I have at the moment a 2 year old Springer Spaniel and he plays with a neighbours labrador (of the same age) they have told me that they are planning a move, I am concerned that my dog will miss his company, they resently went on a week holiday and for the first time my springer wandered off for a couple of hours.
I have recently visisted a RSPCA kennels and looked at the resue dogs, but not knowing what they are crossed between how do I know what temprement I will be getting, they did say that if I was chosen to home a resue dog they would let me introduce both dogs to see if they get on first, my first thoughts are to wait for them to have a puppy so I know its training will be done early on but there looked to be some many around 2 years that needed home, has anyone any experiences of 'resue dogs' to be honest I have heard they can make you life a bit of a nightmare and I dont want to get it wrong.

We adopted a GSDxHeinz57 (!) 3 1/2 years ago from Battersea. He was about a year old and had been a stray, so they knew nothing about him. He was absolutely wonderful for about 4 weeks ! Then we discovered that he was very nervous of strangers, had certainly been ill-treated and although not agressive to other dogs, he could be nervous of some. It took two years of hard work to get rid of most of the problems. He is 100% trustworthy with our family and has the most delightful personality and we love him to bits. However, when we thought of getting another dog, we were advised to get a puppy of known background and characteristics so that the problems of having two would be minimised. The two get on excellently together and I am glad that we didn't go for another rescue dog.

Personally, I would think very hard before getting a rescue dog if you already have another. If it's background is known and you are certain that there aren't any hidden problems, then fine - but, as we found out, the problems can surface some while afterwards.

Good luck

Daisy

I would be more tempted to take on an adult dog than a puppy x bred, as at least then you know what size its going to be! There are many sides to this coin. If you fancied a purebred rescue, then the Kennel Club can supply you with a list of breed rescue clubs, many of which have younger dogs needing homes, so you might end up with the best of all worlds. Younger dog, size known, still giving a home to a dog that needs it. Not all rescues are problem dogs. When we had rescue kennels, most were victims of divorce or home loss.
I hope you find the dog you are looking for! All the best.

hi,
i have two rescues, and a lurcher.
I have to say, my rescues do have their own problems, but nothing serious. and they are both a lot of fun to be around too.
If i were you, like someone else siad, you could try breed rescue, then not only do you kjnow what to expect looks and nature wise, but they tend to ahve a pretty good history on their dogs.
Also, you could try some of the smaller rescues, the ones that dont have their own kennels, as these places foster the dogs out to people, who mostly have their own dogs, so you will get a good idea from them what the dog is like in the home, and with other dogs, kids and cats, etc.

Em

hi we have just lost our collie cross.We had him for 12 years and I must say that I have had dogs all my life and he had to be one of the best I've ever had.All dogs have some problems but with love and care it should'nt be a problem.
Kim

My old mongrel Kim was one of the best dogs ive ever had, and she lived until a week from her 18th birthday, and I still miss her lots, and lots. I now have westies.

In my childhood I grew up with a heinz 57 called mickey he came to us as a puppy when I was born and died when I was 17 he was a fantastic dog never ill till the end and then he got run over by a car he was still fit up to then,no arthritis nothing.
I have Labradors and have for the last twenty + years I have never had one live past twelve and they have mainly been on medication for arthritis in their old age.
If we get lab crosses or Mongrels ( is that ok to call them that:) ) on My canine Lifeline list for homing it never ceases to amaze me the tales people tell on how long their previous dog lived and how good they were etc.
It all comes down to how you yourself can train a dog and the time you wish to put in,we have some really over the top Labs in rescue completely barmy but given time and patience and the right home it usually pays off in the end.
As you already have a dog though you need to be very careful what dog you bring in and its risky bringing a dog in with no background,most breed rescue have background on their dogs and it certainly helps.

I would also say this to anyone if you are considering a rescue dog please be prepared for some challenges if you dont have the time or inclination now then leave it to a time when you have then go for it.