My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

The doghouse

Advice for a soon-to-be dog owner please!

9 replies

KettleCrunch · 20/03/2013 16:07

So we just got the all-clear from our landlord to get a dog. Hurray! But now the real worries begin. I'd love some advice on what breed to get and where to look to find a reputable breeder (or other good places to look that avoid puppy farms and scammers). We'd love a puppy.

Both of us have lived with collies, spaniels and labradors between us when we were growing up, so we're quite experienced with dogs. Only thing is, we currently live in a flat with no garden (although there is a big park just behind the house for walking), so we're not sure that the breeds we're used to would thrive in the home we can offer. Does anyone have any ideas for alternative breeds that might be more suitable, and/or advice for keeping a breed like one of the above in a flat? We're not keen on teeny dogs like dachshunds/chihuahuas, is the only thing.

I work from home and we all love long walks and/or running every day - and I would hope, ideally, to have the dog as my running buddy once it's a bit older and its joints can handle the strain etc. There's a nice vet and dog-friendly pub up the road, dog-friendly parents on hand to act as holiday kennels if need be, we know about pet insurance and microchipping, have budgeted for food and equipment and I've got the details of some local puppy classes. Now all we need is the dog! Any words of wisdom anyone can offer?

OP posts:
Report
ruledbyheart · 20/03/2013 17:20

Not a puppy unless your prepared to be taking the dog out every 15mins/ half hour until old enough to hold its bladder.
Not having a garden does really hinder house training.

You're better off with a slightly older dog who is house trained.

Report
mrslaughan · 20/03/2013 17:42

Whippet?

Report
tabulahrasa · 20/03/2013 18:03

I'd get something like him young enough to still be a puppy, no real issues but past all the housetraining stuff.

Report
SpicyPear · 20/03/2013 20:02

Having gone through the puppy thing at the end of last year no way would I take on a pup in a flat with no garden. I can see real issues getting them reliably housetrained.

I would definitely look for a dog that is slightly older and can hold themselves for longer. A lot of pups are handed to rescue at 7-12 months when people realise they can't really cope with a dog so you will probably be able to find a fantastic pet. Whippet is a great choice for a flat. My staffie would also probably be quite happy in a flat as when she's at home she sleeps a lot.

Report
digerd · 20/03/2013 20:38

Definitley not an 8-10 week -old pup, with no garden - impossible to house train.
I think a whippet would be ideal for you. That 7month-old looks adorable.

Report
KettleCrunch · 20/03/2013 21:22

Ooh I love whippets! I have a friend with two and they are beautiful dogs. Thanks for the suggestion - I wasn't sure if they'd do well in a flat, but they do seem quite flopsy and cuddly when they're not racing around the fields - perfect.

I will also keep an eye out for slightly older pups - thanks for the suggestions. We do have a communal garden for the flat, but it's two floors below, so not the most convenient of gardens.

OP posts:
Report
LadyTurmoil · 21/03/2013 09:12
Report
paddythepooch · 21/03/2013 20:08

Whippet or whippety lurcher would be ideal. They love to sleep when not zooming around outside and are generally very quiet in the house. A boon for you and your neighbours. Lovely, cuddly dogs

Report
idirdog · 21/03/2013 20:47

I wouldn't get a whippet if you run long distances - they prefer sprints not long runs probably would refuse to go out for a run if it is raining.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.