DH and DDs would like a dog but...

[SandunesAndRainclouds]

...I’m not sure I do, and I wouldn’t even know where to start!

DD(13) has wanted a dog for as long as I can remember and I’ve always said no - mainly because I was working as was DH and I didn’t see the point in having a dog to leave it at home alone all day.

DD had cancer / major surgery a couple of years ago and her recovery has been helped by PAT dogs. This will be coming to an end soon and she’s already saying how much she’ll miss them, and is building anxiety about the dog not being around any more.

We also have a DD with SEN who isn’t great with any animal tbh. However, we’ve just spent the weekend with a friend and her dog (spaniel) and I’ve seen how both of my girls have relaxed and enjoyed the dog. He’s a super calm, quiet boy though.

I find myself coming around to the idea but wouldn’t commit without research and understanding of breed etc - which is where I could do with some guidance please!

I am now at home full time so dog would always have company. I am very active so walks / exercise aren’t a bother and I’d be happy to train, play and mentally exercise a dog. I also run so it would be nice to have a dog that could join me on the shorter runs. I wouldn’t expect a dog to run with me over 5kms.

My must haves are calm, non-barky, likes a cuddle and being handled. If we could train as a PAT dog that would be great and I’d be happy to do that - especially for the benefits I’ve seen with my girls. We have 2 cats so would need to fit in with them. I’m also happy to groom but would prefer a dog that doesn’t moult loads.

I wouldn’t discount a rescue (cats are rescues and not an issue) but everything I’ve looked at so far online needs an adult only home with no cats... I thought a puppy would be easier to train into our home but happy to be corrected.

Apologies for a huge essay but any advice or suggestions are welcome!

Funnily enough I was set on a Cav until I did the research then posted on here and ended up with a Border!
We were lucky in that we live in an area with several established breeders - in that they show and agility compete.
We managed to connect with someone who was mentoring a first time breeder and who recommended us after interview!
The pups were amazingly well socialised and he's become a lovely family pet - 1 year old next week!
When I started looking I contacted the breed club, joined Facebook groups and google for local breeders. Puppy farms can be avoided if you know the signs. I also wanted to avoid a backyard breeder, with that you are looking for a KC registration who follow breeding rules around age, litter numbers etc. The key is also to know the breeders motivation- they should breed to improve the line, so you'd want to know about the stud used and why for example.
Finally yes there are downsides to dogs but imho the positives are amazing and they do improve your life so much.

Having got an adult rescue (greyhound) at the same time as several friends got puppies, I am SO grateful that we didn't ever have to go through the puppy stage. I'm far too lazy for that, it sounds like ridiculously hard work!

I really would recommend having a look at greyhounds. They are such incredibly easy pets. I'm on a retired greyhound forum on FB and several on there are trained as PAT dogs. One even goes into school to listen to children read! sighthoundezine.co.uk/blog/how-danny-the-reading-dog-changed-a-life/

DH was a bit ambivalent about a greyhound as they are "so bony" but now he says he would never go for another breed.

Well done for not just leaping into it and good luck with the search!

In fact - you've really made me think about this - I wonder if we could get Heckhound registered as a PAT dog?