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Original poster

Looking for our perfect family dog - can't go down the dog shelter route, is the paper the only option?

38 replies

CharleeInPantoPaperChains · 27/12/2008 10:01

We want to get a dog, we did want to rehome from a shelter but have been refused by all the close ones to us as the ds's are under 5, which i understand but am a bit upset about, we really wanted to give a dog a second chance.

Anyway looks like we will have to go down another route, is our only option the local papers?

OP posts:
ScroogeMacDog · 27/12/2008 10:04

Try asking at your local Vet. They might be able to put you in touch with people who can help

Original poster
CharleeInPantoPaperChains · 27/12/2008 10:05

I hadn't thought of that! thanks.

OP posts:
FiveGoMadInDorset · 27/12/2008 10:07

Personally I wouldn't go through the papers, that is where a lot of puppy farmers advertise. If you know what sort of dog you want get in touch with kennel club who should put you in touch with breeders. If possible check puppies with at least the mother.

HangingbaublesofBethlehem · 27/12/2008 10:08

We had the same when we wanted a kitten, it really pisses me off that very few people actually meet the criteria even though there are loads of animals that need re.-homing. We ended up buying a kitten from a pet shop in the end. I would probably prefer to buy a doggie from a family rather than a breeder but then it depends what kind of dog you want. Good luck, I can understand why they don't want to give animals to everyone with children but it is narrow minded to assume you couldn't look after a pet well if you have children.

mysterymoniker · 27/12/2008 10:09

Maybe put an ad on your local gumtree asking for one to rehome? people often advertise them on there too

if you have a specific breed in mind try the relevant rescue societies, they don't all have a blanket 'no under 5s' policy

mysterymoniker · 27/12/2008 10:10

(the thing about children is probably because of the risk of a dog snapping at/biting a child and then having to be rehomed again? it's amazing how many people don't teach their children the basics of canine body language - such as when to back off and leave it alone - and the dog usually pays the price)

Doodle2U · 27/12/2008 10:23

Baubles - a re-homed dog is an unknown quantity. You have no idea what dog you're getting and the risk with small children is too great. It's not your inability to look after a dog being called in to question.

Decide on the breed - ask your Vet for advice and see the hundreds of threads on Mumsnet - loads of breed recommendations based on children, amount of time you have to exercise it, hair shedding etc.

Go to a GOOD breeder - once again, your Vet can help.

DO NOT BUY FROM THE INTERNET OR PAPERS OR PETS AT HOME. Puppy farming and eegit owners with no knowledge of breeding use these routes and you will be buying a whole load of crap for yourself AND supporting an appalling, vile industry.

HangingbaublesofBethlehem · 27/12/2008 12:00

I get that Doodle2u but why do they do the same with cats? it is mad to say that no-one with kids under 5 can have a rescue cat.

MuchLessTiredNow · 27/12/2008 12:06

does the under 5 thing apply to places like guide dogs for the blind? I am just about to apply to them for one of their dogs that has failed the training - as my sil has a hearing dog who is wonderful with our 3 who are under 5, and she says they rehome dogs who are perfect pets, but cannot pass the skill related training.

MadameCastafiore · 27/12/2008 12:12

We have a labradoodle we got through epupz - you have to go the breeder and make your own decisions though.

Ours is fab with the kids - DS is just 4 and DD is 8 and she hasn't bitten or scratched either of them - she is very docile but I think that is due to the lovely breeder who had her for her first 11 weeks - she cried when we took her away! (The breeder!)

Piffle · 27/12/2008 13:16

cats protection rehome to families if they home visit
Def go via local breeder, KC reg, if buying a puppy you should be able to see both parents if poss or the mother.
Trust instinct, there is a difference between dogs of thesame breed depending on breeding quality. No breed is perfect.

WorzselMummage · 27/12/2008 15:29

If you know what specific pedigree breed your after your best bet would be worth going though the breed association and they will know who has impending litters.

If your getting a crossbreed then i would imagine getting out out of the paper would be fine

WorzselMummage · 27/12/2008 15:29

If you know what specific pedigree breed your after your best bet would be worth going though the breed association and they will know who has impending litters.

If your getting a crossbreed then i would imagine getting out out of the paper would be fine

ScruffySoAndSo · 27/12/2008 15:49

We got a lab from the Labrador Rescue Trust who were brilliant and took months to find us just the right dog.
Some were too loopy for us (4dcs) but we finally got Bruce who was 6 and good with kids, didn't sit on furniture and doesn't go up stairs.

They may be able to help you and they are a good breed for children to start with?

Doodle2U · 27/12/2008 16:15

Dunno Baubles, 'cept to say, cats can be bad buggers, especially with little children, as well!

I think the thinking goes along the lines that if you buy a puppy or kitten, the animal grows up with the little children and therfore, knows no different, whereas if you get an older animal and it's not used to your children, it can freak them and they can lash out.

ScroogeMacDog · 27/12/2008 16:16

Don't think Guide dogs have same policy - blind people have children too

Doodle2U · 27/12/2008 16:20

I suspect puppies that have been through the guide dog programme have very full histories. My friends were puppy trainers for guide dogs and had to take them into as many situations as possible to get them used to so many noises and crowds etc etc. They had to then report back on the dog's progress.

More I think about it, the more I suspect these dogs would be brilliant pets because their pre-16 week socialising will be so wide.

MatNanPlusTINSEL · 27/12/2008 16:24

Theo a 10 week old puppy was handed in on Christmas Day after the adults who had bought him for themselves decided they couldn't cope

Original poster
CharleeInPantoPaperChains · 27/12/2008 17:09

I wish i was in SCotland i would have Theo, what ejit gets a dog and hands it back after a few eeks becuase 'they didn't really want it' or couldn't cope?

OP posts:
Pixel · 27/12/2008 17:47

There was an 11 week old pup in our local paper the other day. A couple paid £250 for him and kept him one day before handing him over to a rescue centre because he 'didn't suit their lifestyle'. They didn't even give the poor little thing a name. What on earth possessed them to get him in the first place?

mysterymoniker · 27/12/2008 17:49

((( theo )))

hatwoman · 27/12/2008 17:56

charlee - how long until you haven't got kids under 5? if you're really set on having a dog can you not wait?

hatwoman · 27/12/2008 17:57

at all these idiots getting dogs without thinking for one minute about looking after them properly. I have read that most responsible breeders and dog homes refuse to sell dogs at this time of year for this very reason.

hertsnessex · 27/12/2008 17:58

take a look at the kennel club website for accredited breeders. spend time (ALOT) looking into a breed and its traits - dogs are far from all the same.

think about how your lifesyle change s- on xmas day i came home from my parents for an hr to walk the dog etc to break up his time on his own.

hope you get something sorted soon.

Original poster
CharleeInPantoPaperChains · 27/12/2008 17:59

We could wait but tbh we don't really want to ds3 is only 2. ds1 is 4 so not long to wait, i really want the boys to grow up with animals in the family, dogs in particular like dp and i did.

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