We have been looking round the various rescue centres for a while now for either a puppy or young dog (under 4 years old). We are only wanting a small one eg. Cocker/Cavalier Spaniel, Yorkie, Westie size etc.

I have 2 children aged 7 & 4 and I work from home so I am around all day. I have not had a dog before, so don't have much experience. Our garden is securely fenced and I live within walking distance of Rother Valley Country Park.

I have seen a 3 year old Yorkie that I am interested in at a rescue centre but it was a stray so dont know any background but seemed fine with the kids.

Not sure whether I should get a puppy or a slightly older dog. Everyone I speak to gives a different opinion.

Which would be best? Obviously the kids are my priority, so which would be best for them.

Does anybody know of anything else which may be suitable? I do keep looking on the various rescue websites.

Thanks. :thumbsup:

If its a first dog maybe you would find a puppy or very young dog a lot to cope with as they can be hard work with house training etc.
A lot (not all) small dogs can be a bit quick tempered and nippy... if i were in your shoes i would worry less about the age and type of dog you have and more about the personality, and how he/she will fit in with your family.
By the way well done for considering a rescue dog, to offer an homeless animal a good loving home is one of the most rewarding things a person can do :) a good rescue should be able to advise you which dogs would fit in with your family and situation, good luck and keep us posted :thumbsup:

My thoughts would be go for a slightly older dog for the first time if the rescue centre can show that it is house-trained and has some obedience - that will be a big hurdle out of the way! Perhaps 6 months - 2 years ish?
When I was a child I was given so much joy by our two dogs and a lot of that came from learning with them so definetely get them involved in obedience training - it will bode well for their future as pet-owners too!
My personal preference would be for a dog that is more robust and active than a toy breed like a Yorkie (as i prepare to have my head bitten off) - but also don't dismiss the mongrels - all my dogs have been mongrels and IMHO the better for it!
Think about temperament first and foremost, and from practical points of view size and weight (if the children might want to lead sometimes), long hair or short (all the difference in terms of care) and training/home history from the rescue centre.
Good luck - you won't regret it!

Would be quite happy with a cross breed, I just want to make sure I get the right dog, wheteher it is a pedigree or a cross. I just really mentioned those as they are the size I think would be managable and the kids would be able to hold on the lead etc.

Well done for considering a rescue dog - if thats what you decide on I'm sure you'll find it very rewarding!

You can try this site: www.dogpages.co.uk

The dogs there are checked for temprament etc and described accurately & truthfully (no one wants to mis-lead anyone into getting an unsuitable dog cos it doesn't do anyone any favours in the long run ;) ) so you will be able to find a dog that suits your situation.

Oohh just flicking through & found some irresistable spaniel/collie puppies... :love:
http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=127761

Hi, Thanks for that. I do keep looking on Dogpages etc but a lot of the dogs seem quite far away and unfortunately I can only really travel within South Yorkshire. The pups look gorgeous though dont they.

Frenchie, we had a rescue dog who had been a stray, so nothing was known about her history.

Sadly, she bit someone quite badly, and had to be put to sleep.

We decided after that, that while we still had a small child in the house we would not consider a dog who's previous history was unknown.

If you look at breed rescues alot of their dogs seem to be there due to a change in the owners circumstances, such as a change in job or a marriage breakup, so the background of the dog is well known.

As a labrador owner I often have a peep at this website:

http://www.labradorwelfare.org/LabradorWelfare/welcome.html

They often have dogs that are suitable to be rehomed with children, and I believe they are based locally.

Although labradors are bigger than you specified, they are great dogs for families with children, but pups are nutters, so you might be better looking at an adult dog.

Thanks for that Scoop. :thumbsup: I did actually have a look at that site last night as my husband likes Labradors but most of the younger dogs say they can only be rehomed with teenagers.

I am keeping a completely open mind at the moment as to breed/size etc - but within reason.

All suggestions are gratefully received. ;)

Also just to say, I was warned by all and sundry not to get a terrier, due to the typical terrier temperment, but I didn't pay any attention as I'd grown up with a westie who was beautifully natured.
Again I have to say after my experience with a rescue terrier, I wouldn't consider a terrier until my son is older, unless it had a known history of being good with young children.

Hi
Did you get out to Mayflower this weekend? Did they have anything suitable. I know so many rescue centres are cautious of rehomin with children under 5 due to unknown tempraments - but they are a really good one and Jennie is one that could advise you.

As everyone has said before me - temprament is the main thing - and you can usually tell what a dog would be like - i haven't anything in that would be suitable for you - but personally i wouldn't recommend a toy dog for such young children - they will often want something for a bit of rough and tumble and sometimes (not always) - toys enjoy the cuddle not the tumble.

I will certainly let you know if i get something in. What i would say is to be patient and don't rush anything - things do turn up.
rr

Yes, we did go to Mayflower. They had some lovely dogs especially the Coocker Spaniel I mentioned to you, he was gorgeous but they had all got homes to go to. It was really busy. I was gutted when we came away as I had my heart set on him. Silly I know but couldn't help it. :sad:

Hi Frenchie

I got my Albert from a charity called greyhound gap. He is a small lucher cross. What i love about Gap is that all of the dogs come to you from a foster home not striaght from kennels. They have all been assessed in a home environment and from this they are able to hopefully make a much better asessment of there needs and consequently make an informed choice about the home they go to. By using a foster placement they also work on training like toileting and manners as many of the dogs have either never been in a home or have not been in one for a long time. They ensure they have been cat and small animal tested as well as being around children. This way you will be adopted by a dog that suits your lifestyle and needs. I think in 4 years gap have only ever had a few dogs returned and then there have always been very good reason. I genuinely believethat this is because so much work goes into re-homing them and training and even if it really isn't working then they always go back to the founder you sign a contract and agree to do this. I was supported all the way by Lisa the founder and Alberts foster mum, and the forum they have is full of wonderful knowledgeable people.

When you read the descriptions of the dogs you see how much has gone into assessing them and you get told exactly what type of home the dog needs.
It is mainly for greyhounds and lurchers these are not little dogs so probably not suitable for you. Although i must say greyhounds are the most gentle dogs and get on wonderfully with children, get the right one and they will have no trouble with the lead.
They do frequently have some small whirrier and whippety types though, in fact they have a few at the moment.

have a look on the website you never know they may have the dog for you. And if you like cute look at the little scruffy monkeys they have got in at the moment.
www.greyhoundgap.com

Am not discrediting other rescues as many do a wonderful job and dedicate their lives to helping animals.. Am just speaking from my little experience i have had in adopting a rescue dog and i will definately be doing it again through greyhoundgap.

Good luck
Helen
x

Sorry haven't read all the posts...

This probably won't help but - I got Takara as a pup and would now trust her with children - though not unsupervised obviously.
Eddy is a 12 yr old rescue and a lot calmer but I wouldn't trust him as much with kids as he gets grumpy. He's old though.

However- for the first few months of Takara's life I wouldn't let her near a child offlead because she was a nightmare for biting people. Only puppy nips but puppies have very sharp teeth.

My worry is, that bringing a puppy up with two young children and never having had a dog before, you don't know how the children will take to the pup. My friend got a pup and her stepson is afraid of it because he knows how sharp it's teeth are and he's forever getting nipped. It makes training difficult when the child won't go near the dog.

I would advise getting a rescue of about 2/3 yrs but preferably one that you know some of the background of. Eddy had never lived with children so I don't know if his impatience is due to his age completely or whether some of it is an intolerance for children due to not being used to them.
However, most rescue centres err on the side of caution and won't let any dog they're unsure about go to a family with young children so you should be ok.

I am confused now. Everyone is saying don't go for a terrier-type dog as they are often nippy and not child friendly, but don't really know what other type of dog I could have that is only small as they all seem to be some type of terrier or terrier cross. Is it just if I don't know the background that I should avoid it? Will it be ok if it has been used to children previously?

I am a keen believer in don't judge the breed, judge the deed. However, despite never having owned a terrier, I've never met one that I'd really trust with kids.

They're not necessarily aggressive, but by nature can be nippy.

Spaniels can be a keen choice for those with children wanting a small dog, or even some type of lurcher although the calmer lurchers don't tend to be small.

Cavaliers are very good family dogs.

I can remember doing a kind of online survey that sussed out the best dogs for families. Cavaliers and labradors came out top, I can't remember what the others were, I'll try and find the link for you.

I did look at Cavaliers as I really like them but was told they often have heart problems. Also they rarely come up for rescue and it seems that if they do they are either in Wales or down south and buying one from a breeder costs a fortune - I was quoted £600 last night for a puppy and £350 for a 3 year old bitch. I know that I will have expenses for any dog I have, but that is just a bit out of my reach.

Heres a similar thing, I just did an example one for a family with children and snauzers came up

http://www.petnet.com.au/dogselectapet.html.

Here's another site which may help:
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm

oh yes schnauzers are lovely dogs, both the minis and the giants :) They look like little old men :hihi:

Hi Frenchie
Can i ask why you want a small dog? Is it,as you said before,so that the children can hold him/her on the lead? If so,i would strongly advise you to think again. I have 2 boys who are 9 and 12 and have grown up with dogs.
(the dog was there long before them) It has only been this year that i have allowed my 12 yr old to hold the lead(and he's a big lad!) Its not that i dont trust either my boys or my dog,i just think it is too risky.
As other posters have said,often little dogs can be a little nippy and tempremental(in my limited experience) so maybe by opening up the possibilities a bit re selection of a dog,you may find it easier to get the right one? Also,for young kids who are new to the whole dog thing,a yorkie/westie can seem like a cute cuddly toy that they want to pick up and cuddle-NOT a good idea! A slightly larger dog may command a bit more respect when playing.
I think its great that you are looking to rescue a dog-please dont give up-kids and rescue dogs DO go together(we're living proof of that) Continue to be patient and he/she will turn up,and provide you with a loyal,fun,protective and educational addition to your family :thumbsup: :D

We are looking at small dogs because this is the size I think would be best for us in terms of space, amount of excersise they would need etc.

I have looked at larger dogs and we do like labradors, I am keeping my options open.

I wouldnt let the kids hold the lead on their own when out, but as they are quite small, I think a large dog may be a little daunting for them ie: jumping up etc.

I think it was me who brought up the small dogs on leads with children scenario, from the experience of my own childhood. However with more thought I remember that our dogs were rarely on leads at all so would definitely recommend following other forummers advice about only older children.
If I were you I would definitely consider the spaniel-type or lurcher - even larger lurchers can be gentle and not too physical and they are loving, friendly, elegant dogs!

Thanks for all the ideas/advice. In the meantime, if anyone hears of and young dogs that are looking for a home, please pm me. Thanks.

Hi Frenchie
I went out to the Mayflower today and they had some lovely lovely small young dogs there. I know they said that they had been busy last weekend - but thank go they were - everywhere has been quiet rehoming over xmas.

I spoke about a dog they had in there called Milo. White and pointy ears and face - Jennie said that he was good with children. Why not go over again when it may be a bit quieter? Probably go over mid week without the children so you can have a better look round. I know they also had absolutely loads of puppies and a terrier youngster that was in the office. I am sure you will find one there that is desperately in need of a home.
rr

Hi, Yes we saw Milo and also the lovely little pup in the office but they don't rehome puppies to homes where there are children under 5. Also liked the black lab, he was reserved on Sunday, but looking at their website (again!) it looks like he may still be available, so may give them a call tomorrow. :smile:

can i just ask what mayflower is please :)

Mayflower Sanctuary - Dog rescue in Doncaster - follow the link from the Rain Rescue site.

Awwwwwwww :love:

Just had a look at the Mayflower Site - there are some gorgeous dogs on there :love:

Personally I liked Rupert, the scruffy looking black one or Chas, the smooth haired black one :thumbsup:

Good Luck in your search for the right dog. I'm glad you are taking the time to find the right one for you and your family. If more people did that then maybe there wouldn't be so many unwanted dogs around.

Let us know how you get on!

Yes Rupert is lovely. He was being homechecked so hopefully has got a new home to go to.

It would be a mistake to think that terriers and many small dogs don't need much exercise, in my experience they are more energetic than most larger breeds...other than border collies and springer spaniels of course :hihi: .
Terriers are very "busy" little dogs and always "on the go" and actually in terms of personality and playfullness they cannot be beaten, but i would be very cautious with quite young children.

It would be a mistake to think that terriers and many small dogs don't need much exercise, in my experience they are more energetic than most larger breeds...other than border collies and springer spaniels of course :hihi:
.......and labrador pups? :hihi:

Terriers are very "busy" little dogs and always "on the go" and actually in terms of personality and playfullness they cannot be beaten, but i would be very cautious with quite young children.

I agree with this, the terrier cross we had was a lovely dog, but she had boundless energy, we lost alot of weight when we had her!

I hope you find the dog you are looking for! I wish my dog wold get on with other dogs because i'd love another one but not a puppy, had two puppys and they are such hard work, but rewarding :)

I was just wondering what kind of terriers people were referring to. I have a cross english bull terrier (body of one but not the head) who I had before my two children were born so she has been around two children from birth and my eldest is 9 now. They have never been nipped or anything and she is as soft as a brush (unless she gets stood on and then you get that look and a groan :rolleyes: ) Yes terriers have a bad reputation but it is down to the individual dog :)

Edit: she isn't as soft with the cats though

I hope you find the dog you are looking for! I wish my dog wold get on with other dogs because i'd love another one but not a puppy, had two puppys and they are such hard work, but rewarding :)

I was just wondering what kind of terriers people were referring to. I have a cross english bull terrier (body of one but not the head) who I had before my two children were born so she has been around two children from birth and my eldest is 9 now. They have never been nipped or anything and she is as soft as a brush (unless she gets stood on and then you get that look and a groan :rolleyes: ) Yes terriers have a bad reputation but it is down to the individual dog :)

Edit: she isn't as soft with the cats though

I'd agree with this, as I said I grew up with a westie/jack russell cross, and she was a lovely natured dog, but if you are getting an adult dog for a family with children it seems safer to get either a dog with a known background or one who is a breed well known for good temprement. There are no guarentee's then of course, but you've started at a good point.

Hi Kittenta
All this has really confused me :confused: as like I said, I haven't actually had a dog before, but I have looked after a Yorkshire Terrier while its owner was in hospital. I never had a problem with it and it was fine with the children. I know that whichever dog I finally choose is going to need excercise, which I am prepared for (I could do with losing a few pounds :hihi: ) but I just don't want one where I have to walk miles every day. I think I am just going to have to judge each individual dog on its own merit, rather than its breed. Like you said, you have got a terrier and not had a problem with it.

Hi Kittenta
All this has really confused me :confused: as like I said, I haven't actually had a dog before, but I have looked after a Yorkshire Terrier while its owner was in hospital. I never had a problem with it and it was fine with the children. I know that whichever dog I finally choose is going to need excercise, which I am prepared for (I could do with losing a few pounds :hihi: ) but I just don't want one where I have to walk miles every day. I think I am just going to have to judge each individual dog on its own merit, rather than its breed. Like you said, you have got a terrier and not had a problem with it.
From what you're saying I go back to what I said about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are great family dogs, like their walks, but dont mind if you can't be bothered to go for a long one! If there was one suitable at the cav rescue would you be able to talk anyone into taking you to collect it?

Where is the Cav Rescue?

I'm not sure I think they have a few volunteers dotted around the country, I think you fill an application form in with your details and requirements and when a dog that suits your needs becomes available they get in touch.

Here's the link for their website:
http://www.cavalierrescue.co.uk/index.htm

Hi Kittenta
All this has really confused me :confused: as like I said, I haven't actually had a dog before, but I have looked after a Yorkshire Terrier while its owner was in hospital. I never had a problem with it and it was fine with the children. I know that whichever dog I finally choose is going to need excercise, which I am prepared for (I could do with losing a few pounds :hihi: ) but I just don't want one where I have to walk miles every day. I think I am just going to have to judge each individual dog on its own merit, rather than its breed. Like you said, you have got a terrier and not had a problem with it.

Just keep looking with an open mind. Even some larger dogs don't need as much excercise as others. Each and every dog is different, regardless of size and breed. If you avoided every breed of dog that had been known to bite someone, you'd never have a dog at all :rolleyes:

Yes make sure you know the dogs background. The last thing you want is to be worrying about whether it will be ok with the children. As for the children holding the lead, maybe wait until they are older but a properly trained dog shouldn't be any trouble no matter who is holding the lead. My kids don't hold the lead because my dog pulls but a trained dog (not stupid like mine) shouldn't pull or suddenly dart after anything, but there are exceptions to the rule, all animals can be unpredictable :)

Go with the idea that you are looking for a dog. You know what age you want so consider all that you see. It may be a good idea to take the children with you as you can often see dogs react when they see children. Some don't act any differently whereas some will shy away or bark and you'll know that they may be weary of children.

Good luck with the search and take your time. You will know the right dog when you find it :)

Just been out to Carlton Forest Kennels at Worksop and seen a nice 2 year old poodle. Was fine with my 4 yr old. Any thoughts on poodles and children? Good/Bad experiences?

What sort of poodle is it? Standard or miniature?

If it's a nice dog and didn't seem to mind the children, snap it up!

It is a standard poodle. Don't really know a lot about poodles, just researching them at moment. Are they very energetic/demanding/snappy etc?

Is it Minnie (just looked on the website)? If so it say's she is a miniature poodle - I've found some info about miniature poodles here:
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/breeds/Poodle_Miniature.htm

She looks a lovely dog, although it does say she would be suited to a single person home. Do you know why this is?

This site might be useful - I used it when I was doing the same research as you :)
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a-z.htm

OMG I have just seen Billy on the Mayflower site, how cute is he!

I've just found another online 'quiz' you can do to help you determine which breed is right for your family.

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/select_a_breed.asp

Scoop,
Yes it is Minnie, just shown my husband the picture, but he said there is no way he is walking a poodle!!

I did speak to someone about her but forgot it said that about older people, so didn't ask. They just said she was a lovely dog. :confused:

:o :o Lotti I just tried your test and apparently I should have a
Bouvier des Flandres
LOL

Yeah - I saw the Tesco Pet Owners booklet
It had a description of the doggue de Bordeauxs which is a breed i love an have one in at rescue at the moment.

However, it somehow forgot to say the power and strength these dogs have at maturity - their total absorption in their family with a strong sense of protection - need for lots of exercise - all in all it made them out to be your typical family dog. Whilst I love them to bits - they are a specialised type of dog and probably the reason why so many end up being rehomed at about 2 yrs old.

I bet that poodle won't be there for long if its nice natured. They don't turn up in rescue very often and when they do they are snapped up. Surprised its even still there now. Again though - i wouldn't say thy are the best type of dog for young children to play with but it depends what you want. Something will jump out at you (not literally though hopefully).

I had a look on your site rain and I love the bulldogs are they still there

Yippee!!:banana:
We have found the perfect dog today. It is a Jack Russell Cross and it is absolutely brilliant with the kids. It is 2 years old, spaniel size and it is gorgeous. I know what everyone has said about terriers, but the kids played with it for ages and we all loved it :love: (even the hubby!!) All being well, I am picking it up on Thursday morning, I can't wait. Roll on Thursday. No doubt I will be back with some questions once it arrives and yes, it is a rescue dog!:thumbsup:

Thats great Frenchie, where is it coming from?

My dogs from that quiz are

German Spitz Klein 20
American Cocker Spaniel 20
German Spitz Mittel 20
Japanese Spitz 17
Shih Tzu 16
Lhasa Apso 16
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 16
Basset Fauve de Bretagne 12
West Highland White Terrier 10
Whippet

Is it Thursday yet???? I am so excited. :D It is coming from the pound. I had reserved another one and was supposed to pick it up today and when I arrived - collar and lead in hand and 2 very excited kids, I found out they had cocked up and let someone else take it half an hour before. I and the kids were gutted, then we saw this one which we liked even more, so I think it must be fate.

Awww! S/he? what you going to name it?

Its a boy. We are going to call him Jasper. I have had the baby name book out - I frightened my husband to death. :hihi: :hihi: :hihi:

ROFL! Jasper is a lovely name. I can't wait to see pics when you get the little darl home

Yes, it really suits him as well. Will try to work out how to post pics.

Which Rescue did you get it from Frenchie?

It is coming from the pound. .

She didn't miss, she got it from the pound

Re the question on the bulldogs on our site to Carpetviper
They are with the bulldog rescue. The way that the rain rescue site works is it links together lots of rescue groups and their own web sites.
The ones with me are DOGS AT ROTHERHAM - the rest i just put up on the site for them.

Good luck waiting for Thursday Frenchie - why the wait?

Hi Rain
Although this dog was dumped , we still have to wait the obligatory 7 days before we can take him. Have been reading dog books all weekend to prepare myself! Roll on Thursday am. :P :P

I am picking Jasper up tomorrow morning and I am so excited :banana: . I think I have got everything I need - lead, collar with tag, food, toys, chews, bed etc. Is there anything I have forgotten which I will need straight away? :huh: Also, I know there is probably already a thread for it, but who do people reccommend for pet insurance or does it vary from dog to dog?

I go with Virgin pet insurance - because at the time I found they had the best cover...but these things probably change monthly so worth shopping around.

As for if you have got everything - do you have some little treats...choccy drops or anything for 'on the spot' praises etc.

This time of year a towel is the most useful thing you will own as when you come back from muddy or wet walks it is good to have it by the front door to make sure muddy paws don;t mess everything up... I found that out the hard way!

Ooooh, dog guard for if you are picking Jasper up in a car?

Got some treats, got a towel and my friend is coming with me (who just so happens to want a dog herself!) so Jasper will sit on her knee in the car. :thumbsup:

Sounds to me like you are sorted for now then....Good Luck!

We have a pet insurance thread ;)

M&S have a no excess policy at a good price

Got some treats, got a towel and my friend is coming with me (who just so happens to want a dog herself!) so Jasper will sit on her knee in the car. :thumbsup:
How big is Jasper? :shocked:

It really is best he is in a cage or behind a dog guard whilst you're driving. If he gets all panicky whilst being removed from somewhere familiar then something nasty could happen :(