Dog newbie researching - advice gratefully received!

[AGeeseGoose]

DH and I have two DC (6 and 3). We would love to have a dog in our lives - have previously had cats, but neither of us have owned a dog before.

Next year we’re moving to a larger house, with a big and safe garden, and will both be WFH (so there will always be someone at home to keep the dog company, lunchtime walks etc).

I have tentatively looked at rescue dogs in our local area, and have noticed they are generally not suitable to live in homes with young children. Does anyone have advice on the best way to meet/adopt dogs with young children in the home? Any advice on breeds etc would be great.

Rescuing seems to be tricky if you have young DC as so many rescue dogs are either not suitable to live with children or have never been checked to see what they are like with them. Breed-specific rescues might be a better bet as they often foster dogs in people's homes so have a good idea of what the dogs are like.

As for breeds, if you are first-timers with young DC, I'd avoid the high-energy breeds or those that need a lot of training (if you grew up with dogs you'll have some idea about dog ownership though). For a first-time owner I wouldn't recommend the working line of anything (Labradors, cockers springers, border collies...), or any of those breeds where there is a lot of working drive and no clear split between work and show lines (vizslas, German pointers etc). They are all fabulous breeds, but are not ideal for the inexperienced (unless you have a lot of support and time).

That still leaves you a lot of choice - under normal circumstances I'd advise a trip to Discover Dogs, but you can still chat to dog owners in the park about their dogs - I'd tell anyone the pros and cons of mine.

It would helpful to consider how much exercise and training you're prepared to commit to, how much grooming you can face and what size and shape of dog appeals to you, as well as what sort of temperament. Dogs vary a fair bit within breed in terms of character but breed gives you a general idea of what to expect.

The problem at the moment is that the demand for dogs is insane: rescues are struggling to process applications, and puppy prices have gone through the roof. Finding a good breeder can be a lottery at the best of times and very tricky at the moment. But the breeder search is a whole other post!

I should add that I am posting at this insane hour is that I got up an hour ago as part of house-training a recalcitrant puppy - are you up for that? I've never had to do it before but this one is a little sod!

I would say you need to think about what type of things you want or need in a dog? When you picture a dog in your house what do you picture doing? For example if you're picturing big long walks in the country side throwing a ball that's likely a different dog to one that's cuddled up with the kids on the sofa.

Are you looking for a playful dog or might that annoy the kids (eg if its liable to steal their toys!). Some dog breeds are prone to be harder to toilet train while others are super fun to teach tricks to.

Are you looking for a super cuddly dog or one that's more independent? A cuddly dog might also feel very "needy"

How much time do you anticipate exercising it? Are you a 30 min walk a day family, or a hiking family? Would you prefer a dog that can skip a walk in the pouring rain? Do you want a dog that settles in its bed post walk (eg a greyhound) or is very engaging and into finding fun?

Do you want a big dog, or a little one? Some times it's a practical point of view eg what fits in the boot or sometimes people want bigger.

Do you need a dog that can be left? Is good with cats? Do you have any pet hates eg needing one that isnt prone to barking or dont want husky levels of molting ? How much work can you put in to grooming?

Is it important to you that it's a family dog or are you okay with one that's more reserved?

Thinking about your life style, what would it need to be good at? For example if you want a dog that's with you at the park then it will need to be probably good with other dogs, and lower energy if its expected to sit with you while the kids are on the swings.

Sometimes it then helps narrow down breed choices if you can then start discounting some based on things like no heavy shedding, dont want a dog that needs monthly trips to the groomers or more than an hours exercise a day

Thank you so much for these replies! I’m so glad I asked - things like car space and grooming requirements I hadn’t even considered! We are experienced cat owners (although we don’t have any pets at the mo), and DH had cats throughout his childhood, but neither of us have ever owned a dog.

I’ll wait until we’re settled in the new house, and we’ll continue our research in the meantime.

Some excellent advice, its good that you have taken the time to ask as all too often I meet people with dog issues as they just didn't realise how it would be in real life.
It well worth talking to owners but you do need them who tell you warts and all. Personally I never trust any dog near small children, we had a Dog gap once the kids came along and ours where 4 and 6 when we got a Pair of Lhasa Apsos, which we found to be great with kids, but we do favour smaller breeds especially terriers, we now have a Dandie Dinmont Terrier she is best we have had.
I would also look at Vulnerable native breeds, they are rarely farmed as no money in them often due to small litter size and most make good pets.
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-you-ready/vulnerable-native-breeds/