dog noob

[x5x3]

kids are nagging us to get a dog - I have zero experience with dogs as pets.

One of the kids school friends has a guide dog on their boarding scheme.

Sounds like a sensible first step - you get the dog evenings and weekends only and it is trained, plus it only lasts for a couple of months.

Thoughts please, neither myself or my wife are dog/cat people but I do not want to impose my views on the kids.

and yes I do secretly like the idea of taking the dog for a walk and popping into the pub for a crafty pint

[xaby82]

I'd air on the side of caution with the guide dog thing, although its a highly commendable thing to do the kids could get pretty upset when their cute little puppy has to move out after a few months.

Although the nipping to the pub with said cute puppy definately has its merits.

[Jasandjules]

My mate did the Guide dog thing, they looked after and trained a dog for six months. I have no idea how they could let it go (I know, I am selfish).

Do you have any friends with dogs? One that you could look after for a week (after taking instructions on how to).

[x5x3]

thanks all - we are just looking at options at the moment, I agree that the kids could get attached but the biggest risk is they will get bored so the fixed term options seems good to me.

[gog440]

Not sure where you are in the country, but it might be an idea to find you local shelter/rehoming group and see if they will let people walk their dogs. My local branch of the retired greyhound trust run a walk every sunday morning where people who have rehomed a dog and people who might be thinking about it meet up and take all the kennel dogs out for an hour. It is a good way of meeting the dogs but almost more importantly meeting people who will be able to give you good advice about the dogs.
IMO a guide dog would be a difficult first step in getting a dog helping out at a rehoming charity would be much easier.

And because I have a vested interest,and because I feel that greyhounds get a raw deal when they finish racing have a look at this http://www.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/

[Simpo Two]

Remember that after a week the child will lose all interest in taking it for walks and you'll be lumbered with it. You're in charge of your house, not them.

[x5x3]

Simpo Two said:

Remember that after a week the child will lose all interest in taking it for walks and you'll be lumbered with it. You're in charge of your house, not them.

thanks, but that is exactly why I don't want to pop down the shops and get them a shiny new puppy.

[bexVN]

The law states that no child can be held legally responsible for the care of a pet of any sort under the age of 16. The parent is accountable (esp in cases of neglect where the parent tries to blame it on the child!).

So whilst you could get a dog for the children and teach them responsibility of owning one, you will be ultimately responsible for making sure it is fed correctly, monitored properly (children will not always recognise a pet that is feeling ill, off its food etc) exercised enough (even when the kids decide they won't do it), vaccinated, trained correctly etc etc.

If you don't feel you want this responsibility it is better not to get a dog especially a guide dog pup that needs full on socialising etc, this is a time consuming process and guide dogs will expect you do it not your children.