Best dog for running and kids

[The devil's own]

Having only just read this thread I think Longdogs has some good points to make, but they are lost in the venom they are made in. And your guilt trip ridden attack at anyone who buys a dog that doesn't fit in with your beliefs is pretty low and will result in a lack of respect from other forumites in relation to you and your cause. In future you may want to put your brain in gear before the keyboard, that way you'll get your point across and people may well take it on board, rather than regarding you as a "scratched record"

I hope you don't see this as a personal attack. I just know whats it's like when your passion about something can do more harm than good if used incorrectly.

[Longdogs]

Having only just read this thread I think Longdogs has some good points to make, but they are lost in the venom they are made in. And your guilt trip ridden attack at anyone who buys a dog that doesn't fit in with your beliefs is pretty low and will result in a lack of respect from other forumites in relation to you and your cause. In future you may want to put your brain in gear before the keyboard, that way you'll get your point across and people may well take it on board, rather than regarding you as a "scratched record"

I hope you don't see this as a personal attack. I just know whats it's like when your passion about something can do more harm than good if used incorrectly.

I certainly agree that it's a frequent occurrence on forums to type before thinking. However, i think venom is a little too strong a word!

If you read back, you'll see that i first made my point in a distinctly unvenomous way. People had already stated a pre-existing opposition to my beliefs before i started to get a tad grumpy. So they aren't going to 'take on board' my point of view if i'm Ms Nice or Ms Nasty are they? I have had a heap of PMs supporting what i've said over years on here, from people who don't want to get drawn into a public thread, so maybe i am doing some good, despite the more vocal stuff on here. If i've saved only one dog's life through laying out the facts it's worth it (and i know it's more than that because i've met the dogs!). I'd really like to think that people could make their choices based on fact and evidence, not personality of the messenger.. but of course there's plenty of evidence that it doesn't work that way.

Reiteration... concerns about behaviour problems are the most often cited reason for getting a puppy rather than rehoming, by a country mile. Widely believed as was flat earth yadda yadda.. True? No. Logical? No. Do i understand why people think this? Yes. I should do, i've seen and spoken about it daily for 15 years. Happy to expand on it if required, but if people can't see past my (admittedly) abrasive personality to look at what really matters, i won't bother. I've got plenty of other places to direct my energy, such as revising for an exam to help my vocation as animal welfare advocate.. which might be more fruitful than here!

[Stagger]

Longdogs gave us one rescue lurcher and we have now got another which Mrs Stagger drove to Wales to pick up from a rescue shelter.
Both are first class dogs in every sense.
LD has a very valid point and people should think long and hard before throwing money at a breeder.

Devil, I like the bit that that mentions personal attack, made me smile.
Are you a dog owner???

[XRunner]

LD has a very valid point and people should think long and hard before throwing money at a breeder.

Unfortunately a rescue dog perpetuates the problem of unscrupulous breeders and irresponsible owners.
There is no easy solution to the problem of an unwanted pet until the [human] cause of the problem can be eradicated.

[Stagger]

Unfortunately a rescue dog perpetuates the problem of unscrupulous breeders and irresponsible owners.
There is no easy solution to the problem of an unwanted pet until the [human] cause of the problem can be eradicated.

Tis true Sir but a breeder is looking for cash and when that drys up so does most of the unscrupulous breeders.
Chip the dog to a register owner. Like a car. Not 100% fool proof but better than now.

[Splatcher]

There is no easy solution to the problem of an unwanted pet until the [human] cause of the problem can be eradicated.

OK. Now let's put our minds to solving the underlying problem. How do we eradicate mankind?

[RaceTheSweeper]

We have a rescue dog that LD pointed us in the right direction for. Our little Border Collie is a pure delight. When we got her she was a very scared little lass but now she is so confident and loving. I personally would not go to a breeder for a family dog or cat since I looked into the rescue situation. We have done so in the past as we have a 10 year old Chocolate Lab and at the time we didn't think past the fact we wanted a puppy. We used all the reasons that has been said on here - you know what your getting, you can see the temperament of the parents, they are great with kids and on and on. We really didn't know any different, we also didn't know the "rescue problem".
Whenever I hear about a rescue pet I just think that 99% of them were probably once that "must have, much loved, perfect puppy".
I really do wish you every happiness with the new member of your family and that if in the future you decide to add to them you head down to the rescue centre or ask LD as she will move heaven and earth to help you find a dog to suit your wish list xx

[Markollyh]

Got our 8 week old spaniel on Friday and very happy with her. Housetrained, comes to call, fetch and drops and sits so far. I'm sure the next few months will get harder but so far so good. Thanks for the suggestions on the forum. We are still thinking of getting a rescue dog once our cocker is a bit older and fully trained. This is our 3rd dog and just as easy to train as our labrador and collie cross which is a pleasant surprise.

[Fairyfeet]

Got our 8 week old spaniel on Friday and very happy with her. Housetrained, comes to call, fetch and drops and sits so far. I'm sure the next few months will get harder but so far so good. Thanks for the suggestions on the forum. We are still thinking of getting a rescue dog once our cocker is a bit older and fully trained. This is our 3rd dog and just as easy to train as our labrador and collie cross which is a pleasant surprise.

Blimey, all that at 8 weeks. That's amazing. Pictures please...

[Markollyh]

Probably tried to much too soon but she's doing great in just 2 days with us. She had an accident in the house today but really taken to clicker training. One thing for sure she can look forward to many years of fun and travel with us.