Puppy or 1 year old?

[jabberwocky]

We haven't had a dog for approximately 6 years. I am soooo ready for another one! Ds1 is almost 7 and ds2 is 3.5. After thinking, researching and talking to owners I am set on a standard poodle. There is an adorable parti puppy at a rescue facility. It would be a 10 hour drive each way. I have also found a 1 year old rescue dog at a foster home 2 hours away. Dh is not sure he is ready for a pet but I think it is more the issue of training a puppy.

Any suggestions or words of wisdom?

Are the rescues going to homecheck you? if not, discount them. It's important.. no, imperative that they satisfy themselves that the dog or pup is going to be properly cared for AND that you and yours will be suited to and safe with that particular dog.

On the face of it, as a rescuer, I'd say go for the older dog. I suggest this because of the age of your children (pups are hard work!) and because of the distance between you and the rescue which has the pup. If something went wrong/you couldn't keep him you'd struggle to find support and assistance from a rescue so far away.

But first of all, thrash out the concerns which your DH has. Remember, a good rescue won't place a dog unless everyone in the family wants him.

PS I would love them both, personally!

I'd go for the one year old too, assuming all the very valid concerns Val has raised can be satisfied.

Not only will you miss out on weeks of exhausting, full on, full time housetraining, but you will also get a dog of a known character. Pups, even when raised by knowledgeable owners, can turn out in all sorts of ways.

Good luck

Thanks for the input. I have emailed the rescue group about the one year old and will be filling out an application. The puppy is soooo cute and a parti which I would love, but I know you are right about the extra work. The one year old is described as a good candidate for a therapy dog and since ds1 has sensory issues it really does sound as if this is the dog for us.

Any other opinions still welcome!