Hi ALL,

We already have a 5 month old Bitch puppy, and we were thinking of getting a rescue dog, as there are so many that need loving homes. (we would rescue the same breed as our puppy!)

One, do you think it would be to much with our pup only being 5 months? (The rescue dog will be a year old.)

Two, do you think its quite risky getting a dog from a rescue home as we have a young child (3) ? and we won't know until the dog is in our home whether or not the dog will be suitable,

Three, do you think we should wait until our pup is older (2 years old) and then get another pup from the same breeder?

We are not looking to breed. We just would like another one,

Thank-you in advance.

Hi Guest,

Yes I would say that you probably have enough on your hands already with a puppy and a child of 3.   I have a four year old and she drives me nuts half the time.  We were thinking of rehoming a rescue dog a few months ago but found out that most dog rescues in our area don't like to rehome a dog to a family with a child under the age of five.  I am glad that we didn't now because the dog that we have got (Bichon Frise) is always at the vet with his itchy ears every couple of months.

Probably waiting till your puppy is about two and your child about five is a more sensible idea like you suggested because puppies tend to need a lot of attention in their first year.

I would wait a while before getting another dog. Your dog is still new to you and you need to spend some more time with him, at least 12 months would be a starting point.
There is nothing wrong with rescue dogs, I had one for 8 years and he was the love of my life. I wanted to get another after he died, but my partner insisted on a pedigree so am going for a Rottweiler.
If you do decided to get a rescue dog, then you must take your child to the centre, you will get an idea there how they will be with them they generally like to meet the entire family before placing a dog.
Good luck

If you do go for a rescue dog, do try and get one that the rescue centre has a full history of where he's been and what's happened to him.  I have a rescue and his background was vague.  I have learned that he isn't good with animals or young children but that wasn't at all apparent when I got him. I'd wait a while if I was you as a puppy is already a handful.

CG