We have been offered a dog - advice needed

[FartBlossom]

We have been thinking about getting a dog for a while. I was going to start a thread asking for advice and ideas about the best type of dog just before we were going to start looking to get one. We were going to go through to the dogs trust too.

However, yesterday we were speaking to some family members regarding this and I happened to mention I wanted one about 2 years old. I dont want a puppy and feel that if we could get one that was used to children and other pets then it would be better. They then mentioned that another distant family member (DH's 2nd cousin) is moving into private rented and can't take her pets so would we like her dog.

She has had it since it was a puppy, she also has another dog and a cat and she has 2 DS's so we know its used to children and pets (we have 3DCs and a cat). It will also apparently come with things it needs (ie feeding bowl, leads etc) and it has been to the vets for all its needs and has been spayed (is that the right word for a dog). We are due to have a look at it next weekend.

I love walking and am more than happy to go out 2/3 times a day in all weathers. Also I am prepared to put the effort into settling a dog into our family and home. We live in the country and have lots and lots of public footpaths to walk down and I never tire of finding new routes or just looking at the scenery so walking it will never be a problem.

The only thing Im a bit worried about is the breed. Its a staffy cross (no-one seems to know what with). I do think they have had some bad press, but is it a bit of a 'chav' dog? Im also a bit worried in the fact that we were thinking of getting one next year when we will be more ready. We haven't lived here long and need to get a gate for the back garden (we can afford this, but we were holding off until we had finished buying things for inside the house). Also DC3 is only 7MO.

So what do we think? Should I say no now or should I seriously consider it? I know we can give her a good home whereas if we didnt take her who will? It is coming from an ok home, but the current owner does know a couple of dodgy people. Also if she can't get rid she will take it to the RSPCA or dogs trust. With it being 3 years old will anybody want it?

Sorry its so long, I just dont want to drip feed. Thanks if you've got this far I really appreciate it.

Staffs were originally known as the nanny dog for good reason. Well trained and socialised they can be lovely. DS helped train a gorg staff on our estate.

It's important you put a lot of training effort into the first 6 months of ownership of any dog - to be fair to the dog and get it used to your own lifestyle and specific preferences. e.g my rescue was allowed on the furniture and beds in her last home - she isn't in mine.

If you live in the country then teaching a new dog not to chase stock will be a critical first training task.

Look into the threads on crate training if you have a 7 mo, also do remember whatever dog you get to train the kids too. Just common sense stuff.

1/ Dogs bed & bowl is a no-go zone for children
2/If the dogs had enough of playing with you let it be
3/Don't hurt the dog!
4/ An adult MUST be present to play with the dog on playdates

Oooh were they boc I never knew that.

Thanks for the tips, which will be used for any dog we get whether thats this one or one next year as originally planned.

To throw some light on your latter points... the RSPCA will not take dogs for rehoming in this manner - Dogs Trust will but have a waiting list in many areas. Once finally taken in a staff cross is likely to be in kennels for a very, very long time before being rehomed. There's a couple in our local centre that have been there for nearly two years. There are a bazillion of them around and they have been unfairly tainted with the chavvy, aggressive association when the reality is that a well socialised staff makes the perfect family pet.

Thanks for the info toboldlygo I take it its not the worst idea in the world to take it then (only after going to look at it of course)

In a normal, loving family, Staffies are fantastic companions. Yes, they have a bad press through media bias - Alsatians were the 'devil dogs' in the 70s! And yes, there are far too many in rescue centres currently, which makes me so upset as I'd take dozens of them if I could afford to.

I'd say go for it and look forward to many years of Staffie grins and cuddles!

The only advice I would give as someone who has been around rescue for ever a while, is DO NOT be rail-roaded or emotionally blackmailed into accepting the dog just because "it needs a home". Be brave enough to say no if it is not the dog for you - do not feel you have to say yes.

Some things to consider if you do think it's a good idea to take on this dog:

1. What will happen if the dog doesn't work out with your family and you can't cope/want to get rid of the dog? Will they take responsibility and take it back? Will you be stuck with it?

2. How will your cat cope with a strange dog?

3. Get a FULL disclosure of bad points. Ask if it chases small furries, what is it like on the lead? Does it pull, is it strong etc. Ask to see it taken for a walk and then ask to see it's recall off lead. It doesn't matter that it fucks off across the park may not have any manners, pull like hell, jumps up at people, chases bikes, BUT YOU NEED TO KNOW so you can make an informed choice.

This is why getting from an approved/reputable rescue is so good - they will have assessed all this and be able to tell you the faults of the dog.

In the main, DO NOT be afraid to say NO.

Good luck. :)

That's really good advice ^.

I'm just a sucker for a Staffie

Thanks lovestats and Quiet some really good points there. I will definately not be railroaded into saying yes which is why I started this thread as I want to be sure especially since if we dont get on with the dog or she doesn't get on with us we wont be able to give her back so we will either have to all learn to live with each other or to try to find somewhere else for it to live.

I will definately look for the bad points, infact I may even insist on taking it for a walk myself (on the lead) to see how we go before I agree to anything.

I think the cat we have will just hide for a bit and come out gradually. He's a housecat (we did originally try to get him to go outside, but he wasn't interested lazy bugger) so he wont run away.

If we do decide to say no we will be going through the dogs trust as that was our original plan, its just that this dog has been offered to us now.

FartBlossom with the Staffie/your children aspect.
My dog phobic daughter (who is nearly 10 and has been a long time nightmare with dogs ) has patted
a lurcher who she knew for months
a husky who was staying in a holiday lodge next door (after the 3rd day)
and a staffie she had never met before at a party.

I know all dogs are different.You can't say Nanny Dog therefore All Staffies Love Children- that's naive.
But they've had bad press.

If the dog was a mongrel and you couldn't tell what it's mix was. Or a boxer cross, would that be as off putting?
The fact that this dog has a proven record with children and cats goes very much in it's favour.
But yes, you would be doing them the favour as well as hopefully getting yourself a fabulous dog.

And they are only chav if you buy him a pink diamonte collar and call him Killer (or Kiiiiiilllllllllaaaaahhhhh here in Essex)

Go and have an open minded look. (And I don't even like dogs much )

Thanks 70 (I hope your name refers to dual carriageways and motorways, not residential areas )

She's already called Poppy so I wouldn't change it, but I know you're right Im just being silly in thinking that people would look down their noses at us if we got a staffy.

All the staffies I've met have been lovely dogs and well socialised with children. However, that's probably because I've only met good ones. Can you ask to have it on a 2 week trial?

Ooh thats a good idea mistle thank you :)

Only thing to add, have you costed up the financial implications of owning a dog? It really adds up. Off the top of my head:

Insurance - v important as vets bills for something like a broken leg are eye watering
Monthly spot on flea treatment
3 monthly wormer
Walker for days you are out - budget £10phr
Kennels/doggie day care for holidays or emergencies - I pay £15 per day plus food for my dog to stay at a farm. He stays in a stable, so this is cheaper than a house based option.
Budget £35 per vet visit plus medicines for minor issues such as eye infections, cut paws, upset stomach etc Most insurance policies have an excess.
Food and dental chews
Groomer (a staffy is unlikely to need clipped, but it depends on the cross)

I don't have a staffie, but we meet a few when out and about and they are all good, friendly dogs (and even the slightly scarey looking owners some have are pleasant if you are nice to their dogs). If anyone tuts about Poppy, if you take her, explain that she is a rescue dog... that usually melts hearts .

Some good points there gomowthelawn I hadn't even thought of that side of things. Will look into all that today :)

Yes I think I will do stleger

ihave read a lot of stuff about staffiies and they are generally positive! I'd have one, especially a rescue staff even if only to stick two fingers up at the snobbish attitudes of staff ignornamiouses!

We have a Staffie, adopted from the local Dogs Trust, and she is with no exaggeration the loveliest dog. Oh, and I'm no chav, how rude ;)

I am looking at a rescue dog for later in the year and i would defo consider a SBT. I wouldn't have a year or so ago as I was very prejudiced in my views but having been on the Doghouse for a while reading various threads and then researching the breed online I wouldn't hesitate as long as it was cat friendly and used to children. hth

I 'know' two staffies and one staffie cross (they say he's pedigree but he clearly isn't!) The cross and one of the staffies are absolutely lovely dogs, the other staffie is quite snappy and I don't allow my dogs off the lead when she's nearby. I don't think you can judge a breed, it is entirely dependant on the dog.

I agree with taking the dog for a walk and asking for a trial before you accept. Dogs are a massive responsibilty and not something to agree to without being completely sure.

My dogs were my babies before my babies came along and although I love them no less now, they are much, much harder work now I have young children. The dogs may not care if it's raining when they go for a walk, but my 3yo certainly does

The only reason why I was a bit worried about the image of the staffie is because I live in a council house in a quite a posh village (there are only 5 council houses here, all the rest are owned) and just a bit worried about being a stereotypical chav when Im really not. I know you're right and there isnt anything rough about them at all. Also I am a firm believer in its the owners that make the dogs what they are not the actual breed.

Will definately look into everyone's advice. Thanks everyone.

Don't be worried about what others think. Maybe this is an opportunity for you to dispel a lot of stupid rumours and beliefs about SBTs (that is if you take the dog on)

I think you are maybe being a bit disrespectful to the residents of the posh village in implying they might consider you to be a chav for any reason. If you're polite, your dog isn't trying to eat their children, and you pick up after it, they'll really not care about anything else. I'm from the posh end of poshville so I know

Thanks for the reassurance it wont count against me. Ive not lived here long and trying to fit in and just worried that the posh people here will look down their noses at us because not only do we live in the council house, but will have a Staffie (if we take her that is)

Anyway we are going on Sat to see her so I will see how it pans out, thats if we can decide we can afford it too. I think its just the money that might put us off now as this thread has established there is no other concerns.

All the posh people round here have Staffies now - Rescue Greyhounds were getting a bit common!

Staffies are wonderful! I currently have 2 Staffy crosses (one with an English Bull Terrier and one with god-knows-what). They are excellent with people, and with kids (DS is 5). One is a demon to other dogs out of the house but that's the only issue.
They are wonderful family dogs, but can be strong and pull a lot. I love them.