thinking about getting a dog...

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Guinness

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any advice? ive never had one before, but have worked in kennels so know how much hard work they are! it would be able to come to work with me (now that i have a new job!) so wont be left alone during the day. is there anything else i need to consider? im thinking about getting an older rescue dog, but maybe it would be easier to bond with a puppy?
also, the breeds i was thinking was a spaniel or a golden retriever-would they make good pets rather than being working dogs?
thanks!
 
If I were in your shoes (and I would love to be), essentially I would be getting a dog that just needed a home, irrespective of breed. And definatley not a puppy.

Good luck - how exciting.
 
Make sure you have somewhere the dog can't get into for storing food and chocolate.

Make sure you've got a support network who can take the dog for holidays/weekends away, otherwise you will be tied to dog friendly locations or kennels.
 
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also, the breeds i was thinking was a spaniel or a golden retriever-would they make good pets rather than being working dogs?

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Yes, if you get a show/pet bred one rather than one bred to work!
If a Golden Retriever, avoid any that are very slim, leggy & very dark in colour, as these tend to be more the working type & can be very lively for a novice dog owner!
If a spaniel (Springer?), avoid any that are kinda small & wiry with rather short ears & doing a good impression of a whirling dervish, as again, these are more likely to be of working type & might be a bit much for a first dog & can be very hard to control off lead if you are not used to this type of dog!

If you want something as a nice pet, that will be reasonably easy to manage & happy to go to work with you, why not consider a Cavalier King Charles or something similar?
I would tend to go for one of the utility or toy breeds & steer clear of the pastoral, guarding or hound breeds perhaps.
If you want a big dog & like gundogs, you won't go far wrong with an English Setter, though you are unlikely to find one of these in rescue, unless you go through the official breed rescue channels & even then....?
 
thanks for all the advice! at the moment its just an idea..want to get settled in the new job first, but its an idea i have toying with for a while!
 
Spaniels and retrievers are both working dog breeds and both very loving and desire attention. I too would love a dog, and would love a springer, but i work and unless you work near home, it's just not fair to leave one alone. They are such 'people dogs' and are very sensitive. Do you have someone who can be with it for part of the day? How long will it be alone for?
 
How exciting for you
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I'm in the same position and am hoping to get a dog soon.

If this would be your first dog and you really want a springer or golden retriver, perhaps try contacting the breed societys who will then be able to put you in touch with people who have older dogs needing to be rehomed?

Greyhounds also make lovely pets (this is one of the breeds I am in love with)
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Rehoming a recsue dog is very rewarding... although when i walk round the kennels i always wish i could take them all home!!

x
 
Get a rescue greyhound. Most lovely dog ever!
We got one about 8yrs ago and is so so sweet!!! She rules are house as when she wants something she comes and wines in your face and has a tantrum! This is normally during the 10 mins a day shes not asleep, she is currently asleep on HER leather sofa behind me now! (shes 12 now and starting to feel her age!!) She would make the perfect dog to take around with you, as long as there is somewhere comfy to lie down and sleep!! They don't need a huge deal of excersise. Has never been any trouble around horses or kids. Couldn't fault her in any way (well bar her horrible breath until she had all bar 2 teeth removed!!)
we also have a black lab and couldn't fault him either (hes the second one we have had) lovely playful dog!!!
My mum is a trustie of a dog and cat shelter so im all for the rehoming angle!!!!!
 
ive got a springer x collie - hyper would be an understatement lol

for a first dog - i would not recccoment a springer - they are working dogs - or a collie

i think an older rescue dog would be a good first dog - imo
 
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