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The doghouse

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Original poster

Rescue dog versus pup

20 replies

JamesDelayneysTattoos · 01/06/2017 17:41

My dd is just 10 she has undx aspergers ( in process at mo ) she has an animal phobia.

People keep telling me that getting her a dog will

A - cure her phobia
B - help with her as

I am a sahm so could easily look after a dog, I was brought up with dogs as a child. We have 4 dc under 14 and a 19 yr old at home.

Obviously I'd prefer to support a rescue dog to find a forever home but do you think it would be better to get a pup that could grow with her?

A friend has taken their as dd to choose herself from a rescue.

I'm not going to rush into anything. Dd likes the idea of getting a dog like her auntie ( who is a pat dog specialist but doesn't live near us ) she has 2 x bischon frise.

Any advice would be welcomed. Thank you

OP posts:
Gowgirl · 01/06/2017 17:46

Rescue pup?

Original poster
JamesDelayneysTattoos · 01/06/2017 17:54

Is there such a thing?

OP posts:
Gowgirl · 01/06/2017 17:57

Yep but they get snapped up quick. I was queuing for an 8 week old last week the lady in front of me got him. Next time I will be there when the doors open...

Gowgirl · 01/06/2017 18:04

There were 27 people turned up for two pups a couple were told no but the woman in front of me interviewed well and got the dog

CornflakeHomunculus · 01/06/2017 18:08

If your DD isn't comfortable around dogs then it's not a great idea to go ahead and get one. It might help with her phobia but equally it might do the exact opposite.

If she's ok around adults dogs then that would be a much better idea than a puppy who will jump up, bite, growl, etc.

There are some dog training clubs who run special cynophobia classes, often specifically aimed at children, which are geared towards helping people scared of dogs overcome their fears in a calm, controlled way. It's worth having a look to see if there are any clubs you could feasibly get to which run this type of class before taking the plunge and getting a dog.

Floralnomad · 01/06/2017 18:09

There are lots of rescue pups it's just a case of looking for them , although obviously if you want a specific breed then you would be best finding a good breeder .

CMOTDibbler · 01/06/2017 18:16

I foster rescue puppies, and I wouldn't be putting you forward to adopt one to be honest. You've got 4 under 14s, including one with ASD who is currently phobic of animals. Thats a huge amount to be dealing with before you add the horror that is puppies into the mix. Puppies are very hard work, and there is absolutely no guarantee that your dd will take to one.

If you and your dd were prepared to work hard at it, I'd recommend looking at adopting an adult greyhound AFTER you have been to the kennels to walk one for many weeks and your dd can handle having a dog around her. Then borrow a friends dog and see how she feels about a dog in her house, picking up her stuff, hair around the house etc.

Original poster
JamesDelayneysTattoos · 01/06/2017 18:21

Ok this is interesting, I had no idea there were classes or schemes that might be able to help. I'll look into that. The other kids would love a dog.

Thank you

OP posts:
Gowgirl · 01/06/2017 18:27

CMOT could you let me know which rescue you work with, I'm still looking and not bothered about breed, really just after four legs and fur.

ThatsWotSheSaid · 01/06/2017 18:29

Look up your nearest greyhound rescue and walk the dogs with your DD. I guarantee once you've seen how gentle and loving they are you'll end up getting one three.

Ylvamoon · 01/06/2017 18:34

I agree, puppies are hard work. They are bite and nip through play with their sharp teeth. This might make her phobia worse!
I agree with CMOTDibbler test the water first! Although I would not recommend a Greyhound (I am biased!), I'd look at a rejected guide dog. They usually know the basic commands and just might be less scary to your DD, because of the ease of control that comes with it.
I'd also involve her in the getting a dog process to ensure she is comfortable at all times.

PacificDogwod · 01/06/2017 18:35

Rescue Greyhound, all the way! Smile

Don't get a pup unless you truly know what you'd get in to
Yes, they are very cute and melt your heart, but it truly is not much different from looking after a human newborn.
But yes, rescues have litters of pups on an upsettingly regular basis.

Starting to walk a dog for a rescue is a really good idea btw.

Missmoodycow · 01/06/2017 19:29

I'd suggest ringing around a few local dogs homes and having a chat about your situation. They might have a dog that springs to mind or they might be able to recommend somebody who would work with you, dd and a dog to create a good bond. Ask their opinions though, I think that going headlong into getting any dog without knowing if it'll work out with your dd isn't wise and isn't fair on a dog. Good luck!!

Original poster
JamesDelayneysTattoos · 01/06/2017 21:53

Some great advice that I hadn't thought of, thank you.

I'm going to have a ring around tomorrow to see if there's anywhere that we can go and observe to start with maybe.

There was a pat dog that came into school for a while and she sat in the same room as it ( with the owner) whilst some of the other children read it a story.

OP posts:
tabulahrasa · 01/06/2017 21:53

My DS has AS, no phobias, had previously lived with a dog and he hated having a puppy.

They bite, they're unpredictable and he pretty much spent a year in his bedroom avoiding the puppy...he was at the time a 17 yr old, so not a huge deal, but very different with a 10 year old.

confuzzled42 · 01/06/2017 23:46

I am very biased as I researched this for ages and decided on a rescue greyhound. We bought ours home 3 days ago and there is no comparison with having a pup. No nipping, no peeing in the house, no barking, no whining - and I'm aware it's still exceptionally early days but it's been a breeze so far. I'm sure she'll show her true colours as she gets more comfortable but she's so calm and polite in the house - and so gentle and kind with the children, not at all jumpy. I would definitely recommend at least looking into it. (If I log back in tomorrow to say ours has been a total pain in the arse all night tonight I apologise in advance.)

ElspethFlashman · 01/06/2017 23:54

4 under 14?

Don't get a rescue. My local rescues won't actually rehome adult dogs to any home with under 6s. You don't know their history and they can react badly to children.

And I speak from experience. We got a 2 yr old years ago. Lovely cuddly dog who we adored..... but we slowly realised over the next year that he could not be trusted not to react very badly indeed when feeling stressed. It was obvious there had been trauma in the past. We had him for years but would never trust him around children.

Original poster
JamesDelayneysTattoos · 02/06/2017 00:19

Youngest child is 6, and child is 10 then there's 12, almost 14 and 19 ( not a child really )

I spoke to dd about it earlier and she said that going to a rescue place would actually be something that would be in a nightmare for her 😟 so I'm thinking maybe I'll look into getting her some help for her phobia. No dogs for us for the foreseeable.

OP posts:
Original poster
JamesDelayneysTattoos · 02/06/2017 00:20

That should read asd not and child is 10

OP posts:
PacificDogwod · 02/06/2017 07:52

James, v wise decision and well done for listening to your head and not just your heart.

I hope you find good help for your DD Thanks

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