Straight, honest advice needed please! - Page 5

happysaz133 · #41 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 11:12 AM

Personally I'd go with a rescue puppy, you can mould the dog all you want, and still you will be giving a needy dog a home. Plus, rescue centres will usually have tested the dog with children, and will give you lots of advice too.

Tigerneko · #42 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 01:05 PM

Go with the rescue dog! The litters of pups will be snapped up by other people in no time, dogs can be left in rescue for months. One of the dogs where I work has been there over a year and there is nothing wrong with her

Like others have said - you need to think about why the cheaper doodles are cheaper. Money should not enter the equation when you're looking for a breeder bred dog, a cheaper dog often means it's been badly bred, no health tests for the parents.... however some of the extorsionately priced doodles can also be the same, the breeders may just be in it for the money, and not the health of the dogs. So you need to research your breeder to death, make sure they are responsible and have good recommendations from people who have bought puppies from them previously, and don't touch any breeder who will not let you see at least one parent

oh and don't fall for any that say the dogs are KC registered, they are not a KC registered breed and any breeder claiming they are will be a bad breeder and should be steered well clear of!

Good luck in your search for a dog, and I really do hope you go with a rescue

oldDoubletrouble · #43 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vickij

Serious advice needed.

We are first time dog owners to be. We have two young children - 4 and 5. Normal family - live in a 3 bedroomed semi.

We know we want a puppy - I realise it's hard work but we want a dog we can "mould" within our family and who can grow up with the children.

We originally looked at labradoodles due to their allergy friendliness and we love labs (plus, the fact they (apparently??) smell less "doggish" was just an added bonus).

Were amazed at the £500+ price and the breeder we like that lives nearby has quoted us £750 or £850 depending on whether F1 or F1B.

We are left with three choices:

1. Cheaper £500ish labradoodle from breeders further afield.
2. £750-£850 breeder nearby
3. Dogs Trust Lab "cross" for £75.

I always worry with lab crosses as to "what" are they crossed with and you are unsure of temperament. However, with a puppy, would the temperament just be a result of how we bring them up!?

Just need some straight, honest opinions please!? The money we are using to get the dog is some (if £850, nearly all) of our savings and obviously we have the usual cage, stairgate, bed etc etc etc things to buy too which I can see costing £200 plus (we've already paid £100 to get the back gate replaced!)

What are your thoughts??

My thoughts are seriously what ANY dog lover would say! If you are happy to go with an older dog go for the one in Dog Trust! There are so many unwanted dogs at the moment that the recues are fair bursting! Rescues are so rewarding (I have had a few) and you will be giving a dog a second chance! remember, many of these dogs are there through no fault of their own.
DT

Sari · #44 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james1

edit: and just to say once youve got a dog, they dont smell unless they are unkempt

I'm probably not a good advert for the Doodle as I appear to be answering negatively but I really wouldn't want one to end up in Rescue (no offence to the original poster). However, my Doodle is not unkempt but has a beard so everything he eats, drinks or sometimes even just passes, end up in it. Now, with the best will in the world and no matter how hard I try, he can be smelly. He's also quite a lump to bath so daily walks which attract muddy puddles, rivers, oily mud, etc can be a bit irksome. Couple that with young children and all their needs, it can be hard (if not rewarding) work. This is the same with a puppy when they've grown or a Rescue Dog.

There seems to be a bit of a myth about Rescue Dogs, get one and you will have less trouble. I'm not saying don't get one (I would if I had the room) but most well behaved, well treated dogs don't end up in Rescue. There is no doubt that none of the dogs deserve to be there as their previous owners are to blame but just be aware it isn't always easier than a pup.

As for the Pedigree, Cross breed, Designer Dog debate it has been done to death on this site and you just have to decide where you stand on the issue.

james1 · #45 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 12:10 PM

still think if you stick to grooming them once a day, they shouldnt really smell on a daily basis

Sari · #46 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 08:30 PM

I do, especially the beard! What is more, I have tried Dog wipes (lavender - yuck), baby wipes (reminds me of nappies), no rinse shampoo and a number of other things! Mind you, I do have a very acute sense of smell so maybe that doesn't help.

I think an added problem is he drools when he's excited, he drools when he's nervous, drools when he's hot, drools when he sees food - you name it, he drools. Good job I love him so much!

Of course, I could clip the beard but I'd have nothing to complain about or anything to catch the drool.

2Hounds · #47 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sari

There seems to be a bit of a myth about Rescue Dogs, get one and you will have less trouble. I'm not saying don't get one (I would if I had the room) but most well behaved, well treated dogs don't end up in Rescue. There is no doubt that none of the dogs deserve to be there as their previous owners are to blame but just be aware it isn't always easier than a pup.

I don't agree with you there, plenty of dogs end up in rescue because of their owners situation and nothing to do with dog, such as relationship breakdowns (very common), unemployment, new accommodation doesn't allow dogs, emigration for work, longer working hours. I think be it pup or adult dog then there will always be some training involved, for sure some adults need to restarted from scratch with their training like a pup. Most decent rescues assess & test their dogs so they can match it to a suitable owner for their experience level & lifestyle and offer support if they do have any problems along the way.

Sari · #48 (**permalink**) 12-10-2009, 12:09 PM

Yes, you are quite right but, with the best will in the world, even with support it can be hard with a puppy or a rescue dog. I'm not saying one is better than the other, I'm not saying don't get a large dog, small dog, pedigree or crossbreed, I am just saying be aware they all can have different problems. Its a bit like a husband, they all have their faults, its just determining which faults you can live with, lol.

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