Choosing a Rescue Dog

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CHOOSING A RESCUE DOG

This list is not exhaustive but we hope it will provide some help when choosing a dog.

You will need to consider the following;

How long is the dog to be left?
A young dog or puppy will want company much of the day. If they are left they will become bored and may chew or become destructive. A dog of 3 years or older is much more settled. They still should not be left regularly more than 5 hours. Like you they need to relieve themselves. An older dog can also become bored but they do settle into a routine easier. It is NOT true than an older dog cannot be trained.

Who will be living with the dog? The dog needs to be suitable for everyone that lives in the household . A Large dog could accidently knock over people/young children who are not steady on their feet . A taller dog may suit someone who has trouble bending down or who is in a wheelchair.

I have children, what sort of dog should I get? A young child of under 2 will be very confused. The dog is likely at some stage to steal something precious to them. This could even lead to the best behaved of child lashing out at the dog. The dog will not understand what it has done wrong and may see this to be an act of aggression from the child. Several breeds of dogs have received bad press. It is true that some dogs can be aggressive but it is normally only through bad treatment and training. Any dog can bite given the "Wrong" circumstances.

Where is the dog to sleep? Most dogs will sleep wherever there is a comfortable bed for it. We do not allow any of our dogs to be kept outside. It would prefer to be with you but can be trained to sleep in a room away from you. If you take the dog into your bedroom once and allow it to sleep there that is where it will always want to sleep.

Is the garden secure? All dogs need a secure area they can be let out in. The height of the fence needed will vary from one dog to another. It is not true that a small dog will only need a low fence. Many smaller breed of dogs can clear higher fences than larger dogs. A larger dog will of course need a stronger fence. hedging is not sufficient to keep a dog secure. Remember a fence is not only to keep the dog in but also to keep potential dog thieves out.

Who will look after the dog if you are ill? In the event of you being ill, who will look after the dog. If you live on your own you will need to ensure there is someone to look after your pet should you need to go into hospital or you just feel too poorly to give it the care it needs. If you are on your own, you may like to consider fostering. Three Counties would then be on hand to take the dog in the event of you being ill.

Can you afford to have a dog? Having a dog is not as simple as just providing bed, board and walk. All will need at least an annual check at a vets where they will be given an annual protection vaccination which currently costs around £30.00. Like us they also can become ill and could require further vetinary care. They will also need anti flea and worm treatment. Again like us they also can suffer from dental problems.

Do you have the time to have a dog? Having a dog is a real commitment. If you have an active social life a dog is not for you. Many people get a dog because they are easier to look after than children. In some ways this is true but they do need to be with you. People who work from home make good dog owners as the dog has an all day companion. Companionship is one of the most important needs of a dog. If you go on holiday regularly your dog will not want to be left in kennels all the time.

What sort of dog should I have? The younger the dog the more demanding it will be. All dogs can be re-trained regardless of age. Not all small dogs make good lap dogs. Not all big dogs are boisterous and brave. Some breeds need firmer handling than others. Some breeds are more intelligent than others. The list here is endless. You will need to decide want you want from the dog before making the decision as to which breed or crossbreed you want. We will be happy to give you advice.

Pedigree or crossbreed? Many pedigree dogs have inherent problems. It is a misnomer that these do not exist in crossbreeds. For example a dog bred of 2 breeds both with a predisposition to hip dysplasia has an equal risk of having the same.

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You will need to consider the following;

How long is the dog to be left?	A young dog or puppy will want company much of the day. If they are left they will become bored and may chew or become destructive. A dog of 3 years or older is much more settled. They still should not be left regularly more than 5 hours. Like you they need to relieve themselves. An older dog can also become bored but they do settle into a routine easier. It is NOT true than an older dog cannot be trained.
Who will be living with the dog?	The dog needs to be suitable for everyone that lives in the household . A Large dog could accidently knock over people/young children who are not steady on their feet . A taller dog may suit someone who has trouble bending down or who is in a wheelchair.
I have children, what sort of dog should I get?	A young child of under 2 will be very confused. The dog is likely at some stage to steal something precious to them. This could even lead to the best behaved of child lashing out at the dog. The dog will not understand what it has done wrong and may see this to be an act of aggression from the child. Several breeds of dogs have received bad press. It is true that some dogs can be aggressive but it is normally only through bad treatment and training. Any dog can bite given the "Wrong" circumstances.
Where is the dog to sleep?	Most dogs will sleep wherever there is a comfortable bed for it. We do not allow any of our dogs to be kept outside. It would prefer to be with you but can be trained to sleep in a room away from you. If you take the dog into your bedroom once and allow it to sleep there that is where it will always want to sleep.
Is the garden secure?	All dogs need a secure area they can be let out in. The height of the fence needed will vary from one dog to another. It is not true that a small dog will only need a low fence. Many smaller breed of dogs can clear higher fences than larger dogs. A larger dog will of course need a stronger fence. hedging is not sufficient to keep a dog secure. Remember a fence is not only to keep the dog in but also to keep potential dog thieves out.
Who will look after the dog if you are ill?	In the event of you being ill, who will look after the dog. If you live on your own you will need to ensure there is someone to look after your pet should you need to go into hospital or you just feel too poorly to give it the care it needs. If you are on your own, you may like to consider fostering. Three Counties would then be on hand to take the dog in the event of you being ill.
Can you afford to have a dog?	Having a dog is not as simple as just providing bed, board and walk. All will need at least an annual check at a vets where they will be given an annual protection vaccination which currently costs around £30.00. Like us they also can become ill and could require further vetinary care. They will also need anti flea and worm treatment. Again like us they also can suffer from dental problems.
Do you have the time to have a dog?	Having a dog is a real commitment. If you have an active social life a dog is not for you. Many people get a dog because they are easier to look after than children. In some ways this is true but they do need to be with you. People who work from home make good dog owners as the dog has an all day companion. Companionship is one of the most important needs of a dog. If you go on holiday regularly your dog will not want to be left in kennels all the time.
What sort of dog should I have?	The younger the dog the more demanding it will be. All dogs can be re-trained regardless of age. Not all small dogs make good lap dogs. Not all big dogs are boisterous and brave. Some breeds need firmer handling than others. Some breeds are more intelligent than others. The list here is endless. You will need to decide want you want from the dog before making the decision as to which breed or crossbreed you want. We will be happy to give you advice.
Pedigree or crossbreed?	Many pedigree dogs have inherent problems. It is a misnomer that these do not exist in crossbreeds. For example a dog bred of 2 breeds both with a predisposition to hip dysplasia has an equal risk of having the same.