Why dont people get dogs from rescues?!

I've always been adamant I'd get a rescue dog when I get a house big enough, however reading this it seems unlikely I'll be allowed to get one from a rescue as I work f/t and oh is self employed so pooch would be on their own until lunchtimes and home time.
I'll not be getting my hopes up anyway. Looks like a breeder might be my only option which is a shame when there are so many needing a good home already.
 
Personally because my partner at the time wasn't keen on a rescue dog, even though I had fallen in love with a gorgeous elderly labrador online, so we got a puppy. Puppy is 9 months old now and I love the socks off him, he's my best mate and the best dog I have ever met.

When OH and I move in together next year the plan will be to get a 2nd dog and as I've had my puppy time I want to get a rescue, the only issue we might have is that it would need to be good with over (very excitable) dogs and children, plus have good recall, which is probably gold dust in the rescue world.

Puppy was my first ever dog (border terrier) and I'm not sure if I was lucky, organised or what but he has turned into a superb little citizen and even his vile teenage phase isn't that bad!
 
After the very sad loss of Tyson (English Mastiff) at the yard last week, the YO has got a new friend to keep Lady, also a Mastiff, company... She went and picked up JoJo from the rescue kennels yesterday, JoJo had been in a couple of homes and the people couldn't handle him so he was returned to the rescue centre...

JoJo came to the stables yesterday afternoon, where he will live. He was introduced to lady and they instanly clicked... He went and had a sniff of the horses (Who are all use to big dogs) and he didn't bat an eye at them, super playful dog, hopefully he will like it at the yard and spend the rest of his life here with us :)

JoJo settling in at the yard
JoJo.jpg
 
I do think that if I was looking at getting a high health risk breed I would likely prefer to purchase from a reputable breeder rather than rescue and know that the dog I was getting was from health tested parents.
 
i couldn't even get an elderly cat from a rescue years ago, cos i worked. how riduculous!
now got 3 cats and a dog all from babies, they have a farm to play around in, and have the life of riley. and yet i bet a rescue would now deem me unsuitable due to there not being adequate boundary fencing beyond our 5 odd acres.
they are there own worst enemy!
xx
 
Rescue centers would find it a bit easier to re-home if they take into account that MOST PEOPLE HAVE JOBS!

We tried to re-home a dog once and inquired with a few charities. We did not fit the requirements as my parents worked and I was at school at the time so wouldn't have been home till 4pm. In the end we rescued a collie pup through word of mouth. He is by himself most of the day but he sleeps, has full access to the house and garden and is quite happy. He has my 2 cats for a bit of company and they get on really well. If no-one can be home at lunch to take him out then the neighbour takes him for a walk and plays with him in the garden. He is now 10 years old and when we got him it took no time at all for him to settle by himself at home.

I would love to re-home a dog in the future but I do hope they start to take into account that people that work can still give a dog a lovely home. I now work in a vets so I hope that will make it a bit easier for me in the future to re-home!
 
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First of all apologies that i havent read all of the posts!

In the past, our family dogs have included 2 rescues
- 1 i havent a clue where my parents rescued her from as it was before she was born but they thought she was brown upon collection.... when the got her home and bathed her... she was a lovely golden colour so really not sure if it was through a centre or not but it was the late 70's
- 1 from a breed related rescue centre that specialised in the breed my parents wanted.

They did buy one from a breeder HOWEVER... it was a 6 month old that had been returned to the breeder as it had been sold as a wedding pressie and the bride didnt appreciate the grooms idea.

there current 2 - were bought this time last year via preloved - they were 6 years old and had to be sold together, the male has a massive tumor that the old owner hadnt noticed or had examined so maybe you could class them as rescues (they were also very smelly with matted coats!).

Now i have flown the next etc so to speak we got our 1st dog a couple of years ago. It caused a lot of little arguements in the house about where we got one from, breed and age!
in the end we compromised and bought a puppy who was 8 weeks - but we were already her 3rd owner..... she is a cross breed and was full of worms which has left her with stomach issues and she requires a special diet - we wouldnt change her for the world though.

One thing hubby and i did agree on was that in this case, a rescue wasnt suitable for our famiy as our twins had just began to walk and sadly, with rescues, you never know their past history. However, when we get our next dog - the 1st place we will visit will be a rescue centre and we would prob go for one of the older dogs in the centre who has been waiting to be rehomed a long time as looks etc arnt important to us.
 
I think the holier than thou attitude of the OP is the very reason some people avoid using rescues!!
I have had dogs from both the RSPCA and a small private rescue and from breeders. It may be selfish but it's my money, my life and my home that a dog has to fit into and i consider that i am the best judge of what will work!
I don't feel any guilt for going to a breeder for my shiba or getting my mastiff from a friend, the same as i don't feel any guilt at not getting any of my horses from rescues!

if you really want to understand why people don't go to rescues OP i suggest talking and listening to people rather than preaching and insulting their intelligence.
 
I guess its the way I was brought up. but I dont think its fair saying my attitude makes people avoid rescues...
I just feel that there are enough dogs in the world so why breed more?
 
hollieeb said:
I guess its the way I was brought up. but I dont think its fair saying my attitude makes people avoid rescues...
I just feel that there are enough dogs in the world so why breed more?
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So now you are brought up better than everyone else gosh if I ever felt like getting a rescue dog you are putting me off.
Perhaps it's not the number of dogs that the issue it's the number of good homes and experianced owners .
If I want to chose my dog see its parents know the people who have bred it I don't need you judging me and I speak as someone who picked up a dumped dog off the road got it fixed ( it had a dislocated hip) paid its bills and got it home with my mum.
Puppy farms are an issue but people who want to buy a dog of there choosing and therefore save having to go though the ludricous hoops some of the rescues put you though have every right to do so.
You are so sure of the 'rightness' of your own view you can't see how it sounds to others.
 
Because some people need to know the history of their dog from the very beginning, often if the parents and home are good the dog will be good (not always the case but in my experience). I bought a GS dog as a puppy, saw both parents, knew he had been well cared for and raised within a family home and having a young child needed a dog bred with its temperament in mind, not just its pedigree. I sadly lost him to a tumour just after his 8th birthday. He was my dog of a lifetime.

I have since given a home to two rescue dogs. Both have come with problems. I love them dearly but having them from an older age has left a hole in their history and I am sure something negative happened during that period due to their little traits.

Don't knock everyone who chooses to get a puppy from a breeder, everyone's situations are different and I am sure the majority have given serious consideration to having a rescue but perhaps it was not suitable to them.

(Sitting here with rescued shihtzhu on my lap who wants a cuddle with him mummy ;)
 
Goldenstar said:
So now you are brought up better than everyone else gosh if I ever felt like getting a rescue dog you are putting me off.
Perhaps it's not the number of dogs that the issue it's the number of good homes and experianced owners .
If I want to chose my dog see its parents know the people who have bred it I don't need you judging me and I speak as someone who picked up a dumped dog off the road got it fixed ( it had a dislocated hip) paid its bills and got it home with my mum.
Puppy farms are an issue but people who want to buy a dog of there choosing and therefore save having to go though the ludricous hoops some of the rescues put you though have every right to do so.
You are so sure of the 'rightness' of your own view you can't see how it sounds to others.
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I didnt say I was brought up better than everyone else :confused:

I said it was the way I was brought up. e.g. my mum does not agree with buying from breeders so nor do I. I never meant to come across that way (in fact I didnt, I think you took it the wrong way).

If you want to get a pup from a breeder then fine. but I just wanted to know WHY. it really does baffle me why people buy from breeders. people have stated their opinion an I have accepted but I think you have taken it the complete wrong way
 
I got my lab bitch from a game keeper, (not that she ever worked a day in her life). I did breed a litter from her ( put her to a show dog). All owners bar one have kept in touch.

I did keep one of her litter, much loved girl.

I bought from the game keeper as I knew him and his dogs with all health tests done and I knew, barring accidents, exactly what I was getting.

I would not want to take on anyone elses problem dogs. I have cats and poultry which the dogs have grown up with and respect.

Having said that I do admire people that do take on rescues.
 
Archiesmummy said:
Because some people need to know the history of their dog from the very beginning, often if the parents and home are good the dog will be good (not always the case but in my experience). I bought a GS dog as a puppy, saw both parents, knew he had been well cared for and raised within a family home and having a young child needed a dog bred with its temperament in mind, not just its pedigree. I sadly lost him to a tumour just after his 8th birthday. He was my dog of a lifetime.

I have since given a home to two rescue dogs. Both have come with problems. I love them dearly but having them from an older age has left a hole in their history and I am sure something negative happened during that period due to their little traits.

Don't knock everyone who chooses to get a puppy from a breeder, everyone's situations are different and I am sure the majority have given serious consideration to having a rescue but perhaps it was not suitable to them.

(Sitting here with rescued shihtzhu on my lap who wants a cuddle with him mummy ;)
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I agree that rescues can come with problems, my lab x collie was left on a balcony for days until my mums friend rescued him. when we first got him he hated cars, would not go near one! He was attacked so now is scared of other dogs. but would defo not put me off rescues and I would never buy from a breeder. Its so rewarding to give a scared, nervous dog a home because then they become your perfect pet and I love him to peices!!
 
hollieeb said:
I agree that rescues can come with problems, my lab x collie was left on a balcony for days until my mums friend rescued him. when we first got him he hated cars, would not go near one! He was attacked so now is scared of other dogs. but would defo not put me off rescues and I would never buy from a breeder. Its so rewarding to give a scared, nervous dog a home because then they become your perfect pet and I love him to peices!!
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That's right for you but I need a dog that won't chase stock frighten the birds unless I want it too that will follow my horse for two hours or more and stay sound gor years and the best to get that is to buy from a shooting family whose bitches you know where the stud dog belongs to a keeper who is know for his skill in picking good dogs , but I don't love my dogs any less than you love yours.
 
Goldenstar said:
I got my three from a friend of a friend who breeds a litter perhaps two a year from his working bitches not really a breeder but experianced and the dogs are all family dogs , we did however rescue a lurcher we found it living rough near home it was so thin it and had been dumped because it had a dislocated hip OH would not let me keep her as I was injured at the time but she lives with my mum she's lovely and loves my OH and me it's like she knows we rescued her.
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:eek: two a year does make him a breeder, your a breeder as soon as you breed a litter.
 
I have 3 dogs I wouldn't exactly say were rescues. Louise is 10, a staffie mix. We found her as we were driving past the kill shelter. She was so tiny and scared sitting at closed gates. Obviously dumped. Glad we were heading by early. Previous to her we had adopted a GSD from a rescue as a puppy. I had recent new freebie kittens. Now 11 and still here. Wanted them to grow up together. Then Cindy came along. She was dumped with a bunch of puppies at the end of our lane. So not really rescues per say. Then we lost our GSD to a stomach torsion. A few months later I contacted some local rescues to enquire about GSD's. Got a call back on a former coal dog that was now wandering the streets as he wasn't good as a coal gaurd dog. Anyway he was 1 1/2 years of age. I said that if he wasn't good with the cats he'd have to go. But he was great with them. Just took him a bit to settle in to the routine. But that dog has been super.

They seem to find me. I don't set out to be holier than though. I'm not fussed as to who the parents were and prefer mixes really. But I also understand the side of wanting to know the parents.

As long as people are responsible for life I don't see the problem. Dogs and cats I see as pets. Not to be dumped when they aren't working in your life plan anymore.

Terri
 
I haven't read all of the previous posts, just the first 40, so my point may well have already been covered.

I'm not going to say that I would never take on a rescue, but it would be highly unlikely, unless I saw specific behaviour patterns, and those which I wanted. Generally speaking, those dogs which end up at rescue centres do so because the previous, or the subsequent owners haven't a clue what they're doing, they make the most frightful mess, they hand them into a rescue centre, with a cock and bull story about they're moving into a flat, or some such nonsense, when in reality they're handing over a liability, and one which is sometimes dangerously so.

How many times, on here do we here someone say "We were his fourth home, and his last chance"? Would I take on a dog which was going to be such hard work? Not a chance. Do they ever settle, as in really settle when they've been so badly damaged, as youngsters? Rarely.

Now I know that there will be those who will now regale us with those dogs which they've turned around, and though I've tried with a few, I've always made progress, but NEVER to the extent that I have by starting off with a puppy, and bringing it up as I want it.

The OP asked why don't people get dogs from rescue centres. The above reasons are mine, and perhaps others too. I feel sorry for the dogs, and for those who act in a charitable manner, but I want a dog which doesn't arrive with baggage, and most of the rescue dogs which I've seen have it, in abundance.

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
How many times, on here do we here someone say "We were his fourth home, and his last chance"? Would I take on a dog which was going to be such hard work? Not a chance. Do they ever settle, as in really settle when they've been so badly damaged, as youngsters? Rarely.

Now I know that there will be those who will now regale us with those dogs which they've turned around, and though I've tried with a few, I've always made progress, but NEVER to the extent that I have by starting off with a puppy, and bringing it up as I want it.

Alec.
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Its not hard at all. 80% of the dogs at most rescues are there because their owners were idiots and didn't exercise them enough. A good routine, boundries and exercise soon sorts most of them out. Most of the rescues at the rescue I use turn into lovely dogs, despite some of them having some truly awful stories and good reason to be nightmares. (Like the one who spent his first year locked in a broom cupboard in the basement because the owner wasn't allowed dogs in the block of flats where he lived..) Another large percentage of them are got rid of because their owner moves into accommodation that doesn't allow pets, or the owner emigrates.

And yes we are the fourth home for our yellow lab. He was a nightmare for about two days, then settled right down. I frequently look at him and think how much his previous owners missed out on. He is a adorable dog without a bad bone in his body, just oodles of energy.

Thank goodness there are some people on here, and in life, who are prepared to take them on, not wanting a piece of putty for a dog that they can mould. Not criticising those that won't, just sad for the dogs that they won't give a chance to..
 
I would be very dubious in taking on another rescue dog after the experience I have had with them.
I inherited 3 cross breds of various sorts mainly Lurcher types along with my ex wife. One was fine the other two were very different the Dog which had been castrated could never be stopped from marking in the house:mad: The Bitch which had been speyed was neurotic and on one occassion went and deliberatly peeed all over our bed.:eek::mad:

I will probably be pilloried for this BUT.

As Alec states I would want to know a lot more about the dogs behaviour and I think harsh though it is having seen the problems a work coleague has with rescue Staffords it would be better if a a lot more of these dogs were PTS a lot have become rescue dogs for many reasons and people are just passing the problems onto someone else, because they cannot face up to the responsibility of having a dog PTS
 
hollieeb said:
If you want to get a pup from a breeder then fine. but I just wanted to know WHY. it really does baffle me why people buy from breeders. people have stated their opinion an I have accepted but I think you have taken it the complete wrong way
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I think several people have stated why, so perhaps you are now less baffled?
 
Honey08 said:
Thank goodness there are some people on here, and in life, who are prepared to take them on, not wanting a piece of putty for a dog that they can mould. Not criticising those that won't, just sad for the dogs that they won't give a chance to..
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when children and a big breeds are involved i'm sorry but i would be inclined to go for a puppy every time, i don't trust rescues enough to thoroughly child test a dog, and rescues obviously don't trust themselves either which is why they won't rehome certain breeds with children!
I used to go on the dogpages forum a lot, they are very anti breeder but the general attitude that really shines through with a lot of the posters is that they think because they rescue they are superior to everyone else, i often wonder how many are involved in rescue for their own satisfaction rather than real concern for the dogs?

i often wonder why people don't feel the same about horses and the fact that even less people take on a rescue horse instead of buying one, i know they aren't pets but they are as big a part of you life as a dog.
 
Ibblebibble said:
when children and a big breeds are involved i'm sorry but i would be inclined to go for a puppy every time, i don't trust rescues enough to thoroughly child test a dog, and rescues obviously don't trust themselves either which is why they won't rehome certain breeds with children!
I used to go on the dogpages forum a lot, they are very anti breeder but the general attitude that really shines through with a lot of the posters is that they think because they rescue they are superior to everyone else, i often wonder how many are involved in rescue for their own satisfaction rather than real concern for the dogs?

i often wonder why people don't feel the same about horses and the fact that even less people take on a rescue horse instead of buying one, i know they aren't pets but they are as big a part of you life as a dog.
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They do it because they feel superior??? Rather below the belt! A pretty awful thing to say.

Although it does make me feel good to look at my two dogs lying in front of the fire, happy and safe, knowing that their earlier life was not so good. I'M LUCKY to have them.
 
Alec Swan said:
I haven't read all of the previous posts, just the first 40, so my point may well have already been covered.

I'm not going to say that I would never take on a rescue, but it would be highly unlikely, unless I saw specific behaviour patterns, and those which I wanted. Generally speaking, those dogs which end up at rescue centres do so because the previous, or the subsequent owners haven't a clue what they're doing, they make the most frightful mess, they hand them into a rescue centre, with a cock and bull story about they're moving into a flat, or some such nonsense, when in reality they're handing over a liability, and one which is sometimes dangerously so.

How many times, on here do we here someone say "We were his fourth home, and his last chance"? Would I take on a dog which was going to be such hard work? Not a chance. Do they ever settle, as in really settle when they've been so badly damaged, as youngsters? Rarely.

Now I know that there will be those who will now regale us with those dogs which they've turned around, and though I've tried with a few, I've always made progress, but NEVER to the extent that I have by starting off with a puppy, and bringing it up as I want it.

The OP asked why don't people get dogs from rescue centres. The above reasons are mine, and perhaps others too. I feel sorry for the dogs, and for those who act in a charitable manner, but I want a dog which doesn't arrive with baggage, and most of the rescue dogs which I've seen have it, in abundance.

Alec.
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Not all rescues are inundated with dogs that are someone elses rejects due to numptyism... for an example this week we've had a death of an owner, loss of a home, marriage break up, illness so unable to cope with a dog that has serious health problems they can no longer afford, simply no longer being able to afford to feed themselves and the dogs just another financial burden, the list goes on as its been a busy week.

These are perfectly good dogs, they have their quirks but its not because of someone mistreating them its because what is acceptable in one home is not necessarily acceptable in another... prime example is dog on the sofa, in my home thats a total no no but in another say my best friends the dogs are on the sofa, in the beds etc.

Don't write off rescues just because of the small % of dogs come in with problems because the wrong people buy the wrong dog no matter what the breed. If your keen on a rescue and you like a specific breed then don't give up, sometimes simply asking what you need to do to show you could be a good and consistent owner is all thats needed you just have to keep looking.
 
I've had a couple of rescue dogs and probably would again but last time I was looking for a dog I had my heart set on a bearded collie, a breed very rare in rescue centres. I did look and all that seemed available were Staffies and husky types.
 
Honey08 said:
.......

....... not wanting a piece of putty for a dog that they can mould. .......

.......
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That's an interesting observation, because putty's exactly what I do want!

I've had a couple of sheep dogs from rescue centres, in my time, and though it was obvious that they were begging for something to occupy their minds, their previously formed and deeply entrenched facets were such that although they would work sheep, sort of, the building of mutual trust just didn't happen. They never, despite my very best efforts, grew to really like me, or respect me, and one I gave away, and the other I put down as it really wasn't safe around strangers.

Those who do give themselves to rescue work, have my genuine admiration, but were I ever asked for an opinion regarding those dogs which are generally up for adoption, and for the average family pooch owners, then I would always advise extreme caution.

You wont agree with me, I realise that, but you have to bare in mind that not everyone has your determination. To many, a dog's a dog, and it will need to fit in with them with a minimum of grief. Rescue dogs, all so often, don't fit that criteria. Puppies grow with a family, unless of course they're idiots, and then the end result ends up with you. It must be frustrating for you, I realise.

Alec.
 
horseloaner said:
Not all rescues are inundated with dogs that are someone elses rejects due to numptyism... for an example this week we've had a death of an owner, loss of a home, marriage break up, illness so unable to cope with a dog that has serious health problems they can no longer afford, simply no longer being able to afford to feed themselves and the dogs just another financial burden, the list goes on as its been a busy week.

.......

Don't write off rescues just because of the small % of dogs come in with problems because the wrong people buy the wrong dog no matter what the breed.........
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Para 1. That I accept.

Para 2. Of those dogs which others have taken on, that has not been my experience. It hasn't been a small %, but the reverse, it's been the bulk of them.

Alec.
 
Alec Swan said:
That's an interesting observation, because putty's exactly what I do want!

I've had a couple of sheep dogs from rescue centres, in my time, and though it was obvious that they were begging for something to occupy their minds, their previously formed and deeply entrenched facets were such that although they would work sheep, sort of, the building of mutual trust just didn't happen. They never, despite my very best efforts, grew to really like me, or respect me, and one I gave away, and the other I put down as it really wasn't safe around strangers.

Those who do give themselves to rescue work, have my genuine admiration, but were I ever asked for an opinion regarding those dogs which are generally up for adoption, and for the average family pooch owners, then I would always advise extreme caution.

You wont agree with me, I realise that, but you have to bare in mind that not everyone has your determination. To many, a dog's a dog, and it will need to fit in with them with a minimum of grief. Rescue dogs, all so often, don't fit that criteria. Puppies grow with a family, unless of course they're idiots, and then the end result ends up with you. It must be frustrating for you, I realise.

Alec.
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There is the possibility that the person who placed the dogs with you did a very poor job at matching dog to owner... there is an art to rehoming some have it sadly more don't.
 
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