Advice on getting a new dog

[princessAlo]

Hi everyone I'm thinking about getting a dog. Not a puppy. I got a puppy in April at 12 weeks and I just could not cope with training it and it was like a baby howling all night.
Although I think I could look after an older dog. I was looking at a lab who is 3 and a cockapoo who is 3. Although I think my friend said cockapoos can get a bit smelly out in the wet?

I currently don't want but I am looking for a part time job, I have a daughter who is nearly 5, I do a hairdressing course which is 9.30-2/3pm. Although the only thing is I Probly wouldn't be able to sleep over at my mums as much I would sometimes go down and stay over down there if I have had a few drinks etc when my daughter goes to her dads 2 nights a week so I wouldn't be able to do that anymore

I meant to say I currently don't work

And forgot to mention my hairdressing course is Thursday and Fridays

What happened to the puppy?

I gave it to my friend who works from home and lives beside a beach. Was a bad time to get one my daughter wasn't at school or anythin yet. She's at school now

Also forgot to say my daughter is now at school to so have a bit more free time etc

All dogs need training. You gave away a puppy and now want a dog? You really don't sound like you want the realities of a dog. They aren't a bloody accessory.
Rescue dogs can be as demanding as puppies and can come with a variety of issues, no perfect dog is ever re-homed

Are the lab and cockerpoo you are considering rescue dogs?

You need to go to a reputable rescue and see what their home assessment says.

What will your arrangements be for the days when you are out for over 4ish hours?

I don't think you should get a dog in truth.

Nah there not they are just ones I seen on gumtree

Is that to long to leave a dog on its own

If this a serious thread and not a wind up, I don't think you should be anywhere near a dog.

Puppies are really hard work but so is taking on an adult dog which will come with it's own issues. They're also very expensive, you'd need someone to walk it on the days you do your course, you can't leave a dog alone for that long. If you don't work it will be hard to fund a dogs care needs. They're not toys that can just be disposed off if you decide it's too hard. I think you need to really think about this.

No I'm being serious?

Have a look at local rescues. They detail any issues their dogs have unlike some irresponsible sellers.

Realistically though all dogs have some issue, a bit like us humans.

Then go to a rescue. Gumtree FFS.

Yeh right.
You gave a puppy away cos you couldn't be arsed to train it
You have now seen older dog on Gumtree
You don't know how long a dog can be left for

Why do you want a dog? It doesn't sound like you are a massive dog person (quote: It gets a bit smelly when it's wet). Having a dog of any age is a big commitment and can be expensive. Rehoming places often do not rehome dogs into families with small children, or where there is no one at home all day, so you would have to look at a private adoption. You would also need to pay a dog walker for the days you are not at home. As for going to your mum's, if you can't get the dog with you, then that would have to stop.

However, if you are keen to have a dog to go out for walks and have around some of the time, had you considered sgning up to BorrowMyDoggy? We did this during lockdown as we didn't want our dog to become too dependent on us. Shadow had some lovely human friends whose houses she would go to for the day and it was a win-win because we had our dog used to being away from us and the people she went to had a dog to enjoy for some of the time and were able to see if owning a dog was right for them.

Honestly I don’t think you should get a dog.

I think I could look after an older dog

you shouldn’t go near a dog unless you are 100% sure you can look after it. You gave up on the puppy. An adult dog would be a different commitment but not necessarily easier.

Oh and all dogs smell when they're wet!

I don't think people are selling their 3 year old dogs on gumtree because they are lovely easy dogs who are no problem to look after.

Also, labs are really smelly.

all very well saying you don’t work but presumably you want to work. What happens when you get a job?

Or maybe I should get a cat instead?

No, please don't.