I have always said I would go for a female dog but on considering am realising if you do get one from a rescue home they have been bred a number of times even if one and bless them - think they are a bit traumatised coming from an illegal breeder.
Anyway another dog has stolen my heart - a male but he is 18 months - at the mo he is being fostered and has been described as nervous and frightened etc - do you think I can do it.
Because my friends are saying this and that - it is making me nervous.
Male dogs (and, indeed, cats) are almost always more affectionate than their female counterparts. 18 months is a great age because, with a bit of luck, he'll already be fully house-trained (which means that things will be less stressful for you).
You're already falling in love with him and, once he gets to know you, he'll soon fall in love with you.
Animals are funny things. When I first started work at a place one of the staff had taken compassionate leave as one of her dogs had died. I thought how ridiculous compassionate leave for a dog. Then I got a dog a few years later and then I understood!
And the *** might not be traumatised at all, don't give up on a dog before at least seeing it.
As an aside, my own mutt is the most nervous critter going, If I raise my voice at all (not necessarily at her either) she'll roll on her back and pee herself in fright. You'd honestly think i spent my days beating her round the house she can be that bad when stressed over the smallest of things- and it's not from a prior owner either, i've had her since she was 8 weeks old.
Mr Harv would have cowered too at things. I used to leave doors open in the good weather but now and again they would have slammed maybe because of a bit of a wind. - When I looked Mr Harv was cowering up at the back of the garden - once he wedged himself between the shed and gate - I couldn't get him out - then when I said "Are you going in the car" out he jumped - I was beginning to take everything out of the shed to lighten it for me to move it.