Choosing a new dog

just a thought, but if the same logic is applied to people as it is to dogs regarding their parentage and origins, there would be a lot of unfairly disadvantaged and discriminated people around. Just because you don't know the parentage doesn't mean the dog is bad, similarly, you can't judge a person by their parentage.

Most thoroughbreds can end up with hefty vets bills in later life as with so much inbreeding they have common health problems. For example boxers are prone to heart attacks, my 10 year old cocker has cataracts and spinal arthritis, along with nerve problems.

For health reasons, id recommend you go for a mixed breed. the DSPCA is open to the public on Sundays. Maybe you could go up there and talk to one of the rehoming staff, who can advise you a little bit better. If you tell them about your family age, level of activity, how busy you are etc, they can select a dog that suit your familial personality.

A lab should be a great choice with little kids, Laura.

I'd just have one tip. One of the best ways to predict a puppy's disposition (how calm and gentle it is with kids, for example) is to check out the puppy's parents. Years ago, I went to pick out a puppy (Sam, a chocolate lab), and was greeted by his huge, slobbery, hyperactive, parents (both the mom & dad). Sam grew up to be a huge, slobbery, hyperactive dog (surprise!). The warning signs were right there, and I ignored them.

Definitely try to see the parents of the puppy you're interested in. Odds are, if they're gentle and non-aggressive, their pups probably will be as well.

Cheers,
Micki

Speaking as a lab owner for 20+ years, here's my two-pence worth..
They are great with kids - as they're just big kids themselves. They are
extremely unlikely to show any agression (unless they have been abused).
They're intelligent and very easy to train & will do anything for food. They
don't really reach maturity until they're about 4 years of age, so be prepared
for their destructive nature until then.

In general, yellow labs are very calm and loving, however they seem to shed most hair. Chocolates are more independent and, in my experience - I have 2 of them, more intelligent. They are also more vocal as in they let you know when they need something. Black labs are very loving and adore lots of attention, in general, the most affectionate and hyper of the breed.

In a domestic situation, it's probably best to go for a ***** (but get her spayed unless you intend to breed).

They're all hyper as puppies, so crate training is a must and lay down all guidelines from the start. They all love training classes and socialisation with other dogs. They generally love water and swimming. And while they don't make for good guard dogs, they will certainly let you know when a stranger arrives at the door!

Hi,

We have now welcomed a yellow labrador puppy called Lady in to the household. The kids love her to bits, especially my 1 year old. The two are very mischievous , always together.

hi, i'm a pet shop owner and there are many breeds of dog that are really good with kids. my own dogs are 2 st bernards and 2 cocker spaniels. which are both great with kids, the st bernards are a particularly good choice as they are quite lazy and train very easily and as by nature they are a rescue dog they are so so good and patient with kids......they do tend to be abit clumsy though thats their only downside
the cockers are brillaint too but can get a bit excitable sometimes and can knock the kids over by accident

add27 said:

Hi,

We have now welcomed a yellow labrador puppy called Lady in to the household. The kids love her to bits, especially my 1 year old. The two are very mischievous , always together.

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Thats lovely. Hope she's not quite as bad as Marley!

add27 said:

Thanks to everyones input.

We will look at the rescuse dog when it comes to get the dog. However, I do has reservations, like others, in the suitability of the dog, in its orgins, and how it was previously treated. I am not convinced at all that a couple of home visits will show the nature of the dog, and then there is the kids, who may be upset if the dog has to go back.



We have decided to go for a labrador type dog, based on the posts here, and also talking to people who have had them.

Thanks again.

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Try -there set up from Ashton pound - I got a little fella there 2 weeks ago - he is amazing.

The had 3 Labradors there that day - maybe go p yourself someday and take al look - if you see one you like you can bring you children up to see how they get on - there is loads of land you can take them out to walk

best of luck

Have you considered a 'sheltie' or shetland sheepdog? We had one for 16 years and she was the most wonderful family pet imaginable. We got her when our youngest child was a month old and they grew up together. She was so protective of him that whenever he tried to climb the garden wall she would pull him down and then bark to alert me. She was highly intelligent, gentle and loving and absolutely loved when the back garden was full of children to play with, she was a mean footballer! The only possible drawback I can think of was that being a sheepdog she regularly tried to round up the three cats, who treated her with a distain which had to be seen to believe. It's only now four years after we had to have her put down that I can even think about getting another dog and it will be another sheltie.