Getting a dog

[serotoninbutterfly]

I really want a dog. I want to get a rescue dog, that needs somewhere loving to be.
What do I need to think about? I have an almost 2 year old DS who is pretty good with my friends dogs, he tends to mostly ignore them. I also have a decent sized garden and my landlord says its ok.
I have never owned a dog before although I spend a lot of time with ones belonging to my friends.
Please bestow your knowledge unto me - I am a willing receptacle

It's terrific that you are considering a Staffie - I know some gorgeous ones and most rescues are absolutely overflowing with them, through no fault of the dogs.

It may actually be best though to go to a reputable rescue (such as Blue Cross), discuss your lifestyle, and let them match you with the perfect dog. This often ends up as a much better "fit" as they will have a really good knowledge of the dog's personality/character and will have done an assessment on you.

But it might be worth also as others have said to take your DH along and meet a greyhound. Some of the males are large and although they are skinny, are very muscular. One other thing in their favour is that they are generally incredibly healthy and long lived - typically well into their mid teens, which is a long span for a large dog, much longer say than for a Boxer. We've got a 12 year old who is still running with DH, a thirteen year old who's lovely and an eight year old who also likes running and is a nutter. Of course that means many more years of greyhound farts (an eye watering experience) but you do get used to it! Many greyhound rescues regularly have "meet and greets" or greyhound walks, kennel open days where you can go along and with no obligation, get to know a few dogs and ask any questions.

Paradoxically, with a young son, you may also find that a larger dog like a grund is actually easier round the house. You/your son won't tread on them accidentally like you would a smaller dog and although they are large, they often like to just curl up on a sofa and have a snooze, often upside down with their legs in the air. A smaller dog such as a lively terrier will be far more "there" - you will be constantly aware of their presence.

Staffies as a breed are a bit dodgy with cats, but then so are greyhounds - you still get plenty of both that are fine with them.

With rescue dogs, they're quite often lacking a bit of training, you do get well trained dogs in rescues, but they're not as common - purely because dogs tend to end up in rescues because someone's underestimated how much work they need to put in. But, an untrained older dog is still easier than a puppy IME.

Again with the children analogy - it's easier to teach a 6 yr old something than it is a 1 yr old, lol.

I'd second that you're better to start looking with an idea of what you need a dog to be like than get fixated on a breed at this point (though of course you will find loads of staffies) just because you might come across something you didn't think of or a complete mix that would suit you down to the ground.

I will add greyhound! We got one at the end of january when DD was 7mo, they're brill with each other, DD can pat him very gently and he his so careful around her. We also have a rabbit, but he just ignores her. He is interested in cats though.

He is currently attempting a grund record for the most sleeping in 1 day.

Oh and greyhounds are taught from the start how to walk nicely on a lead, (and speaking from experience) they are very easy to walk while pushing a buggy because they just plod along next to you, not trying to charge off :o