Dog lovers
- Thread starter Putter Whore
- Start date
A
Anonymous
Guest
I wouldn't buy a Labrador, have you seen how many owners go blind? 
Thank you to all who have taken the time to give their thoughts. Plenty for me to read and consider. I'll take your advice and pop along to my local rescue centre and a dog show before making a choice.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
I just noticed an earlier post about rescue dogs, and thought that I'd just add my thoughts.
We've had two RSPCA dogs, both from the same centre. The first, we still have. He's now fourteen and is a lovely sweet dog, great with everyone. We've never had any issues with him, temperament-wise. However, he was a few months old and had only been in the shelter for a few days when we got him. He had been given up by his owners, as they had moved into accommodation where they couldn't have dogs.
The second dog was a different story. She was another cross breed and was very shy when we got her. The shelter told us that she had been rescued but that she was a lovely dog who was much improved from when she arrived. That was pretty much it. She turned out to have all kinds of behavioural issues. After months and months of perseverance we were at the point of having to return her to the RSPCA. It was only at this point that they saw fit to tell us that she had been physically abused by her first owner, beaten severely with a bicycle chain... We kept her, but it took us four years to get her to a point where she was completely trustworthy with strangers and children. Sadly, we lost her soon afterwards to an illness that our vet said was probably brought on by her nervousness.
In my experience you have to be VERY careful when rehoming a dog and really push to find out as much information as you can, especially if you have children. Dog centres always try to re-home every animal, if at all possible, so it is not always in their best interest to be 'negative' with their information. I wouldn't necessarily advise anyone not to re-home, as there are some many unwanted pets out there, but if you have little experience with dogs I would be extremely cautious.
We've had two RSPCA dogs, both from the same centre. The first, we still have. He's now fourteen and is a lovely sweet dog, great with everyone. We've never had any issues with him, temperament-wise. However, he was a few months old and had only been in the shelter for a few days when we got him. He had been given up by his owners, as they had moved into accommodation where they couldn't have dogs.
The second dog was a different story. She was another cross breed and was very shy when we got her. The shelter told us that she had been rescued but that she was a lovely dog who was much improved from when she arrived. That was pretty much it. She turned out to have all kinds of behavioural issues. After months and months of perseverance we were at the point of having to return her to the RSPCA. It was only at this point that they saw fit to tell us that she had been physically abused by her first owner, beaten severely with a bicycle chain... We kept her, but it took us four years to get her to a point where she was completely trustworthy with strangers and children. Sadly, we lost her soon afterwards to an illness that our vet said was probably brought on by her nervousness.
In my experience you have to be VERY careful when rehoming a dog and really push to find out as much information as you can, especially if you have children. Dog centres always try to re-home every animal, if at all possible, so it is not always in their best interest to be 'negative' with their information. I wouldn't necessarily advise anyone not to re-home, as there are some many unwanted pets out there, but if you have little experience with dogs I would be extremely cautious.
lacroupade
Veteran
Yep, good feedback mr lozzer. 
And +1 on the doberman. We've boarded a couple and although the size of a small horse (with turds to match!) they were lovely dogs.
Personally I'd still not recommend a spaniel as they tend to be too energetic......Mr Russell though always gets my vote LO, especially if they can fly!
This is our third JR, little Poppy....just 11 weeks old and settling in brilliantly. She's a smooth-haired and a bit more tactile than the rough coated versions....
And +1 on the doberman. We've boarded a couple and although the size of a small horse (with turds to match!) they were lovely dogs.
Personally I'd still not recommend a spaniel as they tend to be too energetic......Mr Russell though always gets my vote LO, especially if they can fly!
This is our third JR, little Poppy....just 11 weeks old and settling in brilliantly. She's a smooth-haired and a bit more tactile than the rough coated versions....
I like JR's but all the ones I've encountered seem to be too highly strung for my taste. Very cute though !
Thought I'd share this with the dog lovers. Here's our three on one of the rare occasions when the spaniel was actually still...
The kitchen was still showing the scars of his teething period the previous year. He liked chewing. A lot. Including his bed, and the oak window sill... :roll:
The kitchen was still showing the scars of his teething period the previous year. He liked chewing. A lot. Including his bed, and the oak window sill... :roll:
lacroupade
Veteran
markeg said:
They are honestly absolutely fine if properly trained.
The worst dogs are those that either aren't trained, or badly, or are left at home alone....I'd always advise, if there isn't someone home virtually 100% of the time, don't get a dog; it will end in tears most of the time.
lacroupade said:
I would agree, but would add if you are looking to be out of the house for hours at a time, get two dogs. One dog will get stressed if left on their own for long periods of time (I believe the recommended maximum is 4 hours). Ours are very well trained, only bark when they hear intruders/visitors (and cease on command) and don't dig into sofas
markeg said:Ours are very well trained, only bark when they hear intruders/visitors (and cease on command) and don't dig into sofas
One of ours used to do that very well. Unfortunately, his eyesight has packed up so he now barks at any movement at all, including birds and trees and bushes... very annoying when you work from home!
I like Paul! Rescue Greyhound?
