Do you think this is the right dog for us?

[CommunistLegoBloc]

I would love to get a dog. We own our own home, have a 30ft garden and are near a big park. We are also within driving distance of lots of lovely rural walks, although we do live in the city. I work from home, but there is a possibility of (flexible) work that would take me out of the house in the future. DP works a lot, but shifts. If we were both to be out of the house I would arrange a walker, but it's unlikely at the moment. I can't foresee being out of the house all day, for example, although there will always be the odd day when things crop up. What do people do then?

I've been looking at rescue greyhounds or lurchers. I definitely want a rescue dog, and also don't want a puppy. I like greyhounds because they're beautiful and they are advertised as cuddly and lazy! I've been told they are quite low-maintenance as dogs go - is this true? I also keep being told they like to sleep on sofas and in your bed - I'm sure I'll love my dog but that might be a bridge too far...

Basically I want a dog that is soppy and loyal but who likes a good bound about the park. Does a greyhound sound right, or is there another breed I should be looking at? Am I missing any important points? I'm sure I am. I want to research breeds and make a sensible decision but there's a lot of information and it's all a bit overwhelming. I had a dog as a child but this would be my first in adulthood.

Thanks so much for getting through this :)

He's here! He's a lurcher not a greyhound, but I know you won't hold it against him ;) He travelled very well in the car and went straight through to the garden and had a wee and a poo. He's been fed, had a walk and is currently stretched out on the floor. I've bought him some toys but he's not bothered. At the risk of sounding stupid, what should I be doing with him? And oh GOD he just keeps farting

I'll upload some pictures soon, though it has to be said that he's more magnificent in the flesh than in photos. Poor boy will never make it in the modelling world. No name yet either!

So exciting! Can't wait for photos. Lurchers are wonderful and I am looking forward to following your adventures with him.

Glad he's home! Tonight just keep it all calm and you don't need to be doing anything with him - he's got a lot to take in.
Farting. Yes, this is a bit of a sighthound thing alas. But when you find the right food it does get better. Mine have to have sensitive food, and even then not all brands suit them. Currently its Vitalin sensitive, though they prefer Burns pork and potato. They then get some wet food or sardines mixed in.

My two both have poncey names which are a bit odd, so I can't help on that. We like an unusual name with a story here! All the animals get new names on coming to us

I like unusual names, especially poncy and with a story. The one we are considering is all of those things! Ahhh I love him already - he's a beauty. Thank you all so much for your kind words and encouragement.

I'm going to change his food for something a bit better quality, but slowly. Not too much change at once :)

Say name, give treat; repeat and will know his name very quickly!

Id love a collie lurcher, friend has s couple, gorgeous dogs; and my pointer x girl loves pointy dogs because their one of few breeds that can keep up with her on a chase! Mustn't look at rescues, can't afford a second dog!

I switched my dogs to raw feeding, never another fart!

so pleased you fell for a lurcher - is he scruffy and what is his cross (if border collie like mine thay are super intelligent, loyal , lovely dogs) but I admit to being a bit biased.
my lurch had a name I did not like so I changed it - not a problem as they will come when called whatever in the tone of voice that demands obedience

also recommend Burgess food for the wind.

Exciting! Can't wait to see pics.

On food, no dog should really eat wheat - it's not a true gluten intolerance, they just aren't designed to digest it and so struggle. It's why the better brands of dog food all advertise 'no wheat' on the front. You might find he's farty because he's slightly unsettled, it might be the food - you might just have a farty dog. Yay... Probiotic yoghurt might help him - Activia or similar.

My top tips for all new dog owners: No. 1 - get some Chappie tinned dog food in, in case he ever has sickness or diarrhoea. It's what the vets advise to give you when they have a dodgy tummy. The alternatives are chicken and rice, and eggs - but lots of dogs are dodgy with eggs and rice can cause bloat. Chappie. The current advice is not to starve them if they are ill as this can cause more sickness, but to give them something bland. You never have bland stuff in when they start yacking up at 7pm.

Number 2 top tip - get some Thornit powder. It treats and prevents ear mites/wax/infections, which depending on his ears might not be a problem as some breeds/dogs are more susceptible than others - but is also absolutely brilliant to put on split paws, grazes and any little nicks they get when they're out running. Miracle powder. My spaniel is held together by Thornit.

Enjoy him!

Not come across thornit in my collecting of dog first aid stuff, where's best place to get hold of it please?

Amazon is as good a place as anywhere.

It's definitely a dog first aid essential in my eyes. As is the fact that dogs can have Rennie tablets if they're all bloated and farty/gassy. Something the emergency vet told me when I called in a panic one night and she couldn't come out straight away - try a Rennie, a hot water bottle and a good back rub/winding.

Works a treat. My beagle eats everything things he shouldn't.

I forgot to show you pictures! He's a beautiful boy and he's settled so well. Few hiccups with sleeping but he's stopped howling now. He's lazy as anything. We are working on walks but he's nervous of anything unexpected outside so demands to be taken home quite quickly!

He's bonded so well and I am in love :) oh and excuse the manky painting cover sheet - needs must! He definitely wasn't going to be allowed on the sofa

he is lovely even though he is not a 'scruffy' lurcher - and looks so contented
have you named him yet ?
he looks like a Freddie, Eddie, Ollie, Bertie or a Digby

What a blissfully happy look on his face in that second photo!

He looks lovely and obviously has his paws well and truly under the table .

he is gorgeous, looks so contented. You are all going to have so much fun

Oh look ! He's gorgeous . Enjoy !