Thinking of getting a rescue dog - what should we ask about?

[jollyboysmum]

My children are 5 and 7, do you think this is a good age to get a dog? I have seen a couple of rescue dogs, what do I need to find out about the dogs? Do most 18 month old dogs need someone to play with all the time? I'm going to be at home after Easter, not sure if you need to occupy a dog all time?!

My dog was that age when we got her. No, they don't need someone to play with all the time, but are happier if not left on their own.

Mine is a staffie and spends most of her time relaxing in her bed or on the sofa or in the sunniest spot in the house she can find. We take her for walks twice a day and play with her when we feel like it.

5 & 7 - ideal - but you need to be absolutely strict that the dog needs to have certain areas which they are not allowed to disturb (sleeping) and that they are not allowed to touch or indeed even go near the dog if it is eating. Not because I'm thinking you'll get one that's aggressive, but because children need to realise that dogs need their own space and need to be able to eat in peace etc.

We've just got a 2yo lurcher. She has a walk first thing, then a longer walk at lunchtime, gets ignored by DH most of the day, then pesters me for attention as soon as I get home with DS.

There are lots of lovely staffie crosses out there at the moment - don't be put off by the size of mouth, if you get a good one, it will adore your children and look after them as well as being a great playmate. By about 18mo/2yo it might just about have settled down enough to be suitable!

that's helpful, thanks. I wouldn't leave the dog alone much at all, I'm going to be at home full time. we haven't had the home check yet, we need to fix some fence panels in the garden. any other safety/practical issues I need to consider?

I would have a read up on some positive training books so you feel a bit more confident with modern day training methods but apart from that just be honest about how long you will be there for, what exercise you can do, what training you can do(and look who does them locally prior to having the dog so you can book up) , why you want a dog and why you would give up a dog (I wouldn't really, but I think you would be surprised how fickle people can be) talk about any involvement you have had with dogs before etc etc A good rescue will guide you rather than the other way around

other practical issues are vets, have you got one? if not who will you use, are you prepared to pay vet fees? will you get insurance? (yes)

but it's honesty really. Rescues don't want to rehome a rescue with you that they are going to have to take back because you cannot cope, they want a rescue dog to go to a home where it will be loved and looked after and live out its days