A musing - rescue dog or puppy from a good breeder?

sandi_84

sandi_84

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My OH and I have discussed this numerous times as we both love dogs and plan to have a couple in the future.

Both of us have owned 2 dogs in the past, my girls were both rescue dogs and his were both bought from a breeder as pups.

My first girl came with a laundry list of issues from being in a very cruel home and then being bounced pillar to post a couple of times before landing with us and this is one of the reasons the OH would like to get a pup from a breeder. I can completely understand his point on this as Meg was a difficult girl to work with because of all her fears.

However after she realised that we weren't going to hurt her etc etc she became a brilliant companion for myself and parents - she looooved my dad and would go to work with him off the lead on the boats which was a massive achievement for her with all the noise and people about! - and became my best friend and a very loving girl. We were lucky with our second rescue, my current girl Poppy (mum's really ;)), as we got her as a pup with absolutely no issues whatsoever and again she is a fantastic wee girl who I wouldn't be without.

My argument is that I want to provide a loving and healthy home for a dog that could be great if given the chance. I was heartsick to learn that had we not chosen Meg she would have been put down the next day - now I know that with the huge amount of rescue dogs rescues can't afford to keep them forever if they don't get re-homed but I was so sad for her that she was returned twice in 2 months (3 if you include coming home with us!) because no one had the patience to let her settle and learn not to be afraid, it wasn't as if she was agressive just absolutely terrified of everything and everyone - and so I would like to give that opportunity to another down on it's luck rescue.

I think when it comes time for us to get dogs he'll probably go to a breeder and I'll get a rescue ha ha! :)

Anyway, sorry that turned into a complete waffle but what do you prefer (if they are not for working purposes), rescue a dog or buy a pup?
 
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The fact that you are putting such thought and consideration in to this IMO means that you will make a good decision when the time does come. Personally I don't see anything wrong with a well bred pup from a breeder, and if you are able to cope with a rescue and are able to meet the rescues stiff criteria for taking one, I think that's a great option too.

I've had many dogs over the years - and most have been from breeders - with the occasional re-homed older dog, Now that I'm somewhat older and even though I'm putting the time in to raising a pup, I have to say I'd consider an older dog from a rescue again as raising a puppy is harder than I remember LOL. However I have got this pup with the intention of showing, and have lots of support from both owners of mum and dad. But yeah...puppies....hard work...
 
I would love a rescue dog having lost my dearest little friend recently after having him for 16 years but many rescues won't consider me because i work full time. I would adore to have 2 rescues to keep each other company during the day.

I feel i can offer a good home. I can provide 2 walks a day, a secure garden, a dog flap to go in and out and weekends and evening walking in the country and mooching about the yard.

I don't think it would be fair to have a puppy because they need a lot of time but an older dog, with company, would surely have a better life than in kennels?

I do understand why rescues have the 4 hour max alone rule, but i wish they could see that although my circumstances may not be ideal, they are not awful and i could provide a good home.

Ironically, i could get a puppy from a backroom
breeder (not reputable) with very little checks but don't want that.

I have even thought about contacting Cayla but i am the other side of the country to her

I don't want to start lying to rescues about my working hours so i am left hoping something will turn up 'organically'. I have even gone to my local slaughterhouse as they sometimes get in terriers/collies etc, breeds that i love and understand, and asked them to contact me if they get in something.

Sorry, this has turned into a rant! But it makes me so frustrated. I have lost my best friend and am so bereft but really would love to give a couple of mutts a happier life.
 
We have always had rescues (6), yes some have had problems of being nervous or noise phobias but we have worked through this, it does help that I work from home so I am not away very often or for very long, as well as we have 3 at any one time do they are company for each other when I'm not here.
I would not have a dog at all if I was working away from home everyday for long periods, I just don't think it's fair on them.
I would never go to a breeder no matter how good as I feel there's just too many in rescue that just need that second chance and it's the least I can do for them.
This is my opinion though and not necessary the same as others.
 
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You may be right cremedemonthe :) Maybe I have got it wrong and it would be unfair on dogs but I can't help thinking that I could provide a better home than a kennel. How can it be right that for example, the RSPCA would refuse to rehome a dog to me, yet keep it in kennels and put it to sleep if no suitable home could be found? Is that better for a dog? Maybe the majority of people would say yes, dogs absolutely should not be without adult company for more than 4 hours, but I can't see it.

I do also understand that for some disturbed dogs, my circumstances would be unsuitable and some may need a lot of time and training, but all dogs?
I don't object to the principle of pts, by the way, but if I am an experienced owner, who could provide food, warmth, exercise, routine, peace and kindness, plus make sure it had agreeable company, am I really so unsuitable?

Anyway, I am more than happy to hear all views and be told I am wrong :)
 
I'm in your camp OP. I have a house full of rescue cats and dogs (even hens!). I just couldn't bring myself to buy a puppy when I could save another rescue dog from possibly dying. Ours have had their little issues from time to time, but are lovely lovely dogs who adore us back!

ps, Alfie hope you find your rescue dogs. If its any help, when I was thinking of getting a terrier I looked on Preloved and there were a lot of two or three year olds free to good home...
 
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Rescue every time for me. And if your OH doesn't want one with issues you can always get a rescue puppy or one of the many that don't have issues. I always tend to get the ones that no one else wants because I am soft. I don't have a dog at the moment tho, 3 rescue cats and a rescue horse. Always had rescue dogs growing up though.
 
Well since I currently have 4 of them I am bound to say rescue dogs every time :) I also work full time and always have done - I am quite happy with that personally, I have greyhounds and they fit into my lifestyle perfectly :)
 
A1fie said:
i wish they could see that although my circumstances may not be ideal, they are not awful and i could provide a good home.
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This exactly, my mum is looking to get another dog and although she could offer the most fantastic home our set up isn't 'ideal' in the eyes of a rescue so we probably wouldn't get approved. So she will probably just go to a breeder. Such a shame :(
 
Those are both reasonable options but there is a third ethical option - the secondhand dog - this will be a dog or older puppy that has been returned to the breeder, may have never left the breeder or is with breed rescue. It may be a show failure - dentition fault for example or it may not have an aptitude for work. There are lots of valid reasons that a dog may be available. The genuine ones are rarely advertised so you need to be in touch with groups for when one becomes available.

PLease beware of some "rescues" that are actually commercial sellers.
 
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I have a foot in both camps, two rescues and two pedigrees from a good breeder. My excuse, if I need one, for the bought puppies is that whatever precautions are taken by the breeder there is always a small possibility that a dog can still get into the wrong hands and end up in rescue, so I am providing a good home for life for these dogs too!
 
A1fie said:
You may be right cremedemonthe :) Maybe I have got it wrong and it would be unfair on dogs but I can't help thinking that I could provide a better home than a kennel. How can it be right that for example, the RSPCA would refuse to rehome a dog to me, yet keep it in kennels and put it to sleep if no suitable home could be found? Is that better for a dog? Maybe the majority of people would say yes, dogs absolutely should not be without adult company for more than 4 hours, but I can't see it.

I do also understand that for some disturbed dogs, my circumstances would be unsuitable and some may need a lot of time and training, but all dogs?
I don't object to the principle of pts, by the way, but if I am an experienced owner, who could provide food, warmth, exercise, routine, peace and kindness, plus make sure it had agreeable company, am I really so unsuitable?

Anyway, I am more than happy to hear all views and be told I am wrong :)
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I wasn't having a pop at you Alfie, I think each person's circumstances are different and I am not a fan of the arsepca anyway, they are too draconian and I would not pass their criteria in the fact I haven't got 6 a foot fence one side of my garden only a 4 foot fence which my Lurcher could jump if she wasn't so lazy.
Some absence is required from the dogs other wise they can develop separation anxiety and mine "sing" when I go out, or rather yodel, some could say I'm not suitable to have them as they are too used to me being at home.
Oz
 
I would love to rescue but have yet to find one who would allow me to have a dog so we have always had puppies. OH and I are looking for when we lose Jack but we will rehome privately I think as we don't have time for a puppy.

It's a shame as I would love to take one out of kennels but even with a dog walker I've been turned down every time :(
 
cremedemonthe said:
I wasn't having a pop at you Alfie, I think each person's circumstances are different and I am not a fan of the arsepca anyway, they are too draconian and I would not pass their criteria in the fact I haven't got 6 a foot fence one side of my garden only a 4 foot fence which my Lurcher could jump if she wasn't so lazy.
Some absence is required from the dogs other wise they can develop separation anxiety and mine "sing" when I go out, or rather yodel, some could say I'm not suitable to have them as they are too used to me being at home.
Oz
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I didn't think you were having a pop :) I think there are very few dog owners who would tick every box of perfect ownership but it's the '100% perfect or not at all' attitude that drives me mental, especially because there are so many dogs needing homes.

Think you could be onto a £ winner with a yodeling dog by the way . . . . . . . . . !
 
A1fie said:
I didn't think you were having a pop :) I think there are very few dog owners who would tick every box of perfect ownership but it's the '100% perfect or not at all' attitude that drives me mental, especially because there are so many dogs needing homes.

Think you could be onto a £ winner with a yodeling dog by the way . . . . . . . . . !
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Try Greyhound Rescue West of England - they will re-home to people who work full time, as evidenced by me :) All greyhounds and lurchers yodel BTW, all mine do it too :D
 
I have a rescue dog at the moment, and at some point hope to get a second dog too. I would happily have another rescue, but this time I may end up buying a puppy as I want a dog I can train to do a specific job, and that is easier if you have them from when they're little. If a rescue happened to have a litter of an appropriate breed or mix in at the right time though, or there was a youngster in, I'd cheerfully have one and I'm sure I'll have more rescue dogs in the future! Yes, they can come with their little oddities, but people have dogs from puppies and they still turn up with all sorts of little weird and wonderful (and baffling and irritating) habits, there are no guarantees of anything after all:)
 
Spudlet said:
I Yes, they can come with their little oddities, but people have dogs from puppies and they still turn up with all sorts of little weird and wonderful (and baffling and irritating) habits, there are no guarantees of anything after all:)
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THIS

met a couple in the pub the other week- got chatting about dogs- got chatting about how reactive Dex can be - sounds like he'd quite happily kill other dogs. Ohhh she says i have one of those - terrier of some description- known it since it was born (born on her OH's dads farm) - did everything to socialise, train, classes, love etc etc etc- never been attacked- and still thinks all unfamiliar dogs need killing...........

I'd rescue again if i were to have another- BUT i'd go for an older dog- no pups or blumming adolescents LOL
 
Well, as someone who has adopted three rescues, I'm bound to say that that's the route you should choose ;).

Our experience with rescues has been mixed . . . first one was a nightmare - loved her dearly but she was definitely a challenging dog and had issues. Second one is neurotic, had some nasty experiences at the hands of the first, but is very trainable. Third is an angel . . . puts up with second dog's neuroses (first dog is no longer with us), can take her anywhere, nothing phases her. Oddly, second dog is much more trainable/obedient than third.

If going down the rescue route, I would advise you to find a reputable rescue and be very, very honest about your experience/lifestyle/expectations, etc. Our rescue found our third dog (the perfect Daisy) for us . . . I wanted a companion for our second dog after we lost the first and, knowing his issues (and us), the rescue director sourced Dinky specifically to fit in with our family . . . and she was spot on!

P

P.S. Oh, and we had two of our three rescues from puppies
 
If it was just me, I would get a rescue, but as my child is nearly 3, a rescue is out, as they won't re-home them with toddlers, would really like a rescue greyhound, but so far no luck. So looks like a puppy for us.
 
I have seen a lot of puppies in rescue just recently, some born there so you could get a "clean" sheet so to speak from a rescue if f you look about a bit.

e.g
http://www.heathlands.org.uk/image.php?imageid=2134
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dog/1113872/twiglet#.UuZ9sJdFBQI
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dog/1113665/leonard#.UuZ9yJdFBQI
http://www.ineedahome.co.uk/index.php/adopt-a-dog/3334-springer-x-staff-puppies

Just noticed that one of the Dogs Trust pups does say can go to a home with children :-)
 
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Aw so please to hear a lot of you are fellow rescue dog lovers :) Both our rescues came from reputable rescues, one local the other SSPCA so don't worry I wouldn't rescue from a dubious rescue centre :)
 
Rescues, always. Went to a local rescue centre for our first terrier then two years later got another. The second rescue, the patterdale , has epilepsy and that's probably the reason she ended up being dumped in the first place. We have her on meds and she is a happy, if daft, little dog. Would never buy from a breeder when there are so many dogs needing homes. For the two I took, another two would fill their place and get the chance of a fresh start too.
 
Not all rescue dogs come with baggage, a rescue who has good fosterers can turn problem dogs around and make them ideal family pets.

I have 2 Dobermanns that are from a breed rescue, my previous 2 were private rehomes, we bought a Lancashire Heeler puppy because being a rare breed and on the KC vulnerable list you dont see many in rescue.

I dont have 6ft fencing around my garden and when I had a homecheck for the Dobes the lady doing it said in her opinion if a dog wanted to get out it would regardless of the fencing.

Op try some of the smaller rescues, they are not hung up on people working but understand that people have to make a living and if people work long hours they would expect you to either get a dog walker or a reliable person to let the dog out at lunch time.
 
Having had one six month old rehome and one adult from a breed rescue my next dog will probably be a pup from a breeder. I will feel very conflicted about doing so!

Both of my dogs have turned out to be wonderful and my relationship with one of them is all the more special because of the problems we've worked through, but I've reached a stage where I really want to branch out into the working/sports world and I'm unlikely to find what I want in a rescue dog. It's by no means guaranteed that I will find it in a puppy either (well, not in my chosen breed full stop :p) but the chances are at least increased.

If I wanted another purely companion dog I would absolutely have another young adult rescue. In fact I'd probably go to the local pound, get one of the many crusty old staffies and give them a wonderful last couple of years.

FWIW I don't have a garden at all, live in a rented house, work full time and still passed the homecheck for the rescue dog - breed specific rescues seem to be an awful lot more realistic than the big-name organisations.
 
My family get pups as they want working dogs I get whatever is knocking about in rescue when I am looking.
I suspect I have just found my next dog though as the breeder of our latest pup wants rid of a bitch as she has started squeaking at the peg...ideal for me, useless for competitions. So to the poster who said you can't get adults I think s4sugars way of looking is good.
Preloved is great too if you don't want homechecks and often you can get a dog who hasn't got he hangups they can get in kennels but can smoothly move from one home to the next. (Disclaimer that I totally disagree with giving dogs away on free internet ssites, but if you are looking its a plus).
 
The dog I got from Preloved made my life a complete nightmare for, ooh, at least six months if not a year or more - destroyed my home and £££ worth of stuff, placed my relationship under severe strain, limited my ability to work and study and cost me thousands in kit, training, behaviourists, books etc.

Worth it in the end but wouldn't ever recommend it! The dog I got from rescue was in foster for several months and came with a very accurate report of his behaviour and quirks, he fit right in from day one.
 
But BC I think yours are huskies? So surely being destructive and hard work is in the job description!? I'm not disagreeing with you BTW and I think preloved is a risky place to go but for a gamble, IMO, it is worthwhile.
 
Not normally to the extent she was. :p In order to sell her the previous owner also lied about the reason for getting rid and about the extent of her behaviour problems, all of which stemmed from a complete lack of socialisation/habituation. She was really a complete unknown and not the dog I needed at the time, it could easily have ended badly.

With the rescue one I knew exactly what I was getting as he'd stayed with a foster mum who documented absolutely everything about him and he was matched to us. A much better prospect for people wanting a pet dog that won't eat their house! :)
 
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