Getting a 2 year old westie-poodle, any tips or advice for a beginner?

[louiseee123]

We are a family of 4 and going to look at a 2 year old, she is from a nice family that has been around kids and general family life, this was a big plus for me.

Dynamic wise i work nights and my husband works days so always someone in the house.

What type of house and garden proofing do i need to do before she comes?

Any tips or advice you can give id be very grateful. Thanks!

Why is she being rehomed? What's her training and a typical day like at the moment? Do you know what food she's on?
Remember vet check, insurance and changing microchip details.

She's being rehomed because both husband and wife are now working full time through the day so was spending alot of time in the house alone.

Shes toilet trained and training wise i'm unsure. What type of things should i be asking?

Shes not spayed so will be getting that done sharpish, a bit pricey but a necessity.

Food is coming with her and have looked into insurance and changing details of microchip.

Recall is the biggest. (Though you can't let her off to start with.) What's she like with other dogs? Loud noises? People? Is she scared of anything? Does she pull on the lead?
Do you know her medical history? As a cross she will be prone to issues from both the westie side (like skin issues) and poodle side too.

Do you know the people selling the dog well? If not I would proceed with great caution.

They may be honest and the dog may be perfectly lovely however it's not a remotely unusual story for someone to very convincingly sell a "nice family dog" only for it to become apparent in the new home that the dog has behavioural issues, health problems or even both.

It's highly unlikely that such a cross will have originally come from a reputable breeder so a thorough vet check and as much evidence as possible of her being of sound temperament. Ask if you can take her for walks, observe her in different situations, etc.

I'd advise going to see her without your kids first. It's much easier to walk away if anything seems remotely iffy if they haven't already met her and fallen in love.

If the seller is genuine they should happy to facilitate multiple visits in order to find the right home for their dog. I'd also expect them to question you a lot as well, it's a huge red flag if they're happy to just hand the dog over as long as you've got the money.

She is my husbands bosses dog, id like to think he would be honest with us about any issues with her but you never really know do you.

They said she tries to hump other dogs sometimes (could this be linked to needing spaying?) We are going to take her out tomorrow and see how she is.

They said no medical issues but will definately be getting vet checked.

Im willing to go to training classes nearby to where we live if any issues do crop up.

Is this dog regularly exercised? The humping could be over excitement if it doesn't see other dogs much.
Beware if they work full time. If the dog has been shut in all day it may be used to going in the house.
I would worry about the history of this dog. A "cute" cross breed with a funny cross breed name. Probably from a puppy farmer so parents not health tested and my be unsocialised.
I have a 10 month old pup. I would never give her up unless I was destitute. I would pay for daycare etc if I had to work. I worry these people bought a cute puppy, didn't bother training or exercising and now can't cope with it so are getting rid.
Hope I'm wrong.

@wolfiefan would this be a reason to turn her down? I feel like if thats the case id love to take her so she can be exercised and not stuck in the house unsocialised. A good trainer whos willing to work with her could mean she would be a great family pet couldnt she?

Do appreciate your thoughts.

As long as you are aware of all the potential pitfalls and are prepared then that's fine. The issue is the people who have never had a dog before and think they are getting a healthy, trained and fully socialised animal. They could end up with a destructive, unsocialised, unhealthy dog that isn't trained.

Thank you. Going to see her today and ask lots of questions.

Hope it goes well.

How did it go OP?

The useful resources thread at the top of the doghouse has lots of good info too OP