Someone I know is looking for a home for her 11 month old lab/collie X bitch because she's due a baby next week (left it a bit late I know)

I'm considering it, but thought I'd ask here what things I will need to know and think about before I can give her an answer.

Thanks, Viv

Why do people do this? Dogs are for life not just until they are no longer convenient. People's selfishness never ceases to amaze me.

PS Second hand dogs are wonderful, they are often a challenge but in the end are worth it all. A dog is never too old to be trained, I hope you can give the dog a home. Good luck.

well, she's been trying for a baby for a long time and happened to fall pregnant just after getting the puppy, she is worried she wont have enough time for the dog when the baby is born, I guess she's trying to do whats best for everyone.

The thing I'm concerned about is, well, labs and collies aren't exactly known for being docile are they! lol so what would a cross of the 2 be like?

Sorry if the term 2nd hand dog doesn't sound right, I didnt know what else to call it, its not really a rescue dog is it?

Thanks, Viv

Hi, We have two second hand dogs. There can be advantages to them as well as disadvantages.

One of them is a puppy so we have had to ensure she is properly socialised etc. Our first dog was not and he came to us with a lot of fear agression problems to other dogs, for a while this was dreaful but we adore him and now he is the greatest dog. On the plus side when he is came to us he was very good and not destructive, he never touches anything! He is very loving and ususally second hand dogs bond very closely with you.

I can't speak for a cross breed personality as I know little about collies except they are hyper. I would say though that if you take the time to excercise them then most dogs have quiet time and are less demanding in the home. After a long walk are 3 will sleep for several hours no problem. I would suggest that you train the dog too as some owners complain about their dogs being misbehaved but if tehy tike the time to train it can make life a lot easier. I am training mine to sit at the door now and wait to hair their feet wiped before all barging in and turning my kitchen into a mud bath!

Keep us posted.
x

I had a Lab cross Collie, and she was a a pleasure to own, but then her original owners had taken the time to socialise her and  start her training.  She was one of those dogs you could take anywhere, she loved people, but was happy to ignore them if they didn't want to interact. She'd play if you wanted to, but was just as happy to slob out on the couch....

However, your dog is just in the middle of those teenager years, and she may be demanding, but with time she wil mature (if she's not been speyed too early).  Cross breeds vary so much in their temperament though that it would be wrong to say ALL crosses like this are going to be paragons - how well do you know the dog already?

We had a 3/4 collie 1/4 lab as a child.He was a fantastic dog and lived to a grand old age BUT they are both breeds which will need plenty of stimulation and so will any offspring of the 2 breeds
Archer

I dont know the dog at all, the lady lives a couple of hours drive from here, she's more of an aquaintance than a friend and I think she's getting desperate for a home now because her due date is the 19th, its kind of a rush decision, but I dont want to rush into anything, I really only have experience with one dog and he was a cairn/jack russel x so quite alot different.

I have wanted a dog for a long time, aspire to own a rottie when the time is right, but its not yet, neither is it the right time for me to get a puppy so maybe a teenage dog would be ideal.

I still have alot more questions to ask her, I think she will be socialised well enough from what I've asked her already, she also has a 9 year old lab, but they are keeping it, maybe its not quite as demanding as an 11 month old!

Might go to meet her tomorrow, we'll see how it goes.

Thanks everyone, Viv

Go and have a look...can't hurt to meet him.Ask if you can take him for a walk too!!!
Archer

I once had a collie/jack russell cross that came to me in the exact circumstances you describe.  It was a lovely wee dog (like a miniature border collie) but it was confused by the new surroundings and it took a long time for it to settle down.  I remember we had a lot of trouble re-house training her.  Also she wasn't good at being left as she got bored very easily and chewed a bit.  Although she was a little dog she needed lots of exercise and loved learning new tricks etc so needed a lot of attention.  I'd say it took about 6 months or so before she looked on us as the new owners and settled down.

I've also now got another "second hand dog" who is a bit more of a handful but 18 months down the line he has responded well to continual training.  Dogs are great but they're a lot of work.

Good luck if you decide to go ahead :)

CG

my friend has a rescue, supposidly collie/lab, he is the sweetest thing with people (not with dogs but think thats his upbringging) however I fail to see any lab in him...I see border collie and GSD but no lab!

But anyway, go and see him, that won't do you any harm. 

Good luck

Well, I couldn't make up my mind whether or not to go for this dog and while I was mulling it over she managed to find another home for it :-)

In the meantime though I've been in touch with some lovely ladies who are involved with boxer rescue and today we have a new addition to our family, she's called cleo and she is brindle, she is possibly about 8 years old, and she is the most gentle dog you could ever wish for, the kids love her already.

My sister was trying to put me off getting her because when I showed her a picture she thought she looked horrible, she has quite a grey mask, but I think she will be a great first dog, and none of the hard work of a puppy!

Thanks for all you replies, I can now officially become a member of the site ;-)

Viv xx

Thats fantastic!! Giving a home to an 'oldie' is a wonderful thing to do...well done
Archer

Good on you Viv, she sounds like she's landed on her feet :P

Best of luck, will look forward to updates,
Teri :)

Congrats on your new dog. And well done you for taking an older dog into your home and heart. Hope you have many happy years with her :)

Bet Cleo is very pleased with herself!

Well done for giving Cleo a home for the rest of her days.

Gladdens my heart.  Well Done and hope you have happy times together.

Lucky Cleo and lucky you :) Hope the teenage labcollie has the same good luck.

Well done!  Elderly Boxers are a blessing on four legs :-) Treasure her.