Inexperienced dog owner ? Puppy walker?

[Isadora2007]

I have never owned a dog. We as a family would like a dog at some point but it never seems quite the right point. If we look ten years down the line we have a dog, but at what point it would be the right time? I just don't know.
With young children (youngest will be 5 in October) we are in no rush, but would prefer a young dog as I am worried about a rescue with unknown background.

Dh mentioned guide dog training. He said it would be a good way to see if our life was suited for a dog of our own. But I'm unsure if we would even be considered as I haven't ever had a dog. Dh had a family dog but wasn't really ever training it etc.

Thoughts??? Much appreciated.

My other idea was to register with a rescue for a home and family check and wait until they have pups available.

Don't think I could have a guide dog puppy for a year then hand it back!!
I know a woman who has had over a dozen puppies but she is an older lady with no dc at home!!
Rescue puppy would be good - use the time to research a breed /mix suitable for your family. .
Commitment is the key to dog ownership. .

Actually puppy walking also isn't giving you a realistic view of dog ownership as you can take the puppy in shops, theme parks , museums , soft play etc whereas with a normal dog you need to find someone to look after the dog if you want a day out etc.

Some rescue dogs have a known history as can be surrendered by owners when their circumstances change, relationship breakdowns are common reason. Many rescues now use foster homes too so can see what dogs are like in more typical home environment. There are lots of puppies that end up/born in rescue so it maybe worth discussing with local centres whether you go on a list & wait or apply when they have some. I would bear in mind that often the dad is unknown so not always known what size they'll end up or breed type traits may carry through.

I've had 3 ex-racing greyhounds whose history from birth is known & mutt who arrived at 6 months who was born in rescue & original adopters decided to return.
Most decent rescues choose not to rehome adult strays with no history to homes with kids unless they've been able to fully assess behavior to feel its a low risk . However much like breeders there's good & poor quality rescues so should do some research, as a novice dog owner you will want to be confident that your being matched with a suitable dog/puppy & there's advice & support available post adoption.

That's a good point about unrealistic view of ease of dog care...
I do recall dog sitting for two weeks one holiday and realising that I had an exam so needed to arrange a dog friendly babysitter for the kids plus dog. It was very tying...

We got our dog when our youngest was 11 , for the very reason that we liked to go out a lot , go away for ad hoc breaks in the school holidays etc it really needs considering .

OP have you heard of the cinnamon trust? Could be a gentle introduction?

Puppies are a pain in the bum, not sure I would want to go through the trauma of training and then give it up!

I would consider going to a reputable rescue and see what they reccomend?