Hi all.

We're looking to have another addition to our household within the next month or so!

We're looking to bring a little puppy home to join our family. It's imperative that we get a puppy, so we can integrate him/her with our current pet.

Does anyone have any tips on where to look for a potential pet? This would be the first dog we have owned so we're not totally sure of the places in South Yorkshire and surrounding areas to look into.

Many thanks.

hiya you could try pets4homes.co.uk

or thornberry animal sanctuary have puppies most of the time in the nursery x
happy new year

buy books on various breeds of dog, work out which one best suits your situation, can you exercise daily, are you aware of the extra work involved in rearing a puppy, buy books on training methods, enrol in training classes, do all these things and more before you get the dog and you have a chance of success.

Hi all.

We're looking to have another addition to our household within the next month or so!

We're looking to bring a little puppy home to join our family. It's imperative that we get a puppy, so we can integrate him/her with our current pet.

Does anyone have any tips on where to look for a potential pet? This would be the first dog we have owned so we're not totally sure of the places in South Yorkshire and surrounding areas to look into.

Many thanks.

Have you got in mind what breed of dog you would like, male/female etc

If its a girl you are wanting, i would highly recommend "book of the bitch"

what is your other pet?

This would be the first dog we have owned so we're not totally sure of the places in South Yorkshire and surrounding areas to look into.:confused: an older dog is much easier to care for than a young puppy is, and they generally cause much less destruction

'Integrating' a new addition isn't dependent upon age. If you trawl the net you'll find plenty of examples of growing pups who decide they can rule the roost and wind up at loggerheads with an existing dog

If you adopt an older pup or young dog from a rescue centre you will usually have the opportunity to allow the dogs to meet each other, and have the support of the rescue in handling the teething problems encountered

if it's a cat you're 'integrating' with, some dogs are handed in from 'cat homes' so are well used to leaving a cat alone (not all rescue dogs are from broken homes ;) )

:confused: an older dog is much easier to care for than a young puppy is, and they generally cause much less destruction

'Integrating' a new addition isn't dependent upon age. If you trawl the net you'll find plenty of examples of growing pups who decide they can rule the roost and wind up at loggerheads with an existing dog
If you adopt an older pup or young dog from a rescue centre you will usually have the opportunity to allow the dogs to meet each other, and have the support of the rescue in handling the teething problems encountered

if it's a cat you're 'integrating' with, some dogs are handed in from 'cat homes' so are well used to leaving a cat alone (not all rescue dogs are from broken homes ;) ) My bold

Very true and sometimes puppies can be more of a pain than adult/semi-grown dogs, because they are so playful, bouncy and untrained.

I've integrated 2 adult rescue dogs with cats - the first, about 11 years ago, with 3 cats and the latest with one (old and grumpy) cat and the first dog, with fewer problems than I had integrating puppies into the household.

we are wanting an akita bitch pup this year again it as to be a pup

Wow thanks for the responses guys!

To answer a few questions, all we really know so far is that we want a small dog, no idea as to what sex.

We have a parrot in the household but are planning to move him to a more suitable place in the house :)

Going to go to the library and pick out some books to read up on.

Hi Kelly,

Have a think about what you want to be doing with the dog. Different breeds/crossbreeds can be very different in exercise/grooming/training requirements so it's worth knowing what you want to be doing.

How often would you want to be exercising the dog for and for how long?
Do you want to do any extra activities like agility/flyball/training/scenting/running with the dog?
How much grooming and hoovering do you want to be doing?
Are their children in the household or visiting children? (Whilst most dogs can be brought up just fine around kids regardless of breed, the more tenacious breeds need a little more work!)

If you can give us an idea of what sort of lifestyle you lead, some of us may be able to provide ideas of breeds and then you can use those ideas when choosing the library books :)

Hi Kelly - my parrot lives happily with a big german shepherd, and a small springer spaniel (plus 4 cats and 5 kids) The animals all know the parrot is the boss :hihi: He just shouts at the dogs, tells them to get down, or get in their beds, and generally tries to get them into trouble when they not really doing anything :rolleyes: The shepherd does have a go at him thru the cage bars, but the parrot has a damn good go back and neither has managed to hurt the other yet! They stay in the same room together when we go out. I'm sure you'll be fine, as long as you read up on what breed of dog is right for you. Good luck!

There are some good articles and quizzes on choosing your breed (or if you're going for a cross an idea about their component traits).

I like this one:
http://www.purina.co.uk/Home/All+About+Dogs/Your+New+Pet+Dog/Choosing+a+Dog/Dog+Breed+Selector.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished

Hi Kelly,

Have a think about what you want to be doing with the dog. Different breeds/crossbreeds can be very different in exercise/grooming/training requirements so it's worth knowing what you want to be doing.

How often would you want to be exercising the dog for and for how long?
Do you want to do any extra activities like agility/flyball/training/scenting/running with the dog?
How much grooming and hoovering do you want to be doing?
Are their children in the household or visiting children? (Whilst most dogs can be brought up just fine around kids regardless of breed, the more tenacious breeds need a little more work!)

If you can give us an idea of what sort of lifestyle you lead, some of us may be able to provide ideas of breeds and then you can use those ideas when choosing the library books :)
Hi Lottie,

Thanks for your reply.

We have no time constraints or really big committments that would prevent us from walking the dog as much as possible! I'd be happy to take him/her out as much as needs be!

Don't really have any intention of doing any 'different' activities with our pet either.

Ideally, we'd like a dog that doesn't shed that much hair. Obviously all dogs shed hair but we live in quite a spacious home, so it would take us an absolute age to clean up after a shedding dog. So the less of that there is the better!

We don't have any visiting children in the house, and if there are some young visitors, it's only very rarely!

Thanks a lot once again for your post :) x

Hi Kelly - my parrot lives happily with a big german shepherd, and a small springer spaniel (plus 4 cats and 5 kids) The animals all know the parrot is the boss :hihi: He just shouts at the dogs, tells them to get down, or get in their beds, and generally tries to get them into trouble when they not really doing anything :rolleyes: The shepherd does have a go at him thru the cage bars, but the parrot has a damn good go back and neither has managed to hurt the other yet! They stay in the same room together when we go out. I'm sure you'll be fine, as long as you read up on what breed of dog is right for you. Good luck!
Thanks for your reply - it's much appreciated.

That's good to know that your parrot gets along okay with your pets! What kind of a parrot is it may I ask? Ours is only a small one you see, I don't know how he'd react around other pets, hence me moving him to a more suitable place, but still getting all the attention he needs!

if you are looking for a breed that doesn't shed much, then poodles or poodle crosses may be better (these are recommended for allergy sufferers)

the main thing to thnk about is the massive commitment in time and money that a dog will be, (food, worming, neutering, chipping, walkies, training etc).

One thing you need to prepare yourself for isthat you need to think about puppies (particularly) being chewers.

My Trixie (Jack Russell) is a one-dog demolition crew! She's chewed me two purses up, three £20 notes, a wooden ornament I bought for my sister, two pairs of gloves and the zip off my velvet tracky-top. (as well as sneaking upstairs, and widdling on my bed, the little sod!)

She's got expensive habits!

I know a very good mini poodle breeder who I hope to get a puppy from in the future - if you want her details, let me know. She is spot on with health testing and breeding for temperament. She's bred lovely dogs and some have shown but she doesn't breed for show specifically and says it's a bonus if they're good for show - the main thing is they're healthy and well balanced.

A mini poodle (as said before) won't shed nearly as much as any other dog (they're the ultimate hypoallergenic dog) and will go for a lovely long walk with you (once fully grown) but remember they're intelligent with lots of energy so tend to do well at agility and obedience and tend to require quite a bit of mental stimulation.

Be aware that poodle crosses aren't necessarily going to be good from the shedding side of things - it depends which parent they take after. I know a labradoodle who sheds a great deal of hair!!
Also - if you still intend to get a puppy as opposed to an older dog, you cannot walk puppies for long lengths of time or great distances. Puppies need steady, gentle exercise whilst they're growing to prevent damage to their joints (the general rule of thumb is 5 minutes per month of age on a steady lead walk, shorten this time if they're running offlead and try to avoid stairs and hills until they're older).

Alternatively, other small breeds that may suit you include cavalier king charles spaniel, jack russel terrier (although tenacious and high energy! Great dogs though!), mini schnauzer (there are a couple of MS owners on the forum who I'm sure will offer their experiences!)

There are so many small breed dogs but many require a lot of mental stimulation as well as physical exercise so I'm just thinking of some off the top of my head - I'll have a think about some others!

I'd still consider what others have said about rescues that are used to other pets - whilst puppyhood can be fantastic, it can be not so fun too! At least with an adult they're ready to go on long walks, already house trained, already trained to some degree and with a young adult - the bad habits can still be ironed out!

Let us know what you decide to do as we'll want to see pictures :D

My cavalier doesn't shed much....only when im wearing black tops :)

What kind of a parrot is it may I ask?

It's an African Grey - prior to that, we had a small green cheeked conure, who was fine with the dog we had back then. Unfortunately he wasn't so good with the cats, or rather, THEY weren't so good with him! The cats are scared of the parrot :hihi:

It's an African Grey - prior to that, we had a small green cheeked conure, who was fine with the dog we had back then. Unfortunately he wasn't so good with the cats, or rather, THEY weren't so good with him! The cats are scared of the parrot :hihi:

Our dog is scared of our gecko so we have had to move spike upstairs. Pip just used to stare at the viv until it moved then barked crazily. Mad.

May I just ask whether you'd recommend getting a dog from a breeder or from a shelter home?

It's funny that poodle and poodle-crosses have been mentioned, as I saw the cutest ever cockapoo online, that I fell in love with but didn't know if that breed would be ideal.

sorry - wrong thread - meant to reply to lost staffy

Hi Kelly,

Only you can really decide that I have one from a breeder and one from a rescue and both are great in their own different ways - both also have their problems!

Cockers and poodles are both high energy, working dogs and whilst they're both incredibly rewarding breeds to own they both require plenty of stimulation and work. Cockerpoo isn't a breed, it's a cross breed so you don't know which parent they would take after but if you're ok with the worst points of each breed then you're pretty well prepared for a cross of the two!

I'd be wary of people breeding and selling the crossbreeds though and would always question why they're breeding them because recently people have made a lot of money out of cross breeding without health checks and not keeping the dogs in good condition. Breeding is serious work and lately, a lot seem to be jumping on the 'doodle' wagon and making money out of their dogs. (That said, the same does happen for pedigree, unfortunately).

I couldn't recommend either a breeder or a rescue over the other but why not take a wander over to a rescue and see the dogs. There may be on suitable for you and at least you know you're taking one that is unwanted and needs a lovely new home.

Rescues end up there through no fault of their own. My rescue was 11.5 years old when I got him because his owner was moving to Australia and couldn't take him. He's a lovely dog and whilst he has his vices and is a grumpy old codger - he wasn't rehomed because he was a problem. He came ready trained!

I was planning on going to a rescue centre anyway, just to see what was available.

I only know where Thornberry Animal Sanctuary is though. Are there many others in the local area? As in South Yorkshire? Obviously don't mind travelling further afield to look eventually :)

If you want to take a look at our dogs

www.sheffield-dog-rescue.org.uk there are some smaller dogs that have come in over Christmas, that we havent been able to update as yet. Our kennels are at Mosbrough by appointment.

Please Pm if you wish to get more info.

Oh Kelly, please get a rescue dog. There are so many - hundreds in fact around this area and this time of year who are in need of a good home and I'm sure there's exactly the one for you. It's heartbreaking to think of dogs in need of a good home like yours spending their lives in kennels. Good luck!

if you have a look at www.rainrescue.co.uk you'll find a number of local rescues as well as some further afield, and many breed specific rescues too

good luck in finding your ideal new friend :)

www.epups.co.uk is a good one if you looking for a puppy .

I'd be carefull of epups site as many puppy farms use this site to advertise.

Agree with Helen, I don't know a reputable breeder who would be happy to advertise on epupz.

Agree with Helen, I don't know a reputable breeder who would be happy to advertise on epupz.

I know some. Epupz is far from perfect but it is putting protection in place, e.g. they have a whole page on farmers, they ban all Christmas references in their adverts and breeders can have their KC acreditation added, if they want to prove they're approved.

Where ever you decide to buy your pup (if you decide to buy) please follow the same stringent approach to ensure they're not a farmer.

no RESPONSIBLE breeder would peddle their pups in such a fashion. Anybody wanting to buy a puppy should be prepared to put their name down on a waiting list rather than lining the pockets of people who are producing unwanted pups with money as their first priority

We had to put our names down and wait for the next litter of beagles from Brude's breeder - and we wouldn't have purchased if that hadn't been the case

hi ive got 2 puppy staffys for sale there around 16 weeks. 1 male which is black and white and female bringle.both injections r done and vet checked. looking for around 150ono thanks

there's no such colouring as 'bringle' :rolleyes:

there's no such colouring as 'bringle' :rolleyes:

The satirist in me thinks this might be the problem with breeding staffies - once you pop you can't stop

:hihi: :hihi: You're on form tonight GQ :hihi: :hihi:

I bought a olde-tyme bulldog of epups from a nice family thay was all well looked after you could see thay was he is a fab little fellow we glad we bought him .

hi ive got 2 puppy staffys for sale there around 16 weeks. 1 male which is black and white and female bringle.both injections r done and vet checked. looking for around 150ono thanks

Sue Clarkson, owner of Acres Lane Kennels, Thundersley, said she took in about 250 staffies last year.

She said: “Lots of people are breeding staffies irresponsibly. I would urge owners not to let their dogs get pregnant.”

Jillian Lewis, owner of Crofters Kennels, in Ray-leigh, said she found two staffies running loose, one of which was a six-month-old puppy.

The breed has become increasingly popular in recent years, with owners often buying them for their tough image.

Claire Kennett, of the RSPCA, said the charity received more staffies than any other breed.

I bought a olde-tyme bulldog of epups from a nice family thay was all well looked after you could see thay was he is a fab little fellow we glad we bought him .nice little earner that one - at £1500-£1800 per pup. The fact that they're advertising on epupz proves that they are not breeding to satisfy the requirement for pups, but peddling puppies to line their own pockets. Are they KC registered? All con merchants are 'nice' people btw - that's how it works ;)

nice little earner that one - at £1500-£1800 per pup. The fact that they're advertising on epupz proves that they are not breeding to satisfy the requirement for pups, but peddling puppies to line their own pockets. Are they KC registered? All con merchants are 'nice' people btw - that's how it works ;)

Hi

We bought both our british bulldogs from people who had advertised on epupz. Neither were puppy farmers , and both are KC registered, we visited the puppies at the breeders homes, along with the other puppies in litter, we have full breed records and they were first litters out of bitches that were just under 3 years old. We also met Dad to pupps as well. We've continued to stay in touch with the breeders and have now also met Grandma dog also !! We were experienced with the breed though and new exactly what to look for etc etc. Im sure there are some puppy farmers on epupz, but luckily we knew what to look for.

I would recommend though if you are interested in a particular breed use facebook ! for example we are part of the sheff bulldog club there is a group for it on facebook and all the members keep in touch and the reputable breeders are very well know , they hold events regionally in Yorkshire so its very easy to get to know these people, and see the dogs they have bred.

One place to steer well clear of though is dogs4us, think they have one in Leeds.... thisis a puppy farm and an absolutley disgusting and sad place to visit. Puppies in a cage without mum, really is sad.

Are you after a particular breed maybe i could try point you in right direction.

good luck x

ahh - you knew what you were doing Ruby!

it's difficult to tell people who are looking for a pup about all the pitfalls, scams and cons they can come across when buying a pup - they want a cute bundle of fur to love, and asking them to look out for this that and the other is too complicated sometimes

if somebody wants a specific breed of pup, the dog shows are still the best place to meet multiple breeders and get a feel for who's genuine and who's not - and ensure that the paperwork you're shown actually relates to the dogs specified on it

I've come across a dog with forged papers before - having spoken to the owner of the supposed sire who says his dog hadn't sired any pups which would be of that age

Puppy farmers also show dogs - but you won't get to know who's who and who does what if you don't get in the middle of things and speak in real life

electronically communicating has always been known as a great 'mask' - I communicate electronically one heck of a lot, but I know pretty much everybody I talk to that way ;)

ahh - you knew what you were doing Ruby!

it's difficult to tell people who are looking for a pup about all the pitfalls, scams and cons they can come across when buying a pup - they want a cute bundle of fur to love, and asking them to look out for this that and the other is too complicated sometimes

if somebody wants a specific breed of pup, the dog shows are still the best place to meet multiple breeders and get a feel for who's genuine and who's not - and ensure that the paperwork you're shown actually relates to the dogs specified on it

I've come across a dog with forged papers before - having spoken to the owner of the supposed sire who says his dog hadn't sired any pups which would be of that age

Puppy farmers also show dogs - but you won't get to know who's who and who does what if you don't get in the middle of things and speak in real life

electronically communicating has always been known as a great 'mask' - I communicate electronically one heck of a lot, but I know pretty much everybody I talk to that way ;)


I agree and i know majority of people i communicate with. Again yes we did know what to we were looking for and i have ssen some awful scans and tried to report them if i could.

Bulldogs anyway especially British are probably a puppy farmers nightmare , due to the extereme difficulty breeding the little lovelies, but there are a lot of scammers for bulldogs who try and extract money from you before meeting .. usually on free ad websites.

We would defo look at rescue dogs though as i know there are a lot at the moment and some really gorgeous dogs, so would recommend rain rescue .. or bulldog rescue !!! :hihi::hihi: god forbid if we actually go up to 3 dogs !!!:hihi::hihi: