Buying a Dog

[whiskygalore]

My father, who is in his early 70's, is thinking about buying a dog. Although he is retired, he has some voluntary commitments that take him out of the house for 4-5 hours once or twice a week, although he has a secure rear garden (approx 45' in length) and would be able to fit a dog flap in the back door.

He is really looking for a companion dog, and we are wondering which breeds would be best suited to the circumstances. Would be grateful for any advice on breed, or references for websites etc. and also any adive on important points to consider that we may not have thought about?

[bimbo123456]

I think a trip to the local dog rescue centre might be a good idea. Maybe a small breed like a Jack Russell?

[MissChatty]

Perhaps he would be better off looking at some rescue dogs... as puppies are a lot more needy, excitable etc?

Im sure the people at the re-homing centre will be able to help you with describing the temprements of the dogs the have.

As for breeds... my nan has a Yorkshire terrier and that is left for about 6 hours whilst she goes to work...

my friend has a labrador...again is left for 8 hours a day whilst she is at work..however needs long walks once you get home!

To be honest if your father is only out for 4-5 hours a couple of times a week...most dogs will adjust to this...especially if he has a dog flap installed for the dog to go outside.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a-z.htm
This website has all the dog breeds you can think of...when you click on them it gives a good description of the dog and its needs....take a look!

X

[jules77]

I agree that a trip to your local rescue/dogs home would be best, as you can then assess the dogs and see what best suits your father.

A major concern for me with someone having at dog in their 70's, and I am presuming he lives alone, would be if they were ill and/or hospitalised and unable to look after the dog, is there someone else in the family who could step in?

[Postdog]

Ditto dog rescues.

[gelda]

Aggree there Jules, also what about excercise, a Jack Russell would need at least a couple of hour long walks a day like most small terrier breeds, People seem to think that if a dog is small it doesn't need as much excercise as a large dog but it's the other way round, terrier type dogs can be very destructive if they get bored, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. One of the best breeds for an older person would be a retired Greyhound, a couple of 20 min walks would be plenty for them, they are also very loyal and loving dogs, always ready to please. There are plenty of greyhound rescue places where you could talk to someone about the needs of the breed. Good luck in your search. Gelda

[gelda]

Misschatty, I think that's awful leaving the labrador for 8 hours, couldn't your friend get someone to come in in the middle of the day? I would never leave a dog for more than 4 hours 5 maximum!!

[kita1]

Go to a good rescue centre like the Blue Cross, they assess all their dogs and try and match each dog to a prospective owner.

This is a good site to have a browse through:

http://www.freewebs.com/manytearsrescue/dogslo okingforhomes.htm

I would also advise people to insure the dog for vet fees. Vet bills can be VERY expensive and it would be awful to be in a position where you could simply not afford to pay out the money if the pet was ever ill or injured. Most charities that help out with vet fees only help people who are in receipt of council tax benefit and that excludes most pensioners.

[kita1]

The Blue Cross site is here:

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/site/CustomPag es/Ten_rules_of_adoption.asp

They have animal centres all over the country.

[ruthann58]

what about a retired greyhound they dont need huge walks and are quite happy to laze about and are very loving

[ruthann58]

sorry gelda didnt read your post i have just repeated what you have already said.with regard to people on their own getting ill have you heard of the cinnamon trust they have volunters all over the country who will help out in an emergency and also will foster an animal whilst someone is in hospital

[scorpious321]

hi I got my dogs from a place called heathlands animal shelter both mongrels no problems.
as your father is 70 i think a small dog would suit him best and something a bit older eg 6 year old

[MissChatty]

Gelda... I agree i dont like it that they leave him for so long... i could never leave mine for that long...however, they have a dog flap and a rather large garden which is good for him... as he goes in and out as he pleases... He is an old dog, who my friend had when her grandmother died (it was her dog). So its no an ideal situation but works for them!
x

[abstibus]

Could I add that it would be good to get a dog that likes to play with a ball? I am not suggesting that this is an alternative to walking, but a 45' garden would be ideal for lots of games. What about a spaniel or spaniel type?
Jack Russells are the bees knees, but can be very wilful and are great escape artists (love 'em).
A lot depends on what your father feels he can take on - maybe he's very active and wants to stay that way. Whatever, he would be best to create a secure run for his dog for when he's out, unless he likes impromptu gardening.
Also, make sure the dog's not too old to insure (usually 8 years).

[leelapops]

Ah Gelda and Ruthann, ladies after my own heart...my first thought was greyhounds too!
whisky, retired greyhounds are lovely laidback dogs who only need a couple of walks a day (which would be great for your dad too!), some food and a little love. They are beautiful animals. They usually cope well with being left for a few hours too, although they would need to get used to their new routine like any other dogs. Also, some greyhounds aren't good around smaller furries, so if your dad has a C-A-T for example, or neighbouring houses do and he plans to let him outside, he'd have to be careful...

Also, rescue centres are crying out for peopl elike your dad who can offer a lot of time for a dog. There are lots of older dogs in rescue who've been in and out of homes and I think they deserve a new start in life. As jules pointed out, with your dad being in his 70s, an older dog would give him companionship but wouldn't necessarily live for 15+ years like a pup could. Rescues work really hard to find the right people for their dogs, usually, so your dad's new friend would be very suited to his lifestyle etc.

Lots of luck, whatever his choice.

[whiskygalore]

Thank you so much for all the useful pointers. We were definitely thinking of a older dog from a rescue home/shelter, and although my dad is extremely spry for someone in his 70's (re-roofed the house by himself last year!), he is bound to slow down at some point and we are trying to think about the dog as well, in the case of illness etc.
I'll check out the links and will keep you posted...