To get a Dog or not?

[wolfy1988]

Hi Guys

My fiancée and I are thinking of getting a dog shortly. I have grown up with dogs and love animals. I have been without one for over 5 years, we haven't got one sooner as there has never what seems to be the right time and Mrs Wolfy isn't crazy on dogs, likes them but doesn't go goo goo ga ga over them..

Her mother is fostering two pups at the moment that were rescued, they are around 8 weeks old atm, I have fallen head over heals for one of them, "Nero" I think he is a Red Merle Collie type dog.

The reason for my head and heart argument is I would love to have him and know I can offer him a great and loving home, I work entirely from home and live on the edge of a huge park. I have the time, money and patience for a energetic dog and everything they demand and rightly need.

Now, what I don't have, is a house, live in a large penthouse apartment, sound proofing is not a problem, nor is internal space, I have a large balcony bit would not let him out there unsupervised for quite some time tbh and I worry about holidays, we are getting married next year, and will be away for 3 weeks in the US, I would hate to leave him with others but would have no choice.

In terms of exercise and company, i would walk him minimum 2 hours a day, an hour before and after work, lots of play during the day, constant interaction would be guaranteed. but is it still morally wrong for him to be in apartment?

I realise the above asks no clear question, Im just torn between what I want and being ultimately sensible :/





Also, I have no idea how big he will grow, his paws are not that big like some large breeds as pups, this picture was taken last night, next to my foot (size 10) I have no idea if he is big or small!

Edited by wolfy1988 on Saturday 28th June 17:48

[wolfy1988]

Shaw Tarse said:

Based on paw size he won't be that big.

Looking at his coat, he will never be a pretty dog.



Looking forward to updates "dad"

I must really like the dog because you have really upset me

[wolfy1988]

Thanks for the advise and words of encouragement! I have just over a week to decide, as thats when they will be back in the rescue centre to be rehomed.

My fiancee has suggested that we foster first to see if the lifestyle suits us, this is a very sensible suggestion which makes a lot of sense but sometimes I really hate sensible suggestions!

Hmmm, Its a big decision isn't it? and neither of us are known for making decisions lightly.

[wolfy1988]

Shaw Tarse said:

If you can foster for a week or two, I'd say try it (May be difficult to Hand a dog back)
From what you've posted it sounds like you can offer a good home.


At the moment I can't

Ah yeah, it sucks. If your anything like me you want what you cant have!

Your time will come! I have waited a good 8 years for the right time.

[wolfy1988]

[wolfy1988]

Thanks all, I really do appreciate the valuable feedback and personal experience.

We have been talking about moving back to a house, perhaps we should wait til then, I don't know.

I do know that I really want that little fella and that you cant always have what you want, I will call over hopefully once or twice more to help us with our decision.

If we do give him a home, I will report back with plenty of pictures and finally be apart of this section of PH that i have read for sooo long!

[wolfy1988]

haha Shaw Tarse, you'll have me adopting all sorts!

Little update, my Fiancees mum has agreed to let us look after the dog for a few day (up to 10) to see how we get on with him and more importantly, how he likes us and the living arrangements etc

Cant wait! Late this week, if not next week! Feels like agggeeessss away!

[wolfy1988]

Shaw Tarse said:

So, what have you called him?

I havent a clue what to call him....

[wolfy1988]

Update time

I picked up both of them this morning as we are going to "foster" them for a few weeks.

So far so good, lovely little things they are too, they are actually named Toby and Loki





They have incredible noses, I opened a bag a chicken treat in the kitchen and broke off two small pieces to reward them after doing their business in the right area etc there heads and noses were straight up the moment I went onto the patio.

They were so responsive to the treats, hopefully should make training them fairly straight forward

[wolfy1988]

One more

[wolfy1988]

ali_kat said:

Evidently not

He wants a cat now!!!! http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I was fostering them with a view to adopt, it didn't work out... whats wrong with that? I gave them a good home whilst they were waiting for their vaccinations, I house trained them, They sit and give paw on command

So what if I want a cat? I love most animals. A cat will suit my lifestyle better... There is a indoor cat that needs a home

Whats your problem exactly?

[wolfy1988]

wolfy1988 said:

bexVN said:

I think it's because just a few weeks ago your talk was all about how much you had wanted a dog, it seemed like you had thought long and hard about it etc.

There is no problem with you wanting a cat, of course not but it just seems to be a very sudden turn around.

It sounds like the pups have done well (though I can't believe they are completely toilet trained yet!) it's just ashame (esp for the nervous one) that they are being moved on again so soon, I really thought you were going to keep them!

The reason I asked the question here is because i didn't know if it would A) Be fair on the dog, and B) would it just work and the reason I never mentioned a cat event though it was always in the running is because I know that, A and B, would be yes!

Lol yeah maybe not 100% house trained, still still get the sudden and unexpected wet sock once a day but i see that as progress

Your right, it is a shame BUT I have seen a marked improvement in his apparent nervousness, except it has been replaced with aggression

Truth be told, I don't know the dogs on their own. I am not a person that takes risks, I am a thinker and like to be educated before making a decision but I haven't much positive to go on thus far. Also for ME, Dogs and apartments don't go, one might but again, I don't know!

I have spoken to the rescue centre, they assure me that will be rehoused almost certainly immediately, which is fantastic!

So, Its a cat next. I know it will annoy some but this cat needs a home too and I have NO dought in mind that it will work and the cat will be very happy indeed

[wolfy1988]

bexVN said:

He's got fear aggression. The rescue centre need to get vet ck'd and behavioural assessed ASAP. You need to give them as much info as poss re: how he's been with you. If it's not sorted now he will not be a rehome candidate.

Thanks Bex, I have rang them and made them aware of his behaviour a few days ago.

I have also sent them a long email on it, explaining when and how it starts, breaking down certain characteristics, be it good or bad on the both the pups.

The centre have an onsite behaviouralist.

[wolfy1988]

ali_kat said:

That was in response to the other poster, not you.

Like Bex, I'm worried about the ability to rehome him, all of this upheaval isn't helping him. It's a shame, but it's not your fault. Your original response in the other thread was a bit dismissive of him following on from the efforts earlier, I pissed you off & got more details.

We're both just airing our disappointment in the situation, both have his best interests in mind.

I didn't want to air the dirty laundry over the tinteweb tbh

I can see though, how very dismissive it must have first read.

[wolfy1988]

ali_kat said:

I care too much

There is nothing wrong with that!