So I have decided I want a dog...

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DD is 14 months and really likes dogs, she loves my grandmothers dog and always stops to wave to dogs when we are on our travels.

I have always kept dogs and feel I have enough time to devote to one now, especially since DD is a lot older and im also at home the majority of the time.

I dont want a puppy, I want to give a rescue dog a new home.

I have a cat as well, but he is the most laid back creature ever and has socialised well with dogs that have visited us.

Is the RSPCA likely to rehome a dog with a toddler and a cat? I have a large garden and plenty of time to walk etc.

Also obviously I need a dog that is going to be good around children, is there any things to look out for like signs they will be suitable to live with good children?

I fear if I visit RSPCA I will want to bring them all back

I meant young children, although dd is good most of the time

I would be amazed if you find anything suitable at the RSPCA but there are plenty of other rescues .

Hi Floral

I have googled dog rescue centres near me and there is one in my town that seems to be 90% full of staffies

I have had a staff before and he was the most gentle, loving dog I have ever had.

Look at many tears, they have dogs being fostered all over the country so can give you a really good idea of their character in a home situation. They have all sorts of breeds, not just (in fact, hardly any!) staffs

Black retriever X on Facebook. They have beautiful dogs (mainly black!), and they're generally reduced from
Irish pounds and fostered in England. They seem very thorough and there are lots of photos and reports on the dogs to look at.

Reduced?!!!!! Ahem. "rescued from Irish pounds"

Do you really have the ability to walk the dog with a toddler? Only asking because I have a 13m old and my mum kindly walks my dog in the morning for me (with her dog) and I have to pay for childcare so I can take dog out in afternoon. I walk 3 miles through the countryside and obviously my 13m old could never do that!! (Little rabbit tracks no chance of a pushchair)

I think it's important for a dog to get off lead time to run and run and run not just on a lead by a pushchair pounding the pavement.

Thanks everyone will look at the rescue centres mentioned.

I wouldnt be pounding the pavement with a buggy for walks, I have quite a lot of open land near thats suitable for a dog to come off his lead and have a good run.

Sounds ideal!

Thanks Sallybear im going to look at the site you suggested now