thinking of adopting a rescue dog

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Originally Posted by Eevo

i prefer to order mine online :p

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So, you are saying that you are NOT ready for a dog then?

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Originally Posted by johntins

So, you are saying that you are NOT ready for a dog then?

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i dunno. it all seems like a lot of hard work. i already have a landrover...

Once you get a dog you will wonder how you lived without one.

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Originally Posted by Eevo

i dunno. it all seems like a lot of hard work. i already have a landrover...

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Yeah, dogs drop unmentionable things on your driveway too.

G'day Eevo
It depends on your lifestyle and any family commitments,your work hours,etc. we have had dogs since 1975,purebred,both show and obedience,working dogs Aust Cattle dogs and Border Collies,at the moment we have 4 Borders in their runs,one being a "Delta Theropy dog"with which we do fortnightly hospital visits,our house dog is a Miniture Poodle,that is one breed that has (wool)not hair and does not shed,there are 3 types of Poodles,Toy,below 11inches,Mini 11to 15,Standard 15to 35 inches they are all active but will happily pack up alongside you on the couch,coats need to be clipped to keep them looking "owned" and most dog groomers do good pet trims,toys&minis can be washed in the laundry tub with a brand dog shampoo and towel dry. These dogs live between 10 & 15 years.

hope that is of help to you

cheers

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Originally Posted by PhilipA

Just be aware that some breeds and individual dogs have behavior problems , and that is what leads them to be rescue dogs.
For example greyhounds are likely to not know to return to their owner when called . I spoke to a bloke on the beach at Kingscliffe once who had chased his for 7 hours. They have to wear a muzzle in NSW unless they have a Green card for behavior. They of course will chase any small animal . If you have the patience to persevere in training they are beautiful affectionate dogs, who love to sit on your lap where they are all legs and bones.

You are correct not to consider Kelpies or IMHO Border Collies or cattle dogs.

Siberian Huskies are noted for their independence ie disappearing for days if not confined or kept on a lead. My son had a Rottweiler /Husky cross and it was a great dog but very independent. They also drop literally kilos of hair in spring.

Staffies are great and love humans but hate cats.

Avoid any American Bull terrier crosses as IMHO they can be unpredictable and kill you .

My favourite is a Schnauzer or dare I say it a standard poodle . Labs are also great placid dogs but do not have a food "off " button and many have hip displasure problems as they get older.

Regards Philip A
PS If you can find a Labradoodle which are currently flavor of the month, they are probably the best pick of all

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Avoid any American Bull terrier crosses as IMHO they can be unpredictable and kill you .

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That is absolute Rubbish Phillip, unless ofcourse you have personally known multiple people killed by Bull Terrier Crosses. German Shepherds kill more.
I currently have an American Staffy.
The main reason any dog attacks is abuse or trained for hunting.
Smaller dogs are much more likely to be vicious and attack, just most get laughed off by there owners. Never been bitten by a bull terrier and been around heaps, but been bitten bu Schitzus, Malteese terriers, Schnauzer, Poodles and Chihuahuas, just most times they dont do too much damage, but do draw blood and are quite vicious.

Hi Eevo,

I can't really add anything more to this discussion - everything has been said already. I've had rescue dogs for the last 15 years - including a recent addition (lovely little dog that we call "little girl" - she just turned up one day and never left! [thumbsupbig]

A dog will always be happy to see you, always be there for you and are great company.

As you say - I don't think that a working Dog is for you, and as Homestar says - a Lab under 2 years of age isn't a good idea either (I grew up with Labs for 30 years)

Best of luck!

Cheers,
GG.

Eevo,
Depends on your wants and needs. Staffies are by far the best and easiest, but and a big but when new to a home or if young can do a bit of damage.
Our current AmStaff destroyed our lounge, but is good now.
Previous Staffies minor items like remote controls, blankets, shampoo bottles etc.
You can look to any of the Dog Rescue groups and maybe consider just fostering one for a while to see how you go. Can lead to full time adoption if it suits. You will have to jump through a few hoops. But as said a lot of these dogs have issues often being from abused or neglected homes. Ours is a bit psychotic and neurotic but never had any concerns about biting or attacking. Appears she may have been abused as a pup. Often these groups will specify no children or older children, no other dogs etc. If I was you I would consider an older dog as your first if you dont want to go through the puppy stage. Vet costs are also a big consideration. Rescue dogs are not free and on average will cost you at least $400 to get one.
Any working dog will require a huge yard and lots of exercise.
Staffies are great companion dogs and great inside dogs, but as said may not like cats (though ours used to sleep together).
Labs are great as well.
But depends you may want a handbag dog like a miniature Poodle (each to their own) and they are not a bad dog, I just personally dont like yappers.
Good luck with your choice.

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/hom...0a2947035e854c

In answer to "absolute rubbish"

American Pit Bull are the most dangerous dog .

Good onya mate,
dogs are great companions and especially rescue dogs, seem to be so loyal and appreciative of the life you have offered them.
Most dogs live ten plus years and some as much as twenty, so think about what, where, when, and how you (and your dog)
will be doing in fifteen years time. Some dogs stress like hell when there is a thunder storm, so that can be an issue if you are
not home when a storm rolls in. Dogs eat, and dogs crap, so you might have to get busy with the shovel every now and again
and shift a few "landmines" or "barkers eggs". Male dogs like taking a leak to mark the boundaries of their turf, and part of that
might even be your Land Rover's wheels. ;)
If you are going away on holidays, there is always the dog to consider, however there is plenty of pet friendly accommodation
available if you are holidaying within Australia.
Working breeds are hardy and active, so need exercise, left in a small back yard a bored Kelpie might take the washing of the
clothes line, then dig a hole bury it all for you, just for something to do. As working dogs they are used to covering thirty or
forty kays a day, so sunbaking is not their thing, but take them for a good walk or run several days a week and they are happy.
We have two rescued dogs, a terrier and an ACD (cattle dog) and they are fantastic.
Pet ownership is a big responsibility and a total commitment, that sometimes never get's thought through enough, so six months
down the track unfortunately the unwanted animal ends up back in a shelter.

Give it plenty of thought, then go for it if you think it's for you.
There are lots of great pets out there that need a good loving home.

Cheers, Mick.