Adopting A Small Dog.

[Jennykenny]

Am thinking of adopting a small dog from a rescue centre.
I have never had a dog before, (always cats, but I think it would be good for me to get out of the house with a dog). But I am slightly nervous of them having been bitten by an Alsatian some years ago.
I have no real preference as to what the animal looks like, but would prefer a breed/mongrel with some intelligence. (Perhaps one that can go and fetch me a cold drink from the fridge - joke.)
Any tips as to how to go about this? What type of dog to choose?
Pros and cons of this decision?
And anything else that you might think it useful for me to know?

[Peaspeculiars]

Hi Jenny, Just talk to the rescue staff and explain your level of experience with dogs, what kind of lifestyle you have, and whether you are looking for a young or older dog and they will know the dogs they have in well enough to match you to either one or a few suitable dogs.
They may offer advice on training if necessary and will give advice on how to care for the dog, vaccinations required etc too.

Follow your heart and choose the dog the really 'speaks' to you, and take your time.
Visiting a shelter can be overwhelming as there are so many beautiful dogs in need of a new home, but don't make a decision on the same day as your visit unless you are 100% sure you have found 'the one'.
Take a short period of time at home to think after your visit and see if you still want the same dog the next morning when you wake up - it' a big decision.

You can never tell what you'll find in a rescue centre, but in general the quieter dogs IMO are: Whippets, greyhounds, older labradors, saluki's, older border terriers, older crosses, bassett hounds.
More on-the-go dogs (again IMO only) would be: Jack Russells, westies, collies, setters, spaniels, doberman, weinmeraner etc.

The pro's and cons are lengthy, and it will definitely be worth getting your dog insured to help with larger financial implications - There will be the initial adoption cost, vets fees for spaying/ neutering, vaccinations, food, bedding, toys, lead, collar, flea/ tick/ worm treatment etc, then make sure your insurance covers all large or long-term accidents/ illnesses.
Then there is the change to your daily routine, at least x2 walks a day, additional shopping for food, making sure the dog isn't left alone for long periods of time or whilst you are on holiday - do you have friends & Family whom would dog-sit?
Additional hoovering around house and paying to ensure the garden is secure if required.

It takes a lot of time to plan a day out if you are not taking your dog with you - it is safe, is there nothing dangerous lying about or in cupboards that it could chew through/ swallow etc - it's like having a toddler around, you have to watch out for things you wouldn't necessarily think of otherwise.

However - The Pro's FAR outweigh the cons! :-) Yippee! You'll have a new friend to take out and about and care for. You'll meet new people on your walks and explore places you never thought about going to also for wanders.
You'll always have an ear to listen should you need and they will love you if you love them back.
We got our dog 2 years ago and we simply couldn't imagine not having a dog around now - he has really made us a family, so I would recommend dog ownership to anyone!
But, take your time and find the right new member to your family.
All the best and let us know how it goes
x

[Tilly2]

Brilliant answer from Peas. I can't say more except, go for it!

[wolf63]

When my last dog died and I decided to adopt a cat I thought that their needs would be the same. I was in for a bit of a shock when I was told when to get up in the morning and when meal times were.

Try and be guided by your head and not your heart when you are picking a dog. Some breeds are very energetic and some are pretty laid back. I find that the larger dogs are really lazy and calm.

I really do wish you well - the are brilliant animals to live with. Maybe get a nice little kitten to keep both you and your dog on your toes. :-)

[Sycamore3House]

Excellent answer from Peaspeculiars. If you decide you want a pedigree (without papers) all the breeds have rescue charities specific for the named breed. I got my Labrador who was almost 5 years old at the time from the Labrador rescue trust. I chose a lab as the children were 10 & 8 years then, I worked from home full time and was confident that a lab would not damage them. We had another 10 lovely years with him and thoroughly enjoyed our time. He came everywhere with us.
Look them up online and they always wants foster homes also.

[woofgang]

Hmmmm I am going to sound a note of caution here (which I hope the rescue will too) If the only reason you want a dog is to get you out of the house, i would say that's not a good enough reason...I mean this kindly and politely but you have to want (or at least not mind) ALL of the aspects of having a dog. You will be tied to how long you can leave them alone (if at all) especially at first. The dog likely won't immediately like you or listen to you, they may chew, pee in the house, be sick, bark or howl at night.

I love having dogs, can't imagine life without that kind of company. The relationship is a very special one and I hope you find a friend and have many happy years together...but please be sure you want ALL of dog ownership.

[rockyracoon]

I've no idea if this is a good idea or not, but it might help you decide if you want to embark on dog ownership or not. If nothing else it might get you out of the house for a bit of exercise.

https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/how-it-works

[anneasquith]

we went to a rescue centre for a 2/3 year old ***, dressed, small dog. we came home with a 7 week male who has since grown to the size of a dalmation., he toddled over to me, I picked him up, his heart was bursting out of his chest. he then cuddled under my jacket. love at first sight and fate :)

[anneasquith]

**** female dog!!!!!!!!!!!!

[trt]

I've been looking for a small rescue dog for months & they are not easy to find unless you buy one.

All the rescue kennels near me, which I check everyday on the internet seem to have a lot of staffies, or old and large dogs.

Good luck though.

[birdie1971]

Hi Jenny,

My wife and I are going through an adoption process at the moment with the Dogs Trust. It's a gradual thing. First you're introduced to your (potential) new pet . If all goes well (ie. they don't take an instant and irrational dislike to you!) then you return a few times - maybe two or three - to interact more and more with them. Once again, if all goes well the next stage is a home visit where they bring the dog(s) to you to see whether or not they are at ease in their new environment.

Assuming all goes well with the home visit, they're yours to keep subject to the adoption fee.

If you're interested, my wife and I are looking to adopt a pair of greyhound crosses:
https://goo.gl/6DDqEq
https://goo.gl/wCKSHU

Beautiful eh? :-)

As to what dog to chose - that's such a personal thing that it's impossible to give any real advice other than to say, go with your gut feeling. Please don't let your unfortunate experience with the Alsation put you off.

Good luck!

[Jennykenny]

For some reason or other my response thanking everyone (especially Peas and Woof) hasn't been posted, so again many thanks.
Will hold off for the moment.

[beso]

Have you considered putting your energy into people?

Most (though not all) have more intelligence than a dog .... and some can even fetch a drink.

[Jennykenny]

Yes Beso, in many many ways.
Neighbourhood watch, hospital visits, charity drives, recycling for the area, taking other neighbours shopping. I am involved in a lot of 'people' things.
Why would you think I hadn't investigated other options??