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The doghouse

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Original poster

We want a dog but most places are 'no children' any advice?

38 replies

Goshitstricky · 31/08/2021 17:19

I should say before this goes any further I am categorically not going to buy a new puppy from a breeder, I only want a dog if I can rescue one.

There are a few places near us (West Sussex) that say 'no children' or some that will consider all cases but never have any dogs safe for children.
Are we destined not to have a dog until the kids are a lot older or am I missing something/somewhere?
Our youngest is 6 so not a baby.
I'd appreciate experiences if anyone has found anywhere that will accept us please.

OP posts:
GuyFawkesDay · 31/08/2021 17:22

It's why we ended up with a puppy as I tried to use the local rescue but there was just nothing suitable for primary age kids in that matched our home/circumstances. Such a shame.

ChangeMustCome · 31/08/2021 17:22

Perhaps rehoming via a specialist breed organisation such as Labrador rescue etc? I think you'll be lucky to re-home a dog (from a decent rescue) with such a young child with good reason!

bloodywhitecat · 31/08/2021 17:24

I rehomed a dog from Spaniel Assist Rescue and Rehoming, at the time we had a 3 year old, having a child was not an automatic no with them.

muddyford · 31/08/2021 18:00

I assess for Labrador Rescue. We judge each case on its merits (or otherwise). But we are getting very few dogs as people are selling their 'beloved' family pets instead of ensuring they go to checked homes and families.

countrygirl99 · 31/08/2021 18:04

We follow a breed specific rescue and they have the occasional dog that is suitable for 5+ but most of the dogs have an issue or history that means a home with young children isn't a suitable home for the dog. Those that can be re-homed with young children will have a couple of hundred applicants within 2 hours.

icedcoffees · 31/08/2021 18:22

Most rescues won't re-home to families with children under 8 - many set the criteria even older.

Unfortunately, if a dog has never lived with children before, they have no way of knowing if it would be suitable for you, and it's better for them to be safe than sorry.

I would see if you can register your interest with local rescues - dogs who are good with children, puppies etc. won't make it onto websites or Facebook pages as they're too much in demand. Those are generally reserved for dogs who are struggling to find homes for whatever reason.

AvantGardening · 31/08/2021 18:28

Smaller rescues generally have more flexibility on placing dogs in family homes. If you’re able to foster with a rescue that might improve your odds too, but it’s not for everyone.

Blendabrethin · 31/08/2021 18:29

Give up and buy one. It is the only way. We were looking for an older dog, flexible on breed but had to be safe around children for almost 3 years and there was NOTHING.

We gave up, bought a puppy ( an overpriced lockdown puppy from pets4home, shock horror!) and never looked back. It's been wonderful 😛

Rosiiiiie · 31/08/2021 18:31

Ireland pet rescues have puppies sometimes. I see them advertised on fb and they also advertise the fact that they ship to UK. That could be one option.

Potpourri23 · 31/08/2021 18:33

There are loads of rescue sites on fb that bring dogs over from Cyprus, Bosnia etc who are sometimes a bit more flexible and certainly with children over 7. I've even seen some requesting a home with children because the dog loves them so much! They quite often have puppies, although they have to be 4 months old to travel and this is set to change to 6 months.

adoreyou · 31/08/2021 18:35

We also looked for a rescue and with a 5 year old we just couldn't find any rescues suitable.... we even got turned down by a breeder as DD was too young!!!

You can try the type of charity that rescues from romania... they tend to have dogs suitable for children.

We also ended up getting a puppy, he is amazing and wouldn't be with out him. DD loves him and he loves her.

TooManyAnimals94 · 31/08/2021 18:39

My mum rehomed a lovely dog from Cyprus. I don't know what their child 'rules' were but she is fab with all young children she has met.
Worth a look.

Ylvamoon · 31/08/2021 18:40

If you don't want a puppy, how about giving an ex breeding girl from a breeder a forever home. If it's an experienced, reputable breeder, she will be well socialized and good with your children. Granted, she may be already 5+ years old. But for a first dog that should be fine.

MiddlesexGirl · 31/08/2021 18:41

That's why we had to go to a breeder in the end. No-one would rehome a rescue to us with young children so gave up in the end.

CeceJoyce · 31/08/2021 18:55

If you’re willing to be patient you’ll definitely find a rescue dog. We adopted our dog from the dogs trust. They said she was only suitable for over 10 year olds. As my youngest was 8 at the time I thought we wouldn’t have a shot at getting her but when we talked to the staff about it they said it was only because she was an excitable bouncy dog who could potentially knock smaller children over. So my dc’s had to come and meet her and make sure they were comfortable with her jumping. Turns out she only jumped at adults and has not once jumped at a small child…
There are so many rescues you can register with too.

2ndMrsdeWinter · 31/08/2021 18:56

I assess for a Greek rescue charity. Having children is not an automatic ‘no’ for us either.

Mistlein · 31/08/2021 18:57

I admire your morals but it's just not that straight forward anymore and rescue centres are just not in dire need of homes as they were a few years ago. They can afford to be fussy.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of breeders in this country that are not in it for the money. They adore their breeds. They are absolutely passionate about them. These people have in many cases chosen to have dogs rather than children. They are their lives and they are hell bent (in a good way) on preserving and improving their breeds and ensuring puppies go to good homes is part of this. A good breeder will grill their potential new homes to ensure they are right for their puppies.

If you have specific needs (and having children is a specific need), you won't go far wrong doing your research and looking for a good hobby breeder.

AlexaIWillNeverSayDucking · 31/08/2021 19:01

The breed specific rescues sometimes facilitate rehoming of puppies, where the owner can't legally sell them (too young) but is willing to hang onto them while the rescue finds a new home.

These dogs seem to have less behavioural issues, we got our dog this way and have 2 children.

Saucery · 31/08/2021 19:04

Labrador Rescue North West has a limit of 5ys and up for children, so there are rescues out there who would consider the right dog with a 6yr old.

Original poster
Goshitstricky · 31/08/2021 19:24

I'll keep looking, we're in no rush, our names are down for all rescues abroad and locally.

I do understand it, they have to protect the dog, the family and themselves but it's frustrating. We'd be great dog owners and having been brought up with dogs we're not unrealistic about what it entails.

OP posts:
Onehotmess · 31/08/2021 19:37

Have you tried looking into retired guide dogs?

MattDillonsEyebrows · 31/08/2021 19:38

We were in the same boat, refused to buy, but had a 3 & 4 year old so no rescue place would look at us. We ended up going on The Dog House on C4!

I wouldn’t have chosen to go on tv for it, but we had a great experience and I actually would recommend it. The whole process was absolutely lovely with everyone from the tv crew to the staff doing their absolute best to make us comfortable and at home.

They are advertising for people so it might be work looking into?

Original poster
Goshitstricky · 31/08/2021 19:45

I hadn't thought of looking at retired dogs, I will have a look.
I have no idea where to start if I were to look for a breeder, no idea what breed to pick, we've always had whatever needed a home in the family and often they were mongrels. I'll have to get my thinking cap on and have another chat with DH. As said no rush at all though so plenty of time to think things through.

OP posts:
Greytminds · 31/08/2021 20:54

Our local greyhound rescue rehomes to families with children and I think the nationwide retired greyhound trust can also offer some flexibility. They both spend time matching the dog to the family. On the whole they are such gentle creatures.

Our greyhound was a big gentle thing. We had a baby after having our dog for a few years and they were lovely together. No issues at all. As 2 year old our DD could hold her lead and they would walk in perfect step.

Bebeschitt · 31/08/2021 22:25

Our local Grey rescue also rehomed to families. Some dogs are fine with kids, some are not and they are homed accordingly.
We rescued from a breed specific rescue (UK) who foster first so they know their dogs. I say breed specific, they're mostly bull breeds and crosses of.
We have always rescued so like you were happy to wait rather than buy a puppy. We started looking and ended up bring her home the same month.
She is just gorgeous with the kids. The biggest softie ever but then Staffies are known for loving their people, that's why us Staffy lovers love them!

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