jipsi01 Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 Im looking for a new dog, it has to be a rescue dog, as I cant fathom the idea of getting anything else! My last girl was a rescue dog, on death row when she was 4 months old, and she recently went to heaven at 13 So I have some questions. 1) How do you look through all the rescue dogs without crying your heart out? It seriously breaks my heart, and i want to take them all. 2) I now have a three year old son, which means i have to get a dog thats good with children (thats not negotiable) how do I find this, or how do i even know? My child is "dog trained" but he is still a toddler, so a dog would have to be tolerable to toddler behaviour. 3) I have been looking at some dogs in rescue organisations (online) in other states. How does interstate rehoming work? 4) Can someone give me some tips and hint on picking a new dog. I dont want a puppy, i want an older dog (dont think i can do a puppy and a toddler at the same time - see im realistic lol) This time its a bit different to when i got my girl as it was only me to think about.... 5) I am partial to female dogs, what is the difference between a male/female dog (besides the obvious lol) Thanks for all your help, im sure I will have more questions as i research this more.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytmate Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 Rescue organisations that have dogs in foster care may be able to find you a good match, and will suggest particular dogs so you don't have to look at ones that will not suit. So start with a wish-list and prioritise it. Child-friendly - non-negotiable Loves little kids? (more than just puts up with them, wants to be around them a lot) How much walking will you do each day? (be realistic) How much grooming each week/day? How much training each day? What other activities do you want to do with the dog? Alert/watch dog, or a dog that is very quiet? And more - make your own list and prioritise it. What else is non-negotiable? What could you live with or live without in a dog? Then you are set to call rescue orgs and find out if they have any dogs that have been assessed with children, and have lived with children (for at least a few weeks). Or, you could look at a site like Pet Rescue, if you are game to look at all the dogs, including the ones that won't suit you. Or you could come back here and discuss, and people here will recommend dogs that might suit. Don't worry about male/female or age just yet, much more important that the dog has the right temperament to match your family. Each rescue org will have their own policies about who and where they adopt to, but for now you just need to be very clear about what you are after and what you can offer a dog so that the right dog can be suggested for you. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 there are many questions to ask yourself (or let a good rescuer ask you) which will help you in your search. When you have young children - I'd rule out large boisterous dogs or tiny toy breeds. Have you ever had a dog with a high maintenance coat? By this I mean a non shedding coat ie malts, shihtzus etc. They need professional grooming and groomign by the owner. Are there any allergies in the family? Do you have any other issues such as back problems which might hinder you from picking up or walking a dog? Can you walk a dog as well as cope with a toddler? Greyhounds are wonderful dogs, depending on your answers to the above! These are some questions which will help you narrow down your search, I have many more (I specialise in matching people with dogs or at least pointing them in the right direction). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juice Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 what they said I second the greyhound option too.Really easy dogs, they don't smell doggy, hardly bark ,if at all, don't pull on the lead, need really short walks.........lots more too. A good rescue will come and check you out, so don't be alarmed. You will also get a trial period to make sure you are happy with your new dog, and lots of backup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chezy Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 you came to the right place, ;lots of great people here will point yoou in the right direction and give advice . Hope you find your new family memeber soon :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted May 21, 2012 Share Posted May 21, 2012 (edited) I'd also add that I don't find a huge difference between the females and the males but I also think that may depend on breed. Personally I prefer males but I do know that a lot of people think females are: a) cleaner b) more loyal c) more affectionate I can say that isn't true. If I was only looking for one dog, I'd look for a dog I fell in love with (that fitted all my criteria) and I wouldn't care whether that was male or female, I've loved both equally. Edited May 21, 2012 by dogmad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jipsi01 Posted May 21, 2012 Author Share Posted May 21, 2012 Thank you all soooo much for your responses. I am super excited about this now and not so scared about it….. Here are my responses. I just want to add, I TRULY believe that having a dog is a lifelong commitment. When I get a dog, they become a family member (even my little boy put on his family tree at childcare today my old girls name as a family member)! The other thing is I am a single mum, who works full time. I don’t want a puppy that I have to train, I honestly don’t have the time, and it wouldn’t be fair to the dog. It will get stacks of socialisation, we are heaps social people, but I just wouldn’t have time to actually train a puppy…. My wish-list: Child-friendly non-negotiable Loves little kids? (more than just puts up with them, wants to be around them a lot) YES!!! Do you know how excited I was to read this!!! My girl was 10 when my son came along, and she was great with him. She put up with a lot lol but it was pretty obvious she would have much preferred the old arrangement ie no kid lol How much walking will you do each day? Every day would be about half an hour, on the weekends we walk to the beach and back and that can take anywhere between 40mins to a couple of hours. We have a massive park just around the corner that we used to let the old girl off the lead and she would just run. How much grooming each week/day? Being realistic, it would have to be a weekly thing, on a weekend. I wouldn’t have time to do it each day. What other activities do you want to do with the dog? We are very social people, so I want a dog that gets along with other dogs and we can basically take everywhere. An integral part of the family Alert/watch dog, or a dog that is very quiet? Im not sure how to answer this. My old girl made me feel really safe at home. I knew if there was someone coming up our drive, or at the door before the doorbell rang (she was inside when we were, and outside when we were at work). So I want a dog that is alert, but not a barky yappy dog. Does that make sense? Have you ever had a dog with a high maintenance coat? By this I mean a non shedding coat ie malts, shihtzus etc. They need professional grooming and groomign by the owner. No I haven’t, and honestly this doesn’t really interest me. Are there any allergies in the family? No, my old girl was a GSD with a longer coat and shed like there was no tomorrow. LOL Do you have any other issues such as back problems which might hinder you from picking up or walking a dog? No issues, we walk quite alot Can you walk a dog as well as cope with a toddler? My little one is in the pram when we walk (at this stage) and my old girl would walk beside. We did well. Greyhounds are wonderful dogs, depending on your answers to the above! Really? I remember one of the girls at primary school had greyhounds and they used to be always locked up when we would go there, and the dad used to say cos the were vicious. That really scared me off them. These are some questions which will help you narrow down your search, I have many more Please, please ask them. This also has me thinking about it more thoroughly. I can say that isn't true. If I was only looking for one dog, I'd look for a dog I fell in love with (that fitted all my criteria) and I wouldn't care whether that was male or female, I've loved both equally. YES!!!! YES!!!! This is what I want. Now does anyone do this for husbands?? LOL Thanks for all your help!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purdie Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Would one this size suit or are you after a bigger dog.? http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/158587 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lavendergirl Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Good for you being willing to take on a rescue dog. Definitely look at dogs who have been in foster care so that their temperament is evident in a home environment. If the dog will be alone a lot while you work be aware that quite a few rescue dogs can suffer separation anxiety - often due to abandonment issues. All the more reason to look at dogs in foster care and question whether the dog has been left alone and how it copes with that. Take your time looking and don't be pressured into taking a dog that does not seem quite right - ask if there is a trial period. You may have to look at a few before finding that "special one". Good luck in your search - there are plenty of lovely dogs out there looking for a home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HazyWal Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Greyhounds make wonderful pets :) If you enquired through a rescue group such as GAP they would match a grey to your lifestyle.There is a girl in my suburb who walks with her bub in a pram,a greyhound and two whippets all very well behaved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nevafollo Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 I have to second or third or whatever we are upto now, a greyhound! Fantastic dogs! Dont beleive what you were told, go and meet a few!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garnali Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 As a child we too raced greyhounds.. They were our pets at the same time.. When each greyhound retired it became the house dog.. Slept on the bed, Lounged around the house, Went on car trips and was the BEST temperament with children & small animals.. People perceive that a greyhound is scary as they wear muzzles.. They are really a perfect calm house dog.. Low shedding & no smell to them.. And they dont need a lot of exercise but are happy to join the family unit on a daily walk. As with all rescue's I would highly recommend going through a rescue group that has had the dog in care with a foster family for a few weeks at least.. They could then tell you all of it's habits.. Happy searching... And yes you need the love at first sight thing to really bond with your new dog.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jipsi01 Posted May 22, 2012 Author Share Posted May 22, 2012 Thank you for all your responses... Is there a list of rescue places that I could approach and give my wish list and details to? I love the idea of the dog being in foster care first. That appeals to me ALOT. but where does this happen? I definately want to make sure the dog is the right fit for us, and we are the right humans for it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkhe Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Wow, your answers to those questions really do scream greyhound to me too! There are a couple of ways to go about finding a greyhound rescue. One thing to bear in mind (which I don't actually think is important at all) is that unless a greyhound has gone through the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) program in your state, it will be required to wear a muzzle in public. It's really no problem but some people take a bit of convicning to get past the image thing. The dogs themselves don't mind at all - when I fostered a grey last year, getting the muzzle out was the same as getting the lead out to him, he'd shove his face into it as fast as possible, it was so exciting.. basically it just signalled time for a walk! Greyhounds that have beeen through the GAP program wear green collars to denote that, and don't have to wear a muzzle in public. I'm not sure about SA, but in Vic, greyhounds from GAP only spend a few weeks at a time in foster care, and are kenneled apart from that. There are a bunch of private rescues that take greyhounds from pounds, or direct from trainers etc, and place them in foster care. I personally would go down thsi route, just because they tend to be with foster carers for longer and thus the carers get to know them better. They are by and large a very child friendly breed, and very calm and loving dogs - but the foster carer and/or rescue organisation will be able to match you with the perfect dog. You haven't mentioned anything about cats, which can be problematic - it can be harder find a greyhound that is able to live with cats, beacuse some have quite high prey drives. The one I fostered was far too interests in cats to have been able to live with one, but others would be fine. I know abunch of Vic and NSW based Greyhound rescues, not any SA ones, but others will be able to help you there. GAP SA is here though: www.gapsa.org.au - all the GAP programs are run separately, so vary state by state. My information may not be 100% accurate for the SA chapter. The organisation I fostered for is NSW based with a chapter in Vic, but would rehome interstate- you'd probably want to meet and have a trial run first though, before actually adopting. There are a number of facebook pages that yuo could join to read more about the hounds that need homes - as heartbreaking as it is, I love seeing grey anecdotes popping up in my feed every day. Sorry about the essay, I am just er, quite passionate about greyhounds :laugh: I can't wait to move in a couple of months and start hoarding them! Or.. fostering.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Squish Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Heres the list of Shelters/Rescue groups for SA on Petrescue :D http://www.petrescue.com.au/rescue_directory/sa Gap have a couple of greyhounds listed Thank you for all your responses... Is there a list of rescue places that I could approach and give my wish list and details to? I love the idea of the dog being in foster care first. That appeals to me ALOT. but where does this happen? I definately want to make sure the dog is the right fit for us, and we are the right humans for it.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jipsi01 Posted May 22, 2012 Author Share Posted May 22, 2012 (edited) Again, thank you for your responses and time. I honestly have never considered a greyhound. But Ive just looked on GAPSA site and i could get used to it. Some of them are pretty cute.... We dont have a cat, and dont intend on getting one. Alkhe, why do greyhounds have to wear muzzles? Where would I find that info for SA? Are they good with children? That is my main concern. The muzzle image just screams danger to me... is there anywhere i can read up about them. I am going to email my rescue places in SA, although it wouldnt rule out an adoption from another state if the right dog came along. I just want to make sure its the right one... Do any of the rescue places in SA specifically do fostering arrangements, or is that something I have to ask? Edited May 22, 2012 by jipsi01 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panto Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Hi, Just want to wish you luck on your search, and applaud you for keeping an open mind about a breed you had not considered before despite preconceived notions based on an owner of that breed in your past. I think it will be one very lucky dog that finds themselves part of your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkhe Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 (edited) Again, thank you for your responses and time. I honestly have never considered a greyhound. But Ive just looked on GAPSA site and i could get used to it. Some of them are pretty cute.... We dont have a cat, and dont intend on getting one. Alkhe, why do greyhounds have to wear muzzles? Where would I find that info for SA? Are they good with children? That is my main concern. The muzzle image just screams danger to me... is there anywhere i can read up about them. I am going to email my rescue places in SA, although it wouldnt rule out an adoption from another state if the right dog came along. I just want to make sure its the right one... Do any of the rescue places in SA specifically do fostering arrangements, or is that something I have to ask? The muzzle thing is a legislative requirement in most states of Australia, and it basically stems from the fact that greyhounds are considered livestock rather than companion animals. Theyo nly have to wear them in public though, not all the time. I totally understand the image thing, but they are truly the most placid, lazy couch potatoes, and though I don't have kids, if I did a greyhound is one of the first breeds I'd look at. It sounds like I'm a paid marketer for them but I really do believe that they're such gorgeous and under-appreciated animals. The one I fostered was 4 years old, and loved kids. When we went out walking he lapped up attention from everyone, large and small, and stood there patiently while kids patted him and I explained to their parents that no, he's not aggressive, he just has to wear the muzzle because it's the law. Some people were still wary but they're such placid and gentle things that most were won over very quickly. Being sighthounds, they can have high prey drive and would chase after small animals like rabbits etc, given the chance. Though as with any breed, some individuals are more like this than others, and you'd be able to find many greys wouldn't bat an eyelid as that requires too much effort. Here are a few links to greyhoudn rescue organisations which have lots of information regarding greyhounds as pets, why they make great pets, and how they're great with kids etc. These are Vic ones, as they're the ones I know most about. They also have 'success stories' and 'greyhounds in their new home' type pages, and many of those are with kids http://greyhoundrescue.com.au/ - have a look at this page here: http://greyhoundrescue.com.au/success-stories/foxy/ Greyhound Safety Net - http://www.greyhoundsafetynet.org/ Friends of the Hound (NSW) - http://www.friendsofthehound.org.au/about_greyhounds.htm Greyhound Haven (Tas) - http://www.greyhoundhaven.com Regarding fostering arrangements, it's probably something you have to ask each rescue - if you have a google for dog rescuse in SA, or even scan through petrescue.com.au, you'll find links to websites. Most rescues will have information about fostering arrangements there. I'm more than happy to answer any specific questions or chat via PM if you'd like. :) Edited May 22, 2012 by Alkhe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HazyWal Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 Love your passion for greys Alkhe :) Very informative posts and great links. I have two rescue greys and rarely foster these days but I would love to have more. Good luck in your search jipsi01 whatever breed you choose.You have come to the right place as there are many people who will point you in the right direction.You are doing lots of research and that's the best way to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Her Majesty Dogmad Posted May 22, 2012 Share Posted May 22, 2012 One thing about greys though, you should never let them off the lead. Most of them walk beautifully beside you, without pulling so are ideal pram companions! They are so gentle as a breed and that is why such terrible things are done to them in the name of research, they are compliant and don't bite back ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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