Where can I buy a family dog?

[tetley08]

I'd like to buy a Labrador puppy as a family pet but I've got no idea where to buy one, any advice/recommendations?

[LondonMix]

You should only buy puppies from a reputable breeder of that type.

If you go the official breed organization website they often list certified breeders.

An alternative would be to adopt one from Battersea. There are many puppies that need a good home.

[tiddles]

Do make sure you really research the breed of dog - some require a lot of daily exercise, others are complete lazy bones. If you have a lively dog that does not get its one or two walks a day, you could be in for a headache! Do have a look at rescue dogs - you could end up with an absolute poppet who is already house trained.

Best of luck!

[Curmudgeon]

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/are-you-ready-for-a-dog/

[first mate]

Discover Dogs at Excel this weekend. A great way to meet and research breeds and breeders. Also a fun family day out if you like dogs.

[tetley08]

thanks for all the advice - im off to the Discover Dogs show today with my son to do a bit more research!

[Jwillcox]

We went Saturday as we are looking for a new family member too, we have a 1.5yr old Daughter. Its so difficult as a puppy requires more work that a rescue however most rescues can not be placed with young children as their background is unknown. Such a shame as I would prefer to rescue but there is a greater risk due to the unknown! For Battersea once you register you need to call up to see if there are matches for you as puppies, and dogs from known child houses are rare and get snapped up usually before they get onto the website. Most breeds also have a specific rescue, whilst looking for a dog I've found over 50+ rescues in or around London, but only 3 dogs that would be suitable with our Daughter. It was great to see all the breeds, Ive got about 10 that would be suitable for family life (kids, walks off lead when they are older, socialisation skills with other dogs, lack of aggression, and medium exercise requirements.

[Phlox]

Have a look at the Dandie Dinmont terrier.

[Curmudgeon]

http://www.manytearsrescue.org/dogslookingforhomes.php

[Justasking]

Which breeds made it on your list?

[bee74]

We were refused a god by all the rescue places we contacted because we have two small children and 3 cats.

So we had to buy.

We did a lot of research on breeds before choosing and then read lots of books about training and life with dogs.

We ended up with absolutely the right dog for us but I still was not prepared for how much it will change your life - going out for the day?! You can't leave a dog at home alone all Saturday. Going away for the week end?! You need to choose a place that will accept dogs and then limit your activities to places that accept dogs (no museums, cinemas, cathedrals, play parks, etc, few restaurants/ cafes... even natural attractions or National Trust properties or places like that often don't want dogs...)

Also, do you work from home? If you are home now, but will go back later and work away from home what is the dog going to do all day? Will you manage to walk the dog before and after work considering you have the kids?

Mine are almost 4 and almost 8 and still need a lot of persuading to take the dog out.

Anyway, I am not trying to put you off, just from my own personal experience I would say do your homework carefully and for a couple of months, keep a diary of how you spend your days and week ends and see if you could fit in the dog in your lifestyle.

Best of luck!