Hello, I'm not sure if I am doing this right. I thought I had joined I've got a password to prove it! But I can't work out how to send a 'post' other than this way.....may be this is the right way I'll find out in a minute!
I have been spending the last few months researching breeds of dogs and have finally picked one! My dilema now is should I get a rescue or puppy? It will be my second dog as we already have a youthful 11 year old Golden Ret LabX who gets on well with other dogs:) but he is not very dominent so would find it hard to assert himself over a new dog, and I want him to remain 'top dog' (ask my husband where he rates), this is the reason I was looking more toward a puppy, however, (and I know I am going to upset someone here because a have been 'stalking' this sight for quite some time) I do work part-time so toilet training could well be a challenge to far for a new puppy.
What do you think?

Hi Reefer

Well your posting worked:D

I think before deciding you should get another dog, you need to know that your current dog will be OK with a companion. How is he when dogs visit your home? If he is submissive then this needn't cause a problem with an addition to the family, in fact it might make things easier. I think I'd be more worried of your current dog was agressive.

The difficulty with many rescue dogs is the lack of knowing what "baggage" they bring with them. A new puppy is better in that they are shaped by you, but they do still have their many demands. Working part-time again, just as much a problem for a rescue dog as for a puppy - it all depends on the history. It all depends what hours you work and how long pup/dog will be left without human company.

When I got each of my boys as a puppy - I ensured that I had at least two weeks off work to devote to settling the puppy in and that there was then someone around or popping in regularly to make sure all is well. I work part-time but manage to work from home a couple of days a week and so the most mine are ever left alone is about 5 hours, 6 tops and for no more than two days. They weren't left for this long until they were about 6 months old, up to 6 months of age, they weren't alone for more than about two hours at a time. If you can't make this time available, then you will have problems toilet training and also with them bonding with each other rather than with you. Some rescue dogs though do come used to this kind of routine and other animals etc and are just up for re-homing for sad reasons rather than neglect.

If you have a breed in mind, get hold of the rescue numbers and give them a call and see what might be available.

hth

Pam n the boys

Hello Pammy my first 'letter' and I can even reply! He is not aggressive with other dogs at all. He goes on his 'holidays' to his best friend Barney's house, and Barney comes here to play - and he misses him when he is gone!
I will be able to take the time off work, and I will be able to pop home myself, shorten and adapt my hours, work from home and he could, on the odd occasion come to work with me!
Baggage is an important issue for me too! Apparently very few of the breed I want come up for 'rescue' and I don't think they are so much in need of 'rescuing' as re-homing

Welcome to the forum Reefer :-)

Hi Anita

Do tell - what is the breed you're after?

It sounds to me like you could take a puppy quite well. Has your dog experienced a puppy - it can be a different kettle of fish to an adult/young dog - but from what you've said - depending on the breed inquestion, you shouldn't have any other than the usual difficulties. The main one being that two dogs is a disproportionate increase in the amount of work and dirt - especially in this yucky weather!!!

Go for it!!!

Let us know what happens etc

Pam n two wet and dirty boys :( :D

Barney was a puppy when they first met, although a mature puppy of about 6 months (he was a rescue dog), and has yet to mature any further!

I would like a Hungarian Puli, they sound really intelligent, playful, medium size dog with a groovy hairstyle that don't SHED! I don't mind mud, wet etc but my current dog sheds for England, I am considering starting my own duvet stuffing company!
I have brought the one and only book on the breed, and looked at many websites! So I know their coat takes a lot of fiddling with, but it can be nothing in comparison to the constant battle I have with dog hairs now!

Hi Anita

A Puli!! Good Luck in your search. I know they are not common dogs to come across. Have you been to any shows or talked to/visited any breeders so that you can actually see this dog.

As it's a dog where there's not a lot of books etc around, you would learn a lot from going to a show where there are some!! and talking to the people there about them. You might be surprised just how much looking after the coat needs and that the shedding of another breed is an easier proposition. I don't know - I know nothing about this breed. Crufts is only a couple of weeks away - can you get there?

Do let us know how you get on etc.

Pam n co

A good friend of mine in Pembrokeshire used to have Pulis, and spent very many happy hours in front of the telly sorting out the dreadlocks; I don't think they're exactly easy-care, especially in this weather!!! She did , however, have a lot of fun with them, and they could cotton on to obedience and agility no problem. pretty easy-going little dogs, although one I seem to remember was a little shy.

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

It's the hours in front of the telly 'fiddling' that I am looking forward to, instead of the standing in the garden getting a face full of fur! I also hope that I can get my daughter (who is only eight but likes to fiddle) involved as well.

Dog shows seem to be few and far between around here, but I have found a couple of breeders, through this site and one breeder who has their own informative site. I just need to pluck up the courage to call - especially after reading what happened to the person who posted on this site, I'm also afraid they might turn me down!
I would like to go to Crufts but I don't fancy going on my own! Being there is fine but it's the getting there!

Anita

Please do go to some breeders to see the dogs. If you get one that's not helpful and supportive, then you don't want to bother with them anyway!!

Going to a show like Crufts can seem a bit daunting as it is so big and the NEC is a bit of a jungle to get round. Have you got a friend who would enjoy the experience too? If you go on the train, it drops you right at the NEC.

From what you've told us here, I don't see why any breeder would turn you down, but they do have that prerogative.There are a few web-sites around on puli's, I'm sure the owners wouldn't mind you calling for a chat - even without the intention of getting a puppy from them, but just to research the breed more. If you explain how you've done some research and came across their "wonderful" site and how helpful it was ;) etc etc - I'm sure they'll help.

When I decided on Cockers, I phoned loads and loads of breeders about them. Asking largely the same questions, but almost without exceptionl they were only too happy to answer questions and help me decide if it was the right breed for me. It seems it was - although when I get the two flying mud-balls, I do wonder :(.

Go-on, go for it girl :D

Pam n the boys

Come now Reefer, shy lady never won fair Puli! JH

Thought I had better put up another post just in case you thought I had taken your advice and run:D I have decided on either or with regard to puppy or 'rescue' it will depend entirely on personality. Going to have a pow wow tonight with the other half (just to let him think he is involved) as to whether we are ready now or need to wait a bit. As I have discovered Pulis are very few and far between, and I thought a well kept secret until Dogs Today featured them, I might get a little giddy if I actually found one now that was right - ie breeder, me etc but then we weren't ready and I had to let him pass me by............:(

My neighbor breeds show puli's Reefer. They are really nice people and I'm sure would be happy to meet you and speak to you about the breed. We're in Cambs. so not too far from you. Would you like me to make some inquiries?

I am actually in Nottinghamshire (North of), which is may be a little to far to meet?!? Would they mind if I contacted them / or they me by phone or email? I have found I good site that offers me the chance to email the lady but you never know how long a go she made this offer! To see if they know of anyone more local (that sounds bad but I am worried about journey time for a new puppy frequent visits if poss etc) and by local I mean 40 miles or so. But may be in the end I may have to go to the ends of the earth........

Pish posh! Notts. is practically next door! Remember, I'm an American and think nothing of driving half way round the world to look at the worlds largest frying pan or whatever! :)

Stan and Avril own the Weetoneon kennels listed under puli breeders on this site. Right now two of their three cars are in the drive and the lights are on in the kitchen. CALL THEM! Tell them Kory their American neighbor referred you to them. :)

ACK! Just looked and the dialing code is wrong. It's 01832 not 011832

I had a feeling you were American (I've seen it mentioned some where before) and as I was typing my reply I had a feeling you would come back and say that:) and for me it's not a problem but I have two short people who live in the house who can declare 'are we there yet' before we've even pulled off the drive!
I am not going to call them tonight - must consult he who thinks he must be consulted first on timing etc. But this weekend could be the time to make the call........

Ment to mention last time........you kept these neighbours quiet after my earlier posts.......

Well......it's nothing personal. You sounded a bit hesitant that's all. And I figured you probably already saw their details under the puli breeder section so didn't want to tell you something you already knew. :)

Good luck whatever you decide. Speaking to breeders and asking for information doesn't bind you in any way to them. The more people you speak to the better "well rounded" picture you will get of the breed and breeders. Each breeder is different and many of them have different approaches to their dogs. Before you do start calling you might want to write down a list of questions to ask. What is important is that you find someone you are comfortable with and trust. Believe me, the relationship you will have with your breeder doesn't end when you take the puppy home, it's just the beginning. :)

Oh! Thought I would add this link. I know it's for berners, but many of the questions are universal.
Questions to Ask

What an excellent website! Is this your breed? What hadsome looking chaps they are. Had the chat and we are ready be it now or in 12 months time so I am going to make the call, not now obviously!

Ooo by the way didn't take anything personally (even though you shouted:D)), you have confirmed for me that they don't mind people calling on spec.

Kory, tell Stan & Avril, Val Setchell says Hi when you see them please! Nice to know you have good doggy (not dodgy!) neighbours!