h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Sorry, that was a reply to Fizzymouse's posting, I'm obviously a very confused lady!! It sounds like a great idea to get to know your future pet, though..
Childoftheseventies.

"Another benefit of a rescue dog is that they are usually past the chew anything phase."

"it should be past the potty training stage"



Please don't take this the wrong way, but *please* do more research before you take on a rescue dog. Having rescued four dogs in the last decade I can assure you that I've needed to housetrain two of them - one a year old, and one four years old - and one never really became clean in the house - eight years old.

Many dogs are in rescue because they've not been trained properly and the original owners have given up, and it's quite likely that a dog could still be a chewer, simply because it's never been taught anything else.

Most rescue dogs need to be treated as very big puppies, and trained right from scratch. If you want a dog 'ready packaged' you'd be better to go through a specific breed rescue as they are more likely to havedogs that need homing because of the death or change of circumstances of the owner, rather than a problem with the dog itself.

Very good points raised, there. In my enthusiasm for dog ownership, I neglected to mention the importance of giving the decision considerable thought before going ahead. (which was extremely negligent of me). If you go to somewhere like Battersea Dogs Home, however, they will (or at least this is my experience) thoroughly vet you to make sure they are giving the right type of dog to the right owner so that problems hopefully shouldn't occur. Of course, I would never discount the possibility that we've just been incredibly lucky with the two dogs (Lucky and Flo) that we've got from there.. A lot of Battersea dogs do admittedly have problems that have led them to be where they are, but by no means all of them. Flo did have problems in that her previous owners left her alone in the house for 12 hours every day, but with TLC and effort from us, she's become a healthy, happy dog.
As far as Lucky was concerned, it was a simple change in domestic circumstances that led her to come into our lives, as her previous owners emmigrated to Canada. Again, she adapted to life with her new owners, and gave us sixteen years of joy and companionship.

Of course, it is never wise to go into pet ownership without giving it some considerable thought. Pets are both a priviledge and responsibility, and you owe it to both the pet and yourselves to make sure that you weigh up the pros and cons before letting an animal enter your home.

If you have concerns about a particular dog, you should discuss these with the staff of the rescue home. It's also important to mention that you want a house-trained dog and one that won't be too destructive when you have to leave the house.. It's vital that the staff know exactly what you're looking for so that they can pair you up with a companion for the rest of the dog's life, not just until you are driven by despair to return the dog to the rescue home.

Once again, please don't forget that dogs are a commitment and responsiblity that shouldn't be entered into without considerable thought, but when you decide to let a dog into your home (and heart), the rewards are well worth the effort needed and time taken in training them..
Also, there are older dogs who need homes, too..
Childoftheseventies

That's where the dog walking induction course comes into it.

Just ask to do some kennel maid duties as well if you haven't had a dog before.

Oh I don't need to go on the course I already have 4 dogs.

and forgive the interruption, but four dogs?..That surely is a handful...

That's what you get when your run the kennels

for the lecture I gave.. Talk about preaching to the Converted..
You probably thought 'who made her the expert on dogs?!'
Please accept my apologies..
Childoftheseventies

of course!

thank you
Childoftheseventies.

You're welcome!

i to am very fond of dogs .i have one called benji which i got as a stray fourteen years ago. he is the best friend i ever had .he is very obedient .robert hamilton