Are we dog people?

[BunnyLebowski]

Hi all

I've popped over from my usual comfort zones of AIBU and S+B to ask for your very valuable opinions on whether or not we should become dog owners

We've wanted a dog forever and have been seriously considering and talking about it for the last year. I grew up with dogs. DP didn't but loves them. DD is 5 and, predictably, is very very keen on the idea

We have a biggish semi with a decent sized garden. Outdoor tap and a open garage-y thing for towelling down dirty doggy!

We have fantastic walking areas nearby and love walking anyway.

We can afford the insurance/vets/food/unexpected expenses.

DD is likely to remain an only so no wee babies to factor in. She is quite mature and sensible and not overly daft.

DP works full time and I don't work at all so there are no limits on my time. I don't go anywhere socially either . So I would be the main carer. I'm really excited about that

I've been trawling the local rescue sites for months but haven't found the right combination of a child friendly, not gigantic, not too old pooch.

I found an ad yesterday for a 1 year old labradoodle bitch whose owner is selling her (for £100) because of work issues. She is beautiful. I get a really strong yes vibe every time I look at her picture .

So do you think we should go for it? Are there any obvious things I'm overlooking?

Thank you dog mavens!

Well, you sound like you'd be brilliant dog people Just a note of caution, though. Dogs that are rehomed via rescue come with a lot of expert back up. The dog will be assessed, and you'll have ongoing advice and help from the rescue. A private rehoming, especially via an ad, will have none of that. You will be taking on an unknown commodity. Now, that might mean that you get a brilliant dog for next to no money. But it might mean you're taking on a dog with health or behavioural issues, and will have no back up. I am speaking from experience. I bought a pup from an ad, and he has been a difficult and expensive dog. So, personally, I'd advise you to leave the labradoodle and keep looking.

Thanks Snakey

I'd already thought about that. The ad says she's great with kids and other dogs but essentially you've only got the owner's word on that haven't you?

I've tentatively arranged to go see her tomorrow. Is there any way of gauging clues about a dog's personality in person? I'm a fairly good judge of character in people so would be putting a lot into the impression I get from the owner.

I really have searched exhaustively on Dog's Trust, RSPCA etc and haven't found a dog there isn't an issue with . Selfishly we don't want a mature dog or a challenging dog and there are certain breeds we just don't like which seem to make up 80% of what's available.

Its hard!

hiya, you sound like doggy people to me too

Firstly, can i just pick out certain bits from what you have said.... The lady is selling her due to work issues, ok does that mean that you are going to end up with a very bouncy 1yo dog who has been cooped up? little socialisation? not managed to pick up on the rules or been given much instruction due to lack of time? when you do go to visit, knock loudly, see what reaction if any the dog makes, how does it feel about you entering its house, does it try and take over the welcoming of you from its owner, when you sit down, see if it comes and bounces all over you without being invited, try and this will sound sill ponk your hands on the sofa and see what the dogs reaction is to it, i mean does the dog interprate that as its cue to bounce up? (something which your 5yo will be doing alot as they do, just dont want her pounced on lol)

Ive just tried to point out as many things as i can think of about initial reactions from the dogs point of view, hope it helps

Tbh, why dont you get a puppy? whats stopping you?

best of luck x

Whereabouts are you Bunny? Let us know and the doghouse regulars will have lots of fun suggesting some lovely rescue dogs suitable for you!

Oh we were on board for a puppy metime! And we still might go that way!

I've just always felt I'd just rather help a dog that needs a home than buy a puppy if that makes sense.

Your advice sounds great. Thank you. From reading the ad it sounded like a change in work situation rather than a standing one so hopefully she's been well looked after so far.

She really is lovely if a bit rangy! If I attempt to post a pic of her will you tell me if she looks healthy and well?

Thanks neeps - that'd be great! I'm in Leeds

You sound very much like you're ready for a dog. And tbh if you're getting that "vibe" from the labradoodle then I think it's meant to be - I'm a strong believer in fate. We got our 5 month old golden lab from an advert on Gumtree (yes, I know, we didn't know any better at the time) - the lady had three for sale - long story - we actually went to see the chocolate one but when we got there it was immediately apparent that the golden had decided we were taking her home, thankyouverymuch. She's now three and has been the BEST dog. I think when you see her, you'll be able to tell pretty much straight away if she's for you or not. Good luck and do keep us posted, very excited for you!!

Just to add too......puppy versus slightly older dog....we've had both and while puppies are super cute and all, they are very hard work. If the dog you're looking at is a year old, she will be over the worst of the puppy craziness but do make sure she's fully housetrained.

Having said that, our girl was but still peed in the house a few times when we got her home...think it was nerves though, and she's been perfect ever since.

We ended up adopting a breed I'd always said no way to, of an age we had always said was too old... She is now the love of my life (after DH of course!). We are both potty about her

I'd dismissed this dog on the internet but we both fell head over heels when we met her. I'd go to the rescue centre and meet some before you make a decision!

I would just be a bit wary of a labradoodle for £100 through a private ad. That sounds very cheap tbh and labradoodles are usually bred by obsessed 'hands on' breeders so I would wonder why this lady hasn't gone back to the breeder for help if she could no longer look after the dog.

I would be cautious as PP have said, to be aware this dog might not be well socialised/trained. I would also ask for the details of their vet.
I would expect a well cared for one year old to be neutered and chipped, which wormer and flea treatment is she on, vaccinated etc. still very bouncy but responding to instructions.
I would definitely avoid if they haven't been looking after it properly as even the loveliest dogs are pretty challenging as teenagers

Can I direct you to many tears who always have lots of puppies and young dogs, many of whom are in foster homes so will have been well assessed on how they behave in the home (usually totally differently to how they would behave in kennels).

You can search by age and distance from you. We've had a rescue puppy from them, she's now over a year and is great.

I am at work now but will post later properly, have you tried visiting and explaining your specific circumstances to Dogs Trust Leeds? That's a huge place!

I found that, if you visited regularly, and they got to know you, the staff were very friendly and helpful. Naturally, they are a little 'cooler' on weekends, especially wet weekends, as they get a lot of 'window shoppers'

I was offered everything from adult rescues to a tiny baby Sprocker (puppies are not on display).

We actually went down the pedigree puppy route after careful research and thought eventually and don't regret that decision at all as we have a little dream of a Springer who is 11 months (just passed KC Gold, proud mummy!) but would certainly have a rescue in the future, DH just fell in love with Springer's after visiting a friend who trains them for the police and wanted badly to go down this route.

There's also White Rose (or possibly Yorkshire Rose, I forget, but you can Google) Rescue, who have all their dogs in foster, so you would get a thoroughly assessed dog that way.

Or Moorview Rescue at Pately Bridge, but I was a little unsure of them if I am being honest, as the dog they offered us was clearly not suitable, which I think they did at they had so many dogs that needed homes.

kitsmummy was nosing on your profile to see your dog - is that your house in pics?! Looks amazing, can you adopt me please?

Hi, further post!

I do think you are going into this with your eyes wide open and you sound like you will be fantastic dog owners

We have had our Springer since he was 8 weeks old. He has been a dream in all aspects of dogginess and we love him to pieces (for me, that took a bit of time, DH loves him more than he loves me and the DC I think!!). But we were able to 'mould' him to how we wanted him to be by investing a lot of time and effort into him.

That being said, he was a blank canvas, so to speak, with no 'issues' and he has a sweet nature, placid temperament and is eager to please, so it was really easy, even for beginners such as ourselves. We also did a lot of research on breeders and went on a waiting list for the litter, after having been interviewed etc. Our breeder still has him if we go away for the princely sum of £5 per day, as she would rather he goes to her.

A reputable rescue centre would be able to give you the back up and additional help that you might need if you chose that route and your dog had any issues that needed additional support. I would worry that buying from this lady wouldn't give you the opportunity for this to happen, that's all. It's easy to say whatever you like in an advert.

In addition, even though our puppy has been fantastic, it's still bloomin' hard work having a puppy, just be aware of that, we are coming out of this stage and I am amazed at how much easier it all is even now, but it's pretty full on to start with.

ps - DH is bi-polar, having a dog in his life has changed him for the better more than any medication that he could potentially take, I love our dog just for this simple fact alone.

Thank you everyone for the sage advice .

I've just spoken to DP and he is equally wary of such an ad. We're still going to go to the viewing anyway but will be very keenly using your tips and tactics to try and ascertain the situation. And we'll be asking all the pertinent questions.

We're both sensible pragmatic people so hopefully we'll be able to tell pretty quickly one way or the other. If it's a no go then we will probably stick to our original plan of a puppy. You'll be hearing plenty more of me that's for sure .

needsa - the last line of your post has made me all teary. So lovely

I've put a picture on my profile for anyone who fancies a gander

Lady turmoil, yes it is, thank you so much!

Ahem ladies, this is not a Kirsty and Phil thread (your house is gorgeous though kits )

Anyone had a look at my prospective pup yet?! Can you see the photo ok?

Stick with breeders or rescue centres. I'd personally steer clear of the labradoodle. IMO no loving dog owner would sell on their beloved pet, they would search high and low for either a reputable re homing centre or a new home. I would doubt their reasons were genuine purely on the fact they are asking for money, but I am a doubting Thomas generally so perhaps I'm BU.

TBH I wouldn't touch it ,infact she looks a bit thin to me and I wouldn't even go as you may find yourself bringing her home purely because you feel sorry for her ! With a young child you are better off with either a puppy or a properly assessed young dog from a rescue .

I agree wit others. She may look lovely (and she may well be) but you don't know and with a young child I wouldn't risk it. A reputable rescue has nothing to gain from giving you a dog that's not tested or suitable for you, the last thing they want is to lie to you about temperament and the dog end up back with them. It's owner though may have a lot of reasons to not tell the truth about this dog, you just don't know

I wouldn't go to see the dog in the first place - you'll probably end up feeling sorry for it and taking it home anyway without asking enough questions (I know I would)

If the dog's owner were truly responsible she wouldn't be selling her dog for a pittance via an ad, she'd be organising a proper rehoming through a rescue centre