Rescue dog - for first time dog owners?

[LtGreggs]

We're in the early stages of thinking about getting a dog. Haven't owned a dog before, and didn't grow up with dogs. Two DC aged 10 & 12. They are keen, but it's really me who is driving the idea and dog would be 'for me' rather than them.

I've started having a look at rescue centre web sites and almost all seem to say individual dogs need a home "with experienced owners". Is it silly to think about a rescue dog (rather than a puppy) as a first time? Surely the puppy stage is harder & needs more experience??

Advise me, dog people?

Our first dog was a rescue dog, ex stray (he had separation anxiety and remodelled my kitchen door somewhat when left till we got it under control - think that's why he was dumped by previous owners) and he was seriously The Greatest Fucking Dog Ever.

Died at Christmas and I miss the dopey bastard every single day (didn't have a single braincell between his ears, despite being a cross between a Border Collie, German Shepherd and whatever else was in the postcode when his mum was in season... and being ridiculously called Brian by a rescue where none of them could spell, so his name was "Brain" on all his paperwork... never has a dog been so inappropriately named).

Photo is just because he was a bloody good looking fella.

Bing. Your post made me smile. And laugh a bit. Brain was handsome boy and no mistake

Bing, I’m smiling here at your post. I currently have my 6.5 month loony puppy asleep on my lap (well I say on my lap but his head is the only thing that fits as he’s a ridgie) He’s our first family dog and has brought SO much joy to our life, but our life is certainly not what it was and it’s pretty much been turned upside down in every way imaginable. This one is my 4th child!

@BingTheButterflySlayer what he lacked in brains he certainly made up for in looks! Your lad had lovely kind eyes.

OP my advice would be to visit rescues in your area (and further a field if necessary) at first without your DC to avoid disappointment. Be honest with the rescues I believe they will jump at the chance to find you the right dog for your family, as you sound responsible and thoughtful.

It may be a longer journey until you find the right match, but there is a dog perfect for every owner & vice versa, good luck.

It depends on the dog, we’ve never had a puppy as we know our busy lives and work schedules would not be suitable so all our dogs have been rescued including our first. Some dogs will need experienced homes but others will be fine for first time owners. I would recommend that even though you are not getting a puppy still plan to do training classes as many rescue dogs will need some work on this, much easier with an adult dog I’ve found however!

We have a lovely rescue dog as our first family dog. He is 2 (ish) and was ‘matched’ to us by the rescue. He hadn’t been living in a foster family so they knew him really well and was living with cats/children. The first 6 months were tough, not because he did anything wrong but the adjustment of having a dog was huge. I am pleased we got a rescue dog, I think a good rescue will be able to tell you more about the dog than getting a puppy from a breeder. And puppies are so much work and they bite...a lot! Give me a rescue dog anytime! Whatever you do, do lots and lots of research on the right breeder or rescue especially with children involved.

*he had been living in a foster family!