Now from America we have in London- rent a dog just read it on the news on Internet- for £279 a week you can have a pooch then give it back after a month?
Is this a good idea? for people maybe ?? really anyone deciding on a dog ownership- having one for a trial run could have the reality of pet owning rather than getting one then giving it away when the novelty wears off? The rspca are not happy about this as what about the dogs involved? aren't really going to know what the hell is going on ??

I can't imagine that any dog would respond well to being passed from pillar to post. A nightmare for the dog I would have thought. I also don't think it promotes responsible ownership as it suggests dogs can be taken in when convenient and then disposed of when you have had enough of dog ownership.

Having it on "trial" doesn't really give you a balanced view of dog ownership. I would imagine, and hope, that only very well trained dogs of impeccable temperament would be used and this could then give a false view. Dogs in the real world don't come ready trained and puppies are very hard work needing a lot of time, effort and commitment to become sociable, well behaved dogs.

I personally think it is an awful idea :(

How Pathetic, stupid idea. Good money maker no doubt :( Whatever happened to the Nintendo puppy game, this markets at less and just as useful.........bahhhhhhhh

But the point that it does bring up, is that there is nowhere that you can learn to be a dog owner, and I think something like that would be useful. The whole hog, everything to do with dog ownership with the help of good, wellt rained dogs for demos.

The poor dog mentioned in the news is called Gucci...the name sums up the type of person who would ever consider doing such a thing really.. only a little breed, to carry around in a bag like a lot of stupid people like Paris Hilton

What is the world coming too

seems like where getting more and more like America than ever. :(

Just seen a photo of Gucci in Saturdays Tmes and though they say he is a Pomeranian, looks more like a Spitz to me.
Anyone else seen his photo.?

Terrible idea, if it is for people to have a trial run, then how can you know the dog would be treated correctly just for starters. :-( I can use my frequent saying for this. DOGS ARE NOT TOYS!!!!!

next it will be children to see if we like them before having them!!! mind you it would have stopped me from having 2!!!!!!!!!!!

I think this is a bad idea for the poor dogs having to cope with different household routines and getting to know new 'owners' every couple of weeks - they will end sooo confused.

Bad idea!! i think there is a article in one of the dogs magazines this month about this, i can't imagine how this situation would be good for the dog!! :(

I dunno I see the good points as well as the bad points- no different in a way then getting someone to dog sit for a couple of weeks... In the long run it saves an animal from getting a home where people realize this def was not for them, got in way over their head... It would prob be ok if someone was looking for a puppy or an adult dog and see the responsibility involved and have the option to adopt that animal as well or if it would be a bad descision- yes may not be the best choice for the dog but then again it maybe a great idea because that animal could find a forever home- I think maybe they should do this with humane society/pound animals with all proceeds going back to the pound, much better to live in someones home then behind bars- and also have unexpected drops in to see how the animal is being looked after/screening of the potential owners ect ect whats all in for adopting a pet in the first place in hopes this animal will find a forever home. In it being done like this I can see as a good thing- but if its just someone opening up a business then thats def not in the best interest for the animal... Rodents/birds/small animals on the other hand can teach children responsibility of course parent supervision and see if this would be a good pet for the home for your child that I see as a lil different then....

i aggree totally