To not know what to do - dog related

[Dogconfused]

my partner and I want to get a dog but cannot decide between trying to get a rescue or a puppy. Pls can people offer advice/opinions?
we have thought long and hard about the pros and cons of each…
Rescue pros

• helping a dog in need
• helping a charity
• Dog may be less needy than a puppy
• can get clearer idea of dogs character
• cheaper

Rescue cons

• don’t know genetic/health/physical history of dog
• Potentially harder to train than a puppy
• Would be from abroad so (low) risk of parasitic disease (would be tested for these)

Puppy pros

• more choice over what we get and when we get it
• more knowledge of puppies past and parents health etc
• potentially easier to train as stating from young

Puppy cons

• not helping a rescue
• cost is higher
• potentially more needy at beginning

we have given it a lot of thought, but cannot decide what option is best for us (and the potential dog). We are definitely in favour of rescues but want to make sure we get the right dog for us.

for context, we are first time dog owners who have no children or other pets. We have a large garden and live in a town. We enjoy longer walks, paddle boarding, beer gardens etc. We would want a dog to come out and do things with us. We would want a small dog as our car is small.

if we got a rescue it would be from Romania but from a charity with a UK presence and support system. If we got a puppy it would be from a licensed breeder with lots of research into them etc.

Sorry that’s long but didn’t want to drip feed.
all opinions gladly received!!

The imported rescues are brought in to order, they're not a kind way to rescue a dog. If you do want to rescue support a dog who is already in this country.
Having seen the way our larger local rescue operate I would never rescue a dog because I couldn't support their way of working with a clear conscience.
At the end of it all only you can decide what to do but whichever way you choose don't buy from pity. Do your research, ask around, check licensing and health tests.
Good luck.

100% rescue a UK dog, why does it need to be from abroad?

Puppies are very hard work. A rescue doesn't always come with no history, sometimes an owner has passed away for example but you have a full history.

I'd ask how much experience you have with dogs?

You won’t know the true nature of a rescue until they’ve been with you for a year. Dogs that have been through trauma / had difficult lives come with problems. They are not the easier option when compared to a puppy.

IME do NOT get a dog from abroad. Often have behaviour issues due to their birth and conditions. My sister has been bitten several times by dogs from Romania (she fostered), she now will not take anymore.
Plus more often than not the organisation that brings them into the UK have the best of intentions but are rubbish if it all goes wrong and you are left with an aggressive and traumatised dog.

There are thousands of dogs already here in reputable rescue centres. They desperately need loving owners. Please give one of those a chance. If it doesn't work out they will take it back.

Both are pretty hard work in different ways. I would suggest thinking about a breed that would suit your lifestyle and then do some research about breed specific rescues. The doodle trust have some lovely dogs looking for forever homes at the moment.
Romanian and other rescues abroad are often rehoming ex street dogs and they bring their own challenges as often have no previous experience of being house dogs.
Whatever you do take your time and do your research. Good luck

I feel bad saying this but I’d never get a rescue (barring a few circumstances) every one I see when out walking had issues either dog reactive, people reactive, nervous or had separation anxiety. You don’t really know their history especially ones “rescued” from abroad.

I'd suggest, as you a new to dog ownership, getting a UK rescue dog who is getting along in age.
They will be house trained, familiar with a household and the dynamics, less energetic and easier to control on walks.

They would get several years of a loving home to see out their days, and you would gain valuable experience and, of course, unconditional love.

I'd say a puppy isn't an easier option compared to a rescue dog. I've had both, and can say with certainty the puppies are much harder work. There's a much bigger impact on your life, and 2 years of them being dickheads.

I've always chosen rescues carefully though, it's worth waiting for the right dog, a good rescue will help match.

For example a retired greyhound is a fantastic first dog, or a lurcher.

Uk rescue dog with no previous behavioural issues. I think something like greyhounds are a fab choice for first time owners providing you use your brain and you don't own a cat..!
Taking on a Romanian rescue is a very tricky thing - I know several and none are easy dogs. They need experience. They are often abused street dogs.

I would obdviously rescue a uk dog???? Why from abroad? Puppies are extremely hard work I had my first puppy in years two years ago and I love her to bits but never again if I was to get a dog I’d be looking at ages from 2 and upwards!

With only one exception, every rescue dog I’ve known has had significant behavioural issues. They aren’t an easy option.

I would never rescue from abroad, I would rehome from a small breed specific charity that has a good "warts and all" history of the dog.

I would also be a bit wary of the charities that rescue breeding dogs too - most have never lived in a house or been treated kindly by human hand, need a huge amount of input and probably aren't great 1st dogs.

I also cannot fathom why you would take a rescue from overseas, there are plenty of dogs in the UK looking for a new home.

I have only had two dogs, got them both as puppies. I think if we ever get another one, which will be after these two have gone, it would be a rescue. I don’t fancy puppy days again and I think I would like to give at least one dog another home which would be forever.

Getting a puppy is a selfish choice. It's the one I made because it was very important to me to train them as I wanted. It's very hard work at the beginning but then much easier for many years.

You can get lucky with a rescue and indeed it's been the case for most of the dog walkers I got to meet but it is also the risk.

It is a very hard decision. I like to feel in control of my life hence going for the puppy choice but yes, I do feel guilty.

If you do go for a puppy, remember that most of the training has to be done in the first 6 months, and the earlier the easier. You don't have to pay a specialist but do your research well before getting your puppy.

A UK rescue dog from a good rescue where they will take the dog back if it all goes wrong.

I do not include RSPCA in this as I know of examples where they refused to take 2 pets back when the owner became ill.

Rescue dog every time. For ethical reasons. So many dogs are given up because of the owners 'circumstances' who just need a good home to flourish in. I have rescue dogs and also foster. Never regretted either. And the lifestyle change is massive but great if you have patience and are flexible

My friend got a Romanian rescue dog and it was probably the worst thing she ever did. It is 4 now and is terrified if everything, goes for other dogs, won't let you stroke it etc. it had clearly been abused or something before it came to the UK as a vetted puppy at 12 weeks, it's not a normal or happy dog despite the love it's now given.

There are rescue centres in the UK with dogs and puppies that are DESPERATE for homes and they are the most gorgeous dogs, you could visit a few times to see which works for you.

www.manytearsrescue.org/. Is a lovely one they have every type of breed possible, they have a TikTock page where you can see videos of them and they are adorable. 🥰

When my son has moved out I'm going there to adopt a several!!

Just look at the gorgeous little faces wanting a cuddle! Breaks my heart!

When I looked into Romanian rescue dogs recently, they were very clear that they would not use first time dog owners, because there can be huge behavioural issues that really need someone who knows what they are doing.

I would look for a UK based rescue that uses fosterers rather than a rescue centre. That way, the fosterer can give you a good idea of the dog before you go ahead. Also, although you don’t always know the medical history, the dog should be thoroughly vet-checked when it’s rescued so you’ll know any current or ongoing issues.

I’ve had both rescue and pup.

Whatever you choose, be prepared for your life to change.
Both are hard work in different ways.
But very rewarding.

See if you can volunteer at a rescue place as a dog walker for a few months. You might be able to progress to foster once you have experience. This will help you get to know different breeds and you might even find one you fall in love with. If you want a small, sporty dog then Jack Russells are fabulous little dogs. I've always had at least one of some description amongst our pack.

For balance, I have a Rommie rescue and she's a wonderful dog.
As long as you're prepared to learn and potentially work with a behaviourist and have lots of time, patience, and an understanding of what they've been through and are willing to help them overcome it, then a Rommie might work for you.

I've never had a puppy so can't comment on the amount of work they need but I see a lot of posts from people with the puppy blues.

As for the comment upthread: "The imported rescues are brought in to order, they're not a kind way to rescue a dog."
I really don't understand what this means. You see a dog on a website, ask questions, do as much research as you can and they are brought over. It's not ideal but they get a chance of a decent life.
If you go to a UK based organisation, you get to meet the dog of course but you're still just choosing one dog out of however many.

If you do go to a UK rescue, go to a small one. Organisations like Dogs Trust put so many obstacles in people's way they often give up and go to a breeder.

Good luck with it all.

Just to add, there is so much prejudice about 'rescue' dogs - I prefer to call them rehomers - many of them don't come with all these issues at all.
I saw one the other day whose family were heartbroken to have to give their dog up but their landlord was selling up and they couldn't find a house where the landlord would accept pets.
Obviously that dog is going to need support to get over its heartbreak but it's not a dog that's going to come with a whole host of issues.
Supposing it was true of course but that's just one example.

Try looking on dogsblog @Dogconfused if you haven't already.

I don't understand why people rescue dogs from abroad. It's so sad when there are so many dogs needing a home in this country why would you import more dogs. Please don't do this.

I’ve had both and can hand on heart say rescue Is definitely easier and more beneficial to the whole rescue/charity help etc - we have a 14 week old Puppy at the mo and Lord it’s hard work!
Mainly because we are training but to train a puppy takes time and dedication morning noon and night and cannot be done one day and not the next!
Ive said countless times the past 5 weeks that a newborn baby would be easier - and I still mean it 😂
My rescue dogs were both puppies BUT we had older dogs who showed them the ropes, helped with boundaries and training etc
If your a first time dog owner 100% rescue first and work with your chosen centre to get the best most suited dog for you and your lives (if you work etc)
Hope that helps a little - good luck whatever you decide x