dog or other pet, please look there first (and don't limit yourself to a puppy)

We rescued bunnies instead of dogs, we had to show we were rabbit savvy and understood their requirements.

I know someone who works at Battersea and it's not overrun with dogs after lockdown

I adopted our gorgeous doggie from a small rescue centre. Told them we had a 7 year old autistic daughter and rescue cat. We didn't mind what type of dog. They matched us with a staffie cross and she has been a dream. So amazing with my daughter and so good natured. We had a few small issues at first with her but with love and patience she got through them

It’s so sad. We’ve been wanting a dog for years but left it due to housing (we grew up with dogs). A couple of months after moving in to our own owned property, we decided it was the right time. We couldn’t get any rescue dog from any rescue centre as we have a toddler. I would have rather had a rescue but we didn’t want to wait any longer so we bought a puppy (which we had postponed for years).

We don’t particularly want another dog but would definitely rescue another, if they needed a good home- but they would never consider us! I’ve even looked at adopting a cat but apparently we can’t, despite living on a quiet cul-de-sac because I have a 3 year old...even cats that are use to dogs and children (and our puppy has been socialised with in-laws cats, so that’s no issue).

I understand shelters have a duty of care but sometimes they shun good potential owners away!

The breed I wanted, chihuahua, I had to have 2 together, not leave them to go to work and have had dogs before

So yes. Puppy purchased and now typically I work from home

Rescue adoption can be an extremely tough thing. Kids too young, work hours deemed too long, garden bit big enough, etc. it's not as simple as get a rescue- some of the applications are extremely long and invasive, more so than I believe they need to be. So it's easier to get a pup, which is then what families are forced to do.

Boo hoo to all these people saying they got a puppy instead of a rescue dog because the rescue expected them to do/have things in place to provide the dogs with basic care and quality of life. All animals have their own natural behaviours including pets and part of their welfare is providing an environment conducive to the breed/individual.

Just because you wanted a dog, didn’t want to wait or provide it with the full requirements it does NOT mean your puppy is happy. They have no choice but to accept the home and level of attention and availability you have provided. This does not mean they wouldn’t be happier with someone who sought to put the dogs need first in the scenario of ‘I want a dog.’

I agree about the rescues. Their requirements for cats were ridiculous. I then bought a breed that I always have, from a reputable breeder.

I agree that there is quite a lot of work involved in training a young animal and it is probably that aspect that most of these "lockdown adopters", did not factor in. Pets are work, full stop. They have personalities and needs. If that's too much, don't get one.

@SockFluffInTheBath

Maybe the people now dumping their lockdown toys are the kind of people rescues are trying to sidestep. Unfortunately rescues have to be extremely careful and that often means legitimate homes are missed, but rescues based on fostering are often able to place suitable dogs in homes with sensible dog savvy children.

Exactly. But peoples right to own a dog are more important than the welfare of that dog. People that complain about rescues restrictions are as bad as the people who buy puppies without understanding their needs.

@SD1978

Rescue adoption can be an extremely tough thing. Kids too young, work hours deemed too long, garden bit big enough, etc. it's not as simple as get a rescue- some of the applications are extremely long and invasive, more so than I believe they need to be. So it's easier to get a pup, which is then what families are forced to do.

But this is why those puppies are in rescues. People get puppies because their works hours are too long and then leave them home 8 hours a day, and wonder why they aren't well trained or socialised.

@x2boys

Rescues are brimming at the seems because they won't let anyone adopt their dogs Unless they deem to be absolutely perfect

Pretty much! We have a large enclosed garden, enough room indoors, financially comfortable, the way our shifts work either me or DH are always home, and if that changes there are dog walkers locally or we have family and friends that we have been in to walk their dogs during the day that would do the same for us. Me and DH had dogs as children and growing up so are aware of the reality, but we were refused as we had a toddler at the time. Was tempted to buy one instead but didn't want to contribute to the market.

I tried several rescues and was told no as my son is 6. I also waited 3 years for a autism dog and never even made it to the wait list never mind the application process. In the end after lots of research and planning we got a lab pup thinking with a solid training routine we would be ok. We now have a stubborn disobedient scavenging T Rex on our hands and that's with consistent training, long walks, love and attention as I am lucky to be at home to do this. I never realised how hard it would be, it's awful so many dogs are ending up in rescues I can see how people are struggling to cope.

@Tilltheend99

Boo hoo? No need to feel sorry for me or my pup. They are extremely happy and gets far beyond the ‘basic’ requirements. The only thing that would make him happier would be a supply of small furries to chase, but no matter how much they beg with their beautiful brown eyes, it’s not going to happen. We’re experienced dog owners and any rescue we had been allowed would have had a wonderful life as part of our family - save your sadness for them.

Presumably you’re a vet or animal psychologist? I can’t think of another reason you would suggest you know better what a dog needs. Such sanctimonious nonsense. 😂

The thing with cats and puppies versus rescue dogs is that it's very easy to train a puppy to respect your resident cat/s; not so easy to train an adult dog that has never lived with cats.

I completely understand why a rescue wouldn't home a dog with cats unless the dog had lived successfully with them before. I wouldn't risk the safety and happiness of my cats by taking on such a dog.

Our darling dog was brilliant with the cats - because when he first arrived he was smaller than them and still in his formative years. When he died last year, the cats immediately knew he was dead even though he just looked like he was sleeping.

I have wanted a dog for a long time but have waiting until I am at a point in my life where I can look after it enough. The high rise in prices has stopped me buying one now but I also can't adopt a dog because I am yet to find somewhere that will allow dogs with a young child. So I have no option but to purchase one. I know many people who are brilliant dog owners but have been turned down by shelters

I just don't know what to say tbh. I assure you that literally the only reason we were turned down was the lack of a securely fenced garden. Never mind that we live over a mile from a tarmacked road, surrounded by 50 acres of our own land (49 of which have stock proof fencing, just the acre of "garden" is not secure and can't be made so for complicated but very real reasons), with doorstep access to a woodland nature reserve. I work very limited hours from home, my youngest child is 12 and home educated, my DH works from home too!

I reckon I filled in applications forms/spoke to over 30 rescues in 2 years. Nearly all said a flat no when I explained about the garden. I got as far as a video home check twice, and both times it went really well and they were really impressed with us and our understanding of dogs needs etc etc. My 12 yr old (who is autistic) spent years amassing a collection of books on dog care 😆 and let the home checker quiz him about it. I was told quite openly after both home checks that we would have been ideal candidates for one of their dogs if the garden was secure and that if we could just erect a 6 foot fence we could have a dog from them. I explained over and over that we would never allow the dog loose in the garden if necessary, we would take the dog on a lead to the nearest field (about 50metres) for all toilet trips. But nope. Not suitable.

I gave up so shoot me and was lucky enough to get a puppy from a family friend who had (genuinely responsibly) bred a one off litter from their working sheepdog. They did actually all have homes lined up before even being conceived, but we were on the shortlist and luckily for us someone had to back out and we were offered our pup.

Our pup is an absolute joy, and is really happy and healthy and well cared for. Gets the best food, 2 walks a day in the woods, as much playing and following us round the farm as he wants, regular 1-1 training sessions with my 12 yr old and a dog trainer who is also an SEN teacher and pet therapist, and lots of snoozles in his bed and cuddles in my bed

@GrimaWormTongue I totally believe you. I have a friend who has a 10 acre 'garden' including woodland. That is surrounded by 100 aces of land that they own. But the 'garden' is not securely fenced. They've had dogs for years and when the last one died they thought they would get one from a rescue and give it a great outdoors life.

Turned down as garden not securely fenced.

I went to a large, quite famous dogs home when we wanted a dog.

When I arrived with then partner the staff were all over us, thinking we were line adults. When I explained I had 4 kids her attitude changed completely and she said we have no dogs available that are kid approved.
There must have been 40 dogs. Not one, she said and walked away.

Tried 2 more centres with same reaction before we bought a puppy. A puppy that probably, in hindsight, was a BYB but we only had a few hundred pounds (which is usually enough for rescue adoption).

We couldn't afford Accredited KC breeder type of people. We just ended up with what was described as a cross breed oops litter, but probably wasn't.

We were declined as unsuitable by local dog rescue centre as we both work full time but husband does shifts. We explained that our previous dog had 14 happy years with us including family holidays and that her needs were always met either by us being there, my parents popping round, a daily dog walker or doggy day care centre on the days we both worked but still the answer was NO. This forced us down the puppy route which was much harder initially but once the initial training was done our new girl is now 2 and looking forward to a long and happy life with us.

This has been said for a long time but still isn’t true. Rescues won’t let most people adopt as their overly strict criteria exclude most good dog owners. I bought a puppy because I couldn’t get anywhere with the rescues - most people I know are the same.

If rescues really are «brimming at the seams» perhaps they need to change their criteria

Me too. I lived in a first floor flat with a secure but shared garden, but I was literally across the street from the biggest park in my area, worked from home except for occasionally and am allowed to take the dog to work with me. The mere idea of taking the dog to an office was treated with horror. None of our dogs could go to an office, they said. None of our dogs are safe with occasional visiting niece and nephew, they said. None of our dogs could go with a dogwalker/daycare on the occasions that I wasn’t home, they said. I have two sets of family (both of whom already have dogs) and heaps of dog-living friends who would help out in a pinch and I grew up with dogs. Oh, we don’t want you to work with someone else or the dog won’t bond to you properly, they said. I got a puppy.

@Tilltheend99

Boo hoo to all these people saying they got a puppy instead of a rescue dog because the rescue expected them to do/have things in place to provide the dogs with basic care and quality of life. All animals have their own natural behaviours including pets and part of their welfare is providing an environment conducive to the breed/individual.

Just because you wanted a dog, didn’t want to wait or provide it with the full requirements it does NOT mean your puppy is happy. They have no choice but to accept the home and level of attention and availability you have provided. This does not mean they wouldn’t be happier with someone who sought to put the dogs need first in the scenario of ‘I want a dog.’

Boo hop?

I’m in my 50s. I’ve had dogs all my life. I know exactly what to do to meet a dog’s needs

My dog has toys, soft toys, puzzles to do for treats, balls, lick mats, and loads of environment enrichment.

I work from home and I pay a dog Walker he’s small and elderly and on my vet’s advice he only needs one walk a day due to arthritis. My DD1 is here 2 days a week to walk him and my DD2 is home outside of university term times and walks him.

I can usually manage a small walk morning and evening with him but right now I’ve had surgery I can’t. If he needed more walks I’d get a friend to do it.

I work from home. Every day. Once or twice a year in normal times I have a work trip. I always make sure DDs are available to keep him. He never goes to a kennel.

He has all his injections and worming etc up to date.

He has a bed of his own but prefers to sleep on my bed.

What more in terms of care and needs for my dog would you have me do?

If you are suitable, a rescue will let you have a dog.

But many people here are telling you that this isn't true. I AM suitable. Have been for about 20 years. I held out, really wanting to rescue a good old fashioned Heinz. The kind of indeterminate mutt DH and I were both brought up with. When I realised that they are few on the ground, there were mainly 'posh' puppies and older dogs, we decided that we wanted a medium sized dog that require 1 - 2 hours of active exercise a day. Not fussed about the breed or age. We had time and space and easy access to dog trainers and behaviourists where I worked.

For 15 of those years we had a large, well secured garden and lived rurally, lots of rambling walks, no noise, kids etc. And nope! Despite working for a rural college with doggy daycare, trainers, etc .The fact that I would walk the dog across a rural campus every week day was not good enough. DH worked away and that would be too confusing. Oh, and the home checker who got lost and just pissed off.

I know you are defending something you obviously love, but at some point, you are going to have to realise that quite a few of us have fallen foul of some kind of purity spiral where rehoming won't take place unless the individual and their home is perfect. And the reasoning is not always clear, often seems to be a judgement that there can be no questioning or discussion over.

Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with you over backyard breeders there is going to have to be some kind of acknowledgement that, currently, the intransigence of some rescue centres to actually rehome has played its part in their continued existence and lockdown growth. Enough posters here are telling you that this is the case.

My local dog home had less than 10 dogs up online for adoption. The only one suitable for a home with children and another dog is already taken. Should I just not own a dog because the others are not suitable for my environment?

Puppy farms are abhorrent but I also don’t think we should conflate a poorly trained family pet with the complex needs of many rescue dogs who would be unsuitable for most families/households. I haven’t seen any evidence of people abandoning poorly trained dogs to shelters around my way. I usually meet them in the park with their owners causing a nuisance which is a whole new thread in itself

@HoardingSamphireSaurus

If you are suitable, a rescue will let you have a dog.

But many people here are telling you that this isn't true. I AM suitable. Have been for about 20 years. I held out, really wanting to rescue a good old fashioned Heinz. The kind of indeterminate mutt DH and I were both brought up with. When I realised that they are few on the ground, there were mainly 'posh' puppies and older dogs, we decided that we wanted a medium sized dog that require 1 - 2 hours of active exercise a day. Not fussed about the breed or age. We had time and space and easy access to dog trainers and behaviourists where I worked.

For 15 of those years we had a large, well secured garden and lived rurally, lots of rambling walks, no noise, kids etc. And nope! Despite working for a rural college with doggy daycare, trainers, etc .The fact that I would walk the dog across a rural campus every week day was not good enough. DH worked away and that would be too confusing. Oh, and the home checker who got lost and just pissed off.

I know you are defending something you obviously love, but at some point, you are going to have to realise that quite a few of us have fallen foul of some kind of purity spiral where rehoming won't take place unless the individual and their home is perfect. And the reasoning is not always clear, often seems to be a judgement that there can be no questioning or discussion over.

Whilst I wholeheartedly agree with you over backyard breeders there is going to have to be some kind of acknowledgement that, currently, the intransigence of some rescue centres to actually rehome has played its part in their continued existence and lockdown growth. Enough posters here are telling you that this is the case.

Well said