Quote:
Originally Posted by Niamh.
It's highly irresponsible to adopt that kind of dog from any rescue centre even when you don't know their history. If you're getting a big dog and have children, imo it needs to be a puppy when you get it
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I 100% agree, the psychology of an adult dog coming into a home is for one totally unknown... but also the way it views itself "in the pack" is totally different to a dog that's been alongside the family since being a puppy. The way my youngest daughter (who dislikes and is wary of most dogs) and our big fat lab (who is very sociable/excitable/boisterous with most people) interact is really fascinating. The dog "knows how to be" with her and it's different to how she interacts with anyone else ... none of it is trained, it's ingrained all the way to puppyhood.
I think there's a lot of merit in rescuing/adopting dogs of course, many lovely dogs that need homes, but IMO it's something for childless adults or older families to do (older people/couples with grown up families and lots of dog experience are often a good fit) ... it's just not a good family pet option for young families.