Hi All,

I am new here.  I have a problem, I decided before Christmas 2011 that I wanted to get a dog, originally thought a puppy.  I have given myself a time line of 6 months to really think it over and make sure I am committed and I have been reading up on Puppies and training methods etc.  I have been easing myself into it slowly.  The reason for wanting a dog is just to have a companion, I see so many people have great bonds with their dogs and I would like to form a bond too. 

This weekend I visited the above mentioned rescue centre (looking back, bad idea on a bank holiday weekend as everyone was out looking for an easter present at the centre!).  I wanted to see how the whole process worked with them and how rescue dogs were.  I was kept waiting for about an hour, which was fine as I had a chance to have a look at the dogs in the centre.  When I was seen I had a couple of minutes chat with the advisor then she led me to the puppies outside.  There were about 10 there all in together (from the same litter).  When I asked what breed, they didn't know (which is to be expected).  Knowing I had not been around puppies before the lady then left me outside on my own with 10 puppies, from the same litter.  To say I was mauled would be an understatement! Although I laughed about it later, at the time I was very overwhelmed and panicked.  I had gone on my own and now I am just feeling really unsure if I could even raise a puppy!

The reason for wanting a puppy is that I have a cat already, I have had him for 7 years but he is not a massively confident cat and I thought I would start from scratch with a puppy.

I just wondered if anyone could offer some words of advice or some encouraging panic stories of your own that would help me feel a bit better! Or any advice for my situation.

Thanks

I think it was very stupid to leave you alone with so many puppies. I would never dream of doing so with my litters. Even me going in on my own with so many puppies can be daunting, and I breed! Mind you, my pups (don't have any just now, just talking in general) think of me as the source of food, so not surprising really.

If you have an idea of the sort of pup you want I would go to a few shows, meet up with a few breeders and their dogs, and take it from there. You will then be able to have someone there in the future with knowledge of the breed, and who will be more than happy to help if you have a problem with said pup. Even if the problem doesn't occur for many years ;-) Rescue centres don't have the same knowledge on individual breeds and their breed traits.

Hi,

Thank you for that, I really thought I was destined to be a terrible owner because I couldn't cope with all these puppies at once (FYI they were about 14 weeks old so really boisterous and teething I should imagine).  The sad thing was that there was a really lovely little black bitch in there who was rather sweet and didn't jump up etc like the others but none of them had toilet training or anything so I think as a newbie this would be quite a big project for me, maybe a bit daunting.

I think your suggestion is great, how do you hear about shows? I like the idea of having help with breed specific information in the future. 

Thanks again :)

Aw, poor you! I imagine you were mauled to pieces! When we have a litter all my kids start wearing their slippers round the house as the puppies love eating socks and toes!lol.  Sounds like the centre was really busy so although it wasn't the best idea just to leave you, they probably had a million and one things to be doing.  I think you should go back and ask to see the little girl puppy that you liked.  And the fun of rescue puppies is, you never know what your going to get!!
Also, don't over-look an older dog.  There are loads of rescue dogs that are fine with cats.  The good thing about a rescue centre is all the dogs are behaviourally tested so they know what the dogs personality is like and will also be able to tell you what dog would suit you and your situation.  Go back on a quieter day and spend as much time as you need.  You are picking your friend for the next 10 years or so, so make sure you pick the right dog.

Yes I was quite, my shoes were almost destroyed! :) It feels much better talking to people about it though.  Thank you for encouraging me.  I think I will give them a call and see if I can go back and see the little black girl.  She was super cute and given half the chance I think we could have got along quite well.

Thanks for the advice. :)

Don't be put off by the fact that the rescue pups won't have had much in the way of house training. No matter how well raised a home bred litter are, when they go to their new owners they all start again from scratch with the house training as it's new surroundings/new owners with their own ideas how to go about it etc.

Good lord, I can barely cope with one puppy never mind 10!  Don't let it put you off, you're taking your time to learn and so on, you'll be fine :-)

Thank you Marrisa, great advice, these are all things that you don't consider as a first time owner. I suppose part of you is worried about the unknown and part of you is excited. It was definitely a reality check for me, a bit too much maybe! Ha ha. :)

Thank you Nikita, it does make me feel better to here other people reassuring me! I was hoping that taking my time would help me make the right decision. Hopefully I won't have many more experiences like that!

:)

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. If you think house training would be a bit daunting for you then you would be better not getting a puppy. House training is the very least of the training you have to do with a puppy-- it is all training to begin with :-) A boisterous 14 week old puppy would probably also be a bit much for a cat with no dog experience, and an owner with no dog training experience. You would probably be better getting an older rescue dog--but it would have to be the right one-- from a rescue centre that knows its background, so that it is already good with cats, and has basic training in place, so it can help you learn about dogs.

You might also find that the pups were more confident because they had each other for back-up. It can be quite interesting to narrow your choice down and then ask to have separate time with each pup, they might not be as bolshy then as you thought.

For what it's worth, I think you sound as if you'll make a fine dog owner, because, your thinking, and not rushing into ownership. Hopefully you'll have your new chum for 10-15 years, not something that should be taken lightly.
I'd also suggest looking at a slightly older dog for the sake of your cat, a puppy will only want to play and investigate your cat, which won't be fair if he/she is wary. Many rescues will know (or can test ) if a dog is cat friendly or not.
What ever you do though, don't be tempted to buy over the internet. Puppy farmers widely use the internet to sell unwary people sickly, badly bred puppies for large amounts of money.
But most of all, have fun, searching and finding your new best chum can be very rewarding.

Oh my goodness, you poor thing, 10 x 14 week old pups and just you, I bet they pulled and ripped you to pieces, I hope that you had long sleeves on, what a strange thing to do, I'd have very sensibly been out of there, and I breed too so no novice with puppies. :-D You're not going to get cute little fluffies at that age sitting on your knee.   How did they think that would get you used to puppies?

Pups of any breed do bite, scratch, drag and pull they have teeth and nails like razors it is all very normal, difference is when a litter is still left together at that late age they are also much more wild as they are bonded with one another and play gets rougher and rougher, so you did not see the pups at their best, away from their siblings which unless a toy breed should be between 7-8 weeks they bond with a human and learn to play differently over a time period so you were shown no favours in being left with a litter of that age like that.

All in all as everyone has said do not be put off, when you have one pup of your own at the correct age you will bond, but don't expect to get a puppy that is toilet trained for your home, mine always are 99% trained in the daytime in my home as they are used to a routine, know where to go, know my voice and copy other siblings, everything is completely new in a new home and will take time to get used to things no matter how conscientious and good at training the breeder was. :-) So expect to train no matter where your pup comes from.

Wishing you well and here is a {{{hug}}} thank goodness you have not been put off for life. :-D

I think it's really nice that someone with no dog experience has found somewhere like champdogs straight away! Many of us (like myself) joined here thinking we already knew quite a bit about dogs and as such have preconceptions etc that might not necessarily be true etc.

If I were you I'd be booking to see another appointment with the black bitch. Toilet training is one of the easiest things to train your pup. I'd start looking for a good puppy class in your area, too. Maybe someone can reccomend one here. If not, find one that uses kind methods and not any of that outdated dominance theory. Generally one working towards the KC Good citizen awards are good.

They are invaluable! A bit of good reading such as 'The Perfect Puppy' will set you up for training.

Thank you all for the invaluable advice. I have taken all of the comments on board and will consider them when looking in the future. I feel a lot more confident about owning a dog after reading all your comments.

Parrysite, you are completely right! I feel lucky to have found the forum and such wonderful advice :)

Thanks all :)

I came here looking for 'my' first dog- having owned family dogs in the past, and it has been invaluable. I've found such great advice, from big problems such as Nando's jumping up etc, or even something as simple as cleaning the back yard to get the dog wee smell away (won't be a problem as much if you have a bitch.. I have an entire male who scents all over the patio!)  I have just found Champdogs to be the 'dog's b***cks' if you will! LOL

> I have just found Champdogs to be the 'dog's b***cks' if you will!

Hahaha! I quite agree :)

Just to add - Firstly, I don't think it was good practice to allow you unsupervised access to these pups.

I don't breed dogs but have a lifetime experience of handling, breeding and owning other animals, and even I would feel out of my depth among that many puppies of that age!

I have no idea what breed they are - I suspect not a toy breed if there were 10! -but from what I have learned on here, 14wk old pups of some breeds will be widely different from 14wk old pups of others.

My other niggle is not knowing what breed they are (or combination of breeds). For some, being kept together to that age will not be an issue but there are quite a few breeds where early socialisation out in the big wide world is a must before 16 weeks of age, as their socialisation window is shorter than others.

If they have been kept as a group and not been individually introduced to normal household noises, for instance - not to mention traffic, all kinds of people, children, wildlife, farm animals, people with beards or people wearing funny hats and so on, then a pup from this litter may not be a wise choice for a novice owner.

There are some early learning experiences that cannot be 'caught up' later, as evidenced by the behavioural issues of dogs born in puppy farms and then sold by pet shops.

If you are really set on a pup, then please stay with us here. Or, as others have already said, an older rescue dog which is used to cats and is already trained - being rehomed through no fault of its own, perhaps due to bereavement or owner being made homeless which is extremely common at the moment - will be your best choice. So many dogs are being handed in due to the economic climate that it no longer holds true that dogs in rescue are there because they have problems.... I took on an oldie myself last year who we think is about 10-12 years old, picked up as a stray and due to be PTS, but she is an absolute diamond, truly loving and loyal and so obedient; she almost puts my younger dog, whom I've had from 9wks old, to shame!

I also wonder - a bit cheekily - if the DT put you in with the little sharks for your own education -  to maybe persuade you that a puppy mightn't be your best option! :)  Even the nicest and best raised puppy is a huge challenge at times, just ask any of us!

I went to an Ian Dunbar talk  to learn about food guarding , and he told a wonderful story how when people asked him for a rottweiler pup  he used  to give them a brush and put them in a room with 5 adult rotties , all called fun german names to give you the willies,and say groom one . He said if you came out he might consider you could have a puppy.
The rescue centre did drop you in at the deep end . If they do not know what cross these puppies are , they could be quite unsuitable for your lifestyle.They could be labrador X border collie type  and quite a lot of work . I agree with the poster who said investigate breed types, their traits and temperaments , see if you want a dog with coat (Grooming)or without a lot of coat .
What size dog do you want ?I've trained one where the rescue said it would be a whippet ...I could tell immediately it was more like a greyhound lurcher type size by the size of its feet .
Do you have time to walk a dog  or exercise an adult dog when its grown.
Do you live in a flat or house .
Have you a garden ?
Is it fenced ?
Do you have young children in your family that would visit ?
Are you a quiet person who wants to sit and read a book ?
I would definitely look for local dog shows , even companion or fun shows , so you can meet different breeds, watch and learn .Be very wary where you get a puppy from , ask to see the parents or the mother at least . Ask for health tests appropriate to that breed ...some research is necessary.If you take on an older rescue make sure you know the real reason why the dog is there.Be wary of the designer type Cross breeds where health tests may not have been even looked at . Breeds are known for their traits ,size and shape ;cross breeds can be unpredictable according to the type of cross .

To the OP, you asked about how to find out about shows. There are several websites that give the shows and areas, but as you are just wanting to have a look around we on here could help you find one local to you a lot quicker and easier ;-) If you tell us your area, and what type of dogs you are interested in, someone will be able to tell you if there is one coming up near to you.

There are different kinds of shows. Limit and Open shows are smaller than Championship shows, so there won't be so many dogs, and there may be no dogs of the type you are looking for, or only a few. Championship shows are held over several days with groups (Toy breeds, Gundogs, Working, etc) only being there on one specific day, so you won't see all breeds. You would have to pick the day you wish to go in order to see the breed(s) you are interested in.

Stevensonsign, thanks for the advice, this did pass my mind at the time and was most of the reason for joining this forum - to get advice on whether my panicking at being left with them meant I wouldnt be able to cope! :)  It has been reassuring to hear that most people, who are experienced, would have been overwhelmed by this.  Also if that is the reason for leaving me with them, althought I can see why they did it, for a rescue centre I would consider that quite cruel, especially when I went there on my own!
I have been looking at getting a Labrador, either young or old, but just wanted to see what was available at the rescue centre and how the process there worked.  I have got all the correct requirements when it comes to owning a home and garden etc.  Also I have the timetable to walk twice a day which is really lucky. 

MsTemeraire, I take on your comments about breed, this was my initial thought process when considering my cat.  I wanted to know the history of the dog and the parents so I could see what the temperament was like etc.  I think this is probably the best route for me.  And yes, I do agree to an extent that they wanted to 'test' me, if you will, but I think its a bit cruel :). 

LindyLou, I live in Kent, near Canterbury if you know of any shows around.  I am looking for a labrador or a simular bread that I've heard are better with cats.  (May not be the case - novice here!).

Thanks again all for the great advice, and the wonderful welcome to the group :)))

Why don't you have a look at the specific labrador rescue sites if you think a labrador is the dog for you.

http://www.labrador-rescue.org.uk/

http://www.labrescuekent.co.uk/

I was going to suggest the Labrador rescue's. There are also 2 types of Labs, working and show strain the former being much more up for it and dare I say it livelier! Had working Labs all our life along with cats and no issues, but then none of our other dogs had cat issues.

There is a Southern Gundog show coming up at Ardingly which is a major location for many open shows. Don't know what date as I don't show gundog's. Hopefully someone will come back with the date and you can attend.
Some breeders run on pups and therefore could be seeking homes for them later in puppyhood.. Many dogs whether used to cats or not are likely to be intrigued by an unknown cat in the first instance, generally they sort themselves out pretty quickly!!

You're at the opposite end of the country to me (I'm in North East Scotland!) but if you look on www.dogshowcentral.co.uk you will find shows there. I could only find one, but it was just a quick look. Folkstone, Hythe and District have a show soon (silly me, I forgot to take note of the date - will go check in a mo) at Locksmeadow Market if that is any use to you.

ETA: its on the 15th April, so Sunday coming.

Pop me a PM as I help out for LRRSE and can walk you through the adoption process :-)

'Pop me a PM as I help out for LRRSE and can walk you through the adoption process '

Have done this.  Thanks LJS :)

Thanks Harley, have checked out both those sites, one I have contacted already and I'll try the other too.

Thanks again :)

Hi Suejaw,
Thanks for the help.  I have found a gundog show a little closer to home, great suggestion. 

Thanks :)

most gundogs are fab with cats i know alot that have gundogs and cats living happy together :) my hubby use to work ess our girl loved our cat!

Thanks whitelilly, that's great to know, I like those types of dogs anyway. I've contacted two rescue places so we will see. :)

Hi

I would want to no if you get a puppy will you be at home  with it or do you work.????

If you go to work and will not be at home with the puppy i would say don't get a puppy  who will fed it as a young puppy can have 4 meals a day and it will have to go out to the garden for pee's. So i would think about this with some thought.x

I have considered this. I only work one day a week

Hi

It takes alot of time having a puppy if you can do this then buy one.

In my life i have had 5 Goldens 3 Standard Poodles 1 Poniter who i have rehomed to a lovely family who love him lots.

I now have 5 American cockers Spaniels who i love to bits they  have all been show dogs only one now do i show.

I have been home with them since they were puppies i don't work and i think if you are having a puppy you must be home with it.xxx

Hi,

Just wanted to update: had my home visit from Labrador Rescue South East today and it all seemed to go well.

Hopefully I will hear of a suitable lab soon.  Getting really excited now, got to start reading up on training techniques!

Thanks everyone for your advice and help.

:) x

How refreshing to read a post like yours. Good luck with your new companion and I hope it won't be too long before a suitable dog turns up.

Hooray! Hope it all goes well. :-)

Really pleased it is working out for you  :-)

I have two dogs who came from Dogstrust at Canterbury and also have a couple of friends who do volunteer work for labrador rescue in Kent :-)