Why dont people get dogs from rescues?!

Unless your talking about older rescues with problems around small kids, when some may not be suitable, I can't think of any dogs that are unsuitable in themselves to have round young kids. Only unsuitable adult owners. Certainly, I can't think of any breeds I would deem unsuitable to have round young kids.
 
littlelegs said:
Unless your talking about older rescues with problems around small kids, when some may not be suitable, I can't think of any dogs that are unsuitable in themselves to have round young kids. Only unsuitable adult owners. Certainly, I can't think of any breeds I would deem unsuitable to have round young kids.
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When you have a young family, you need to be realistic about the amount of exercise you will be able to give a dog and a high energy breed such as a collie may not be suitable.

Also, some breeds are more laid back and tolerant of children than others. My aunt has mastiffs and she chooses not to have them in the same room as young children, as she cannot be confident in how they would respond and it is not worth the risk. My wee dog is bred to be a pet, rather than any other job, such as working animal or guard dog, which is why he is so suitable for a young family.

Just common sense, really:)
 
I went out and bought my dog as a puppy because I wanted to?!

Is that such a crime? I knew her mother well and reserved B prior to mating! I know her every movement from the moment she was born. Which of course means that any behaviour problems are my own doing :o I like it that way.

I would rescue in the future if I found a suitable dog, I would also buy again if I wanted to.

I would not buy from a puppy farm etc, my dogs have a home for life and have the best of everything. I will not be told I am a bad person for buying a puppy.
 
I see what you mean re exercise, but I would apply that to anyone, some with young kids can offer enough exercise, some single adults can't. I wouldn't be bothered about any of the big breeds with a kid, I've only ever had working or guard breeds. Over bred toy dogs I'd be cautious of, teacup dogs & the like bred only for size.
 
I got my dog(s) from a reputable breeder, where I saw the puppies with their dam, had an update on them as they grew up, knew that they had all the tests for the relevant breed genetic diseases, and was able to fit the dogs into my lifestyle as they grew up - any 'problems' were my fault.

I would love to get a dog from a rescue - but introducing an older dog to my cats and other family members would be much more difficult. I admire people who do have rescue dogs, but know that the work needed isn't something I can do right now.

A reputable breeder, like a reputable rescue, won't send a dog into an environment that they aren't sure of.

The real problem is those 'breeders' (puppy farmers) who will sell to anyone - including those who have been turned away by rescues for good reasons.
 
horseloaner said:
ummm... in/line is a type of rollerskate ;) Line breeding is a method used to produce a standard line. Outcross matings are used to bring in new attributes and despite what everyone goes on about can bring in just as many problems as in breeding because your introducing new genetics to an otherwise known line. In breeding which is what you are thinking about is using close relatives to cement a trait within a line. In breeding is now something no longer allowed by the KC one of the big steps forward that has been made recently.


A mutt/heinz 57/ or any other fancy name you choose to give it is basically where someone has allowed their dog or has intentionally bred to produce puppies with no thought for the welfare of their dog or its offspring. As there is no record of what diseases and health issues mutts/heinz 57 have how you anyone say that they are healthier.... except the RSPCA who are desperately looking for homes??? At least with a pedigree steps are being made to improve them and their health with the new tests available but the vast majority are specific by breed... so you can't test a mutt as its not a breed. Therefore it is not health tested, why is that better than a pedigree???
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a very sweeping statement working dogs that are not pedigree are bred for their ability to work both mentaly and physically, i own a lurcher bred by my friend and his dogs are bred to be physically able to have a long working life, no hip/ elbow displaysia, eye problems, skin/allergy problems and a very low rate of arthritis especially when you take into account the type of work they do. they a certainly not bred with no thought to the welfare of the offspring and if you look at my post i have not slated pedigree breeders in the way you have those that breed mutts, i dont think it should be a them or us but i thik the KC has a lot to answer for.

you cant test a mutt no, but as a general rule you dont need to and i am not talking crossbreeds as some of them are as bad as some pedigrees.

just to mention this 'in/line' was the correct way to use '/' this 'mutt/heinz 57 or' was not :)
 
Just wanted to add not many people know about breed specific rescue centres, i re-homed my cocker spaniel at 8 weeks. She had been gifted in as she was deaf .... I learnt how to teach her sign language and we get on just fine very obedient as long as shes looking at you!!
 
Foxhunter49 said:
I think that many rescues have a lot to learn!

My mother who is in her 90s, had to have her dog PTS not long after my father died. She was lonely and wanted another dog. Try getting one from a rescue! The exercise was no problem as my sister would walk it when she walked her dogs twice a day and should anything happen to Mum then either sister or I would home the dog.
Not one rescue would entertain the idea.
I did fine her an English Pointer from the Oldies Rescue, he was put at about 10 years old and had been from pillar to post over the last three years.
They were sensible in vetting Mum, took my word that the dog would be well cared for in all respects and it really is a match made in heaven. The dog adores Mum and she him. They live fir each other.
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Likewise, I have an elderly customer who is desperate for an older dog (funnily enough, her main criteria is that it's an English Pointer!).

She has contacted the local rescue centres and been told that she's a) too old to foster a dog and b) as she doesn't have a secure garden they won't consider her.

This is a lady who has had dogs/cats/horses all her life. She walked her previous dog 2 of 3 times a day. Would take it outside for its 'toilet' (she lives in a flat with communal gardens). The dog was never left home alone, she took it everywhere with her.

She had made provision for her last dog to go to a friend should she fall ill or die before the dog did.

So she's the 'perfect' sort of dog owner, and yet the rescue centres won't consider her because of points a) and b).....

She doesn't want a puppy. She wants an old dog. :(

(Seeking: An English Pointer, middle aged, quiet, dog or bitch, to plod around with an old lady. Will be looked after in an A1 fashion. Loved and adored. Must be happy to travel in car - for nice walks further afield, pls PM me)
 
SpruceRI said:
Likewise, I have an elderly customer who is desperate for an older dog (funnily enough, her main criteria is that it's an English Pointer!).

She has contacted the local rescue centres and been told that she's a) too old to foster a dog and b) as she doesn't have a secure garden they won't consider her.

This is a lady who has had dogs/cats/horses all her life. She walked her previous dog 2 of 3 times a day. Would take it outside for its 'toilet' (she lives in a flat with communal gardens). The dog was never left home alone, she took it everywhere with her.

She had made provision for her last dog to go to a friend should she fall ill or die before the dog did.

So she's the 'perfect' sort of dog owner, and yet the rescue centres won't consider her because of points a) and b).....

She doesn't want a puppy. She wants an old dog. :(

(Seeking: An English Pointer, middle aged, quiet, dog or bitch, to plod around with an old lady. Will be looked after in an A1 fashion. Loved and adored. Must be happy to travel in car - for nice walks further afield, pls PM me)
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the cinnamon trust may be worth a call
 
SpruceRI said:
Likewise, I have an elderly customer who is desperate for an older dog (funnily enough, her main criteria is that it's an English Pointer!).

She has contacted the local rescue centres and been told that she's a) too old to foster a dog and b) as she doesn't have a secure garden they won't consider her.

This is a lady who has had dogs/cats/horses all her life. She walked her previous dog 2 of 3 times a day. Would take it outside for its 'toilet' (she lives in a flat with communal gardens). The dog was never left home alone, she took it everywhere with her.

She had made provision for her last dog to go to a friend should she fall ill or die before the dog did.

So she's the 'perfect' sort of dog owner, and yet the rescue centres won't consider her because of points a) and b).....

She doesn't want a puppy. She wants an old dog. :(

(Seeking: An English Pointer, middle aged, quiet, dog or bitch, to plod around with an old lady. Will be looked after in an A1 fashion. Loved and adored. Must be happy to travel in car - for nice walks further afield, pls PM me)
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You could try putting a wanted add on dogs pages homes offered http://www.dogpages.org.uk/forums/index.php?showforum=3 they often know which rescue are flexible/sensible, otherwise maybe a breed rescue? Sounds like a nice home for the right dog :)
 
Spring Feather said:
Which rare breeds did you see this documentary on? I own very rare large-breed dogs and this breed are very healthy dogs with very few problems.
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This was one of the subjects I did in depth at college. Studying the skeletons mainly for what they have had bred into them.

The dogs with the major problems are generally the smaller dogs - heart, skull etc. Or dogs bred for a certain physical trait - bulldogs with overshot jaw to aid in breathing without letting go of prey, actually results in poor breathing all the time. The larger dogs with problems are more GSD/Labs with Hip Dysplasia. The closer the dog is to it's original state the less problems in general as that was how they naturally bred.

It was fascinating to learn about and the documentary I believe she's talking about was run around 2007 (by the bbc?) and was targeting Crufts and them promoting poor health showing breeds.
It had long term studies of the skeletons (mainly skulls) and the internal organs affected. Also statistics showing the number of certain breed with specific problems compared to others.

Something which also fascinated me was how much the external changes (hair, ears, tails) affected communication in differing breeds. Taking away the ability to raise hackles, wag a tail, lay ears back etc.

I could waffle on all day about this :o
 
Yes some of the breed standards these days are scary to say the least. The KC has a lot to answer for. However most of the breeds who have been damaged (for want of a better word) are popular dog breeds with a lot of presence in the world. From what I see, most of the rare breeds are quite pandered to. People who are involved in the breeding or owning of such rare dogs generally like to keep them as true to type as they can. The vast majority of them could still do the job they were initially bred for centuries ago even if they are living in a different environment to the original one. Many of these rare breeds are not accepted by the KC and I think, thank goodness for that! :) Knowing the above that's why I was interested in the OPs comments about rare breeds so wanted to know which rare breeds she was talking about because that's not been my experience with them.
 
Spring Feather said:
Yes some of the breed standards these days are scary to say the least. The KC has a lot to answer for. However most of the breeds who have been damaged (for want of a better word) are popular dog breeds with a lot of presence in the world. From what I see, most of the rare breeds are quite pandered to. People who are involved in the breeding or owning of such rare dogs generally like to keep them as true to type as they can. The vast majority of them could still do the job they were initially bred for centuries ago even if they are living in a different environment to the original one. Many of these rare breeds are not accepted by the KC and I think, thank goodness for that! :) Knowing the above that's why I was interested in the OPs comments about rare breeds so wanted to know which rare breeds she was talking about because that's not been my experience with them.
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Sorry I didn't see OP. I just read rare as pedigree :D

Agreed with your comments on rare breeds.
 
Lancashire Heelers were bred to herd cattle, hunt rabbits and vermin as well as being a good watch dog. They may be a rare vunerable breed but they still do the same job they were originally bred for, our latest addition is too young to herd cattle but hunts rabbits and mice. My previous 2 were amazing cattle dogs and could always move our stubborn Hereford bull when nothing else would.

They are quite popular in Finland and one even has the blood tracking record out there beating all other breeds and quite a few are owned by people who shoot and are used for picking up game.

I think its a huge shame when dogs are bred for a particular purpose and 20years down the line can no longer function in that capacity and the emphasis is all on the look.
 
I have to say, I'm not entirely sure what a puppy farm is :confused: :o
I have 4 dogs in total, 1 is from a rescue collie x alsatian and works as a guard dog, he was supposed to be a pet, we were assured that he is good with people and other animals, easy to do and completely non-aggressive - he is nothing of the sort! He would attack anything and everything, has NO recall, is nervy, full of distrust and generally a heap of bother. It's not a problem for us, he has a kennel with a run, goes out on the lead and can bark to his heart content, but if our circumstances were different, it could turn out quite nasty.
Our collie we bought partly trained at 15 months old from breeder/trainer, is she a dog from a puppy farm? I suppose she was born on a farm and lived in a barn... She isn't a pedigree, but is a good example of a Border collie and an excellent sheepdog as well as pet.
We also have a JRT bitch, bought from a breeder (hello, ttt :D, Patch says, ahem ''yaaawn''), who is another great example of her breed and very friendly, well behaved dog.
Now we come to Gavin... Gavin is a huntaway, again, bought from a breeder for a purpose, as a sheep/cattle dog and stud (:eek: shock, horror, we're gonna breed more huntaways and we don't even know what a puppy farm is! :p) Gavin is a moron, and only 12 months old, his recall is still iffy and he is a BIG dog with even bigger bark.

I don't think I could find any of the 3 dogs at a rescue, sheep are our livelihood, I wouldn't risk their welfare and safety on an assurance from ''a behaviourist'' at a rescue.
 
Breeder/training are nothing like puppy farms.

Puppy farms do what they say on the tin. Intensively farm them, quite often caged permanently, normally in disgusting conditions without the time/knowledge/inclination to work with them properly. Puppy farms normally sell for breed type or out of potential buyers guilt on seeing them there, normally for a hefty amount.
 
Ibblebibble said:
lol martlin, i need to see a pic of gavin:D
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Gavin at 13 weeks, together with Stacie the collie :D
 
Huntaways are cool dogs! Are you planning to breed pure Martlin? Is there a call for Huntaways? I do so like seeing rarer breed dogs being managed properly (well any dog really, but its more enjoyable watching lesser known dogs doing their stuff the way they were bred to)
 
puppy farms are where they continuously breed puppies. usually the bitch will be stuck in a pen her whole life just breeding and breeding untill she cannot breed anymore- then they just get rid of her, horrible :(
 
I'm going to cross him with the Border Collie bitch, Stacie (;)), technically, the pups will still be huntaways. I would love to find a nice huntaway bitch, but that little project will have to wait a bit.
My OH finds huntaways easier to work with, as they are not as hyper/quick as collies, I personally prefer the collies as my periferral vision is better and I can control a very sharp dog easier.
 
My daughter did a lambing placement on a sheep farm that had 2 huntaways, they used to ride round on the back of the shepherds quad. Lovely dogs but if I remember rightly the bitch in particular could be quite sharp.
 
Just as an aside, none of my dogs were particularly expensive (non were vaccinated, either :rolleyes:), I suppose per kilo, Patch the JRT was extortionate, though :D
We couldn't buy Gavin at 8 weeks as his breeder didn't want to advertise around Xmas, as not to attract the ''pet for five minutes, while very cute'' market, and on the other hand, they didn't want to price their pups out of the genuine working farm market.
Also, whilst seeming like nice, experienced and caring breeders (and rescuers), none of the previous owners have shown any inclination to check, or even any interest in how the dogs are getting on in their new lives :o
 
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