Should novice dog owners get a puppy or a rescue dog?

Answer 1

it don't matter because they should find a trainer either way or ask a friend who knows more about dogs...

Answer 2

Ok I think you probably did the right thing while it doesn't feel right you were. Secondly no matter the breed a dog is a 24/7 / 365 commitment for 10-15 years of YOUR life. All dogs will require 2-3 hours a day of exercise, play and training if not more, so be prepared that regardless of energy level the care and committment IS THE SAME. Imagine having a baby. Now, for one you can't give the baby away but you also can't say if I got a lower energy kid or maybe one a bit older maybe then I'd be ready. The answer is NO. Puppies/dogs are children that poop outside. Dangerous deadly children if not trained. I remember when I first got my Weimaraner. I TOTALLY FREAKED OUT. I was not prepared in any way shape or form to care for a puppy. Dog yes, puppy no. I had been a shelter volunteer, I dog sat for friends, family and neighbors since I was 9 years old, I read books on dog training etc. Was I prepared NO. I remember sitting in the car with this tiny bundle fast asleep on my lap and having an anxiety attack. For the first week I struggled big time, mostly I winged it. Then I started to research housebreaking, puppy care, training, I read books, Cesar Milan (2 books), housebreaking, day care, positive reinforcement training, crate training, teething, how to stop biting etc, how to speak dog, I subscribed to Dog Fancy and I enrolled in a basic puppy obedience class. When I got a job I adjusted my schedule to accommodate her and a job, I would make time as soon as I came home to care for her needs (exercise, training) the more I researched the less overwhelming dog ownership became. I knew that I wanted the perfect dog, one I could be proud of, one that loved people and other dogs and one I could take everywhere and she'd be well behaved, I just had to figure out how to get there. Short story long, It took and still does take a lot of work, the first two years were hard, the third year not so much and the last two have been a breeze because I got her to where I want her (she just passed her CGC). But my schedule still puts her needs before mine every single day of the week. So unless you are willing to put in the time and dedication to raising ANY breed of dog large or small, high energy or low then no, you are not suited to own a dog. It's a lifestyle change that you have to be 100% willing to make or you will both suffer in the long run.

Answer 3

I think a rescue dog would be great. These dogs become great pets and most are very devoted to you. These dogs seem to know that you have rescued them and they are so grateful for a home. There are so many dogs or puppies that need to be rescued why don't you take a look at some. www.petfinders.org is one site to take a look at. There is also a list of rescue organizations on their home page. A puppy is cute but remember they are like having a baby for the first couple of years. If you don't mind investing the time and labor then a puppy is fine.
Good luck with your search.

Answer 4

For a novice, a rescue dog would be a good idea and adult at that. Puppies are a HUGE handful and responsibility. House training alone can be trying on the nerves. That doesn't count the chewing, the hyperness, etc. If you have a lot of patience and time, a puppy could work but I would more suggest a rescue adult dog.

Answer 5

What exactly do you mean by novice? Yes and No is my answer. Some people were forbidden as a child to have a pet that doesn't mean they won't love and care for a puppy or dog. I have known people that grewup with dogs that shouldn't have them. How many dogs you may or may not of had in your life is not as important as how much you can love and care for a dog. Would you rather a novice dog owner get a puppy from a BYB? Everyone is a "novice" until they get use to being a pet owner and have to start somewhere so to deny someone a dog just because they don't have the "experience" would be just wrong. There are more important things to look at than that.

Answer 6

Rescue dog! My husband and I got a rescue dog from labs4rescue.com. Check out the site. This is our 1st dog-we got him at 6mo. and now he's 2 1/2 yrs. He had all his vaccinations, was house trained and knew how to sit already we we got him. I suggest an 'adolescent' or an adult dog if your not too keen on the puppy stage-it's nice not to potty train and have your living room furtniture chewed up! Often, its the adult and senior dog that can't find homes because many people want a puppy. Check out the site, all their dogs are screened for personality and live with a foster family (often with children and other animals) and if they pass they get adopted out all over the country. Our dog came from Tennesse (we live in NY). We love our dog-he's truly a member of our family. Best of Luck!

Answer 7

either one. a rescue dog would be good since the rescue group would be able to know more about this dog's personality and temperment. you would be more likely to know what you're getting and what if any issue there are. a puppy comes to you fresh. either a pup or a dog, you are going to have to research all it takes to be a good pet owner. be prepared to pay for vet bills, crate, collar, leash, toys, etc...enroll in a training class, no matter how well behaved the dog is. the class will allow you to better bond with your dog and teach the dog you are to be respected and listened to. research the breed or breed mix you are looking for, learn as much as you can about the breed and how their temperments and activity levels are in general. any dog or puppy can be a good pet if you are prepared to put the time and financial investment into them. you should go to your local shelter and look around. don't take any pup or dog home on your first visit, get a feel for the staff and the dogs there. see what appeals to you and then go home and research it. you can go to petfinder and look at your local rescue's and shelters and get a sneek peek at the dogs that are avaiable. good for you for wanting to save a life!

Answer 8

Rescue dog.

They are usually trained, already spayed or neutered, and the 'problems' (if any, or if you might consider the characteristic a problem) is already known. Many times the dogs are kept with a foster family that observes the dogs as well and can suggest whether a particular dog will do well with a family based on what they have seen.

I have a rescue doberman... she is a doll, and I will adopt a rescue again.

Answer 9

They both have good points and bad...rescue dogs could have problems unresolved and might not show up for a while, pups have a lot of extra energy and require a lot of attention. If you get a rescue dog make sure you listen to and address any problems the dog may have
The main thing both need to know you are in charge, love, consistent training style, positive re-enforcement. remember all rescue dogs started as pups.

Answer 10

get a rescue dog afterall they are already house broken. i rescued my dog 5 years ago and she is more loyal than anyone else in the world. a rescue dog will never forget that you saved them and the loyalty is unreal

Answer 11

I don't think it really matters if you rescue or buy a puppy! you should also go check out some dog breeds and see what you like and what fits your personality best.
also if you are interested i am selling an Australian Shepherd female. she is on my yahoo 360 album. you should give her a look.
and e-mail me if you are interested.
Good luck!