Contemplating a dog... Thoughts and advice welcome

Contemplating a dog... Thoughts and advice welcome

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Kermit power

Original Poster:

28,668 posts

214 months

Thursday 27th August 2015
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Evening all,

I like dogs. My kids also like them, and are - at 12, 9 & 7 - now of an age where they can help look after a dog rather than provide more hassle than it does!

Thing is, I've never owned a dog, so I'm not too sure what I need to consider? In the ideal world, I'd go for a couple of weeks try before you buy, but I'm assuming that's not an option with a dog! hehe

I've picked up the idea from somewhere that a mongrel makes more sense than a pedigree on the grounds that they tend to have a more diverse gene pool, and as such are generally healthier.

Other than that, I'd want something which enjoys chasing after sticks & balls, but not something which is going to require 4+ hours of walking every day.

Lastly, we'd need something that was OK being home alone for up to five hours for two or three days per week to fit around work patterns.

As you can see, I know nothing about what to do next, so any suggestions would be welcome! smile

Kermit power

Original Poster:

28,668 posts

214 months

Thursday 27th August 2015
quotequote all
johnxjsc1985 said:
When I got one of my dogs from the Dogs Trust I went to see her everyday for two weeks before she came home so you can go and make sure the Dog you choose Bonds with you and your family its a good way to meet your pet.
Sadly the nearest one is an 80 mile round trip on the M25, but hopefully other adoption places would do the same?

Kermit power

Original Poster:

28,668 posts

214 months

Saturday 29th August 2015
quotequote all
Thanks for all the advice so far, which I can now read easily, having escaped awful Cornish narrowband!

If we do go ahead, the plan would be to give the kids the illusion of being in charge, but of course they wouldn't be!