Please help!

[luvofallhorses]

well maybe you can adopt a puppy so you don't have to "deal" with issues/abused dogs but let me tell you this. Each dog has "issues" like food aggression, seperation anxiety, destructive behavior, etc. It seems like you want a dog that is "perfect" in every way and the reality is if you get a dog that dog will have some kind of problem you will have to deal with and learn to live with and cope with.

I am not trying to be mean, I am just stating my opinion.

[Whisk_Luva]

Did I say we wanted a perfect dog? No I didnt. We have seen lots of dogs we like and could cope with but right now it is the wrong time! I posted the thread so know what breeds to look into and which ones would be good and stuff so we can find a good shelter... maybe even one which specialises in a certain breed.
You do not know my mums past so dont tell me we are looking for a 'perfect' dog, just one which my mum could handle. It is better to get a dog we can handle then getting one and having to take it back to the shelter! We are not looking for a puppy. We are simply looking for a dog in a shelter... with some sort of write up like this:
TJ came into the centre as his owners were unable to give him the attention he needs.
Due to lack of exercise he is slightly overweight. With time and more exercise he will become a more active dog who will enjoy playing and interacting with his owners.

(only part of write up)


I mean that dog has problems but probably ones we could handle. Therefore he is not perfect.

I am looking for help, that is all!

[luvofallhorses]

You didn't say that, but honestly that's what it seems like. I am sorry for telling how I feel.

[Whisk_Luva]

I didnt say what????????

I mean dont be sorry you were just trying to say what you thought and i was just responding to that.

[luvofallhorses]

that you said you wanted a perfect dog. I apologize. anyways.. good luck on your search! I just hope you guys find the perfect dog for your family. (not sarcasm!) one that will fit into your lifestyle.

[Whisk_Luva]

LOL! We do to! We are looking at ex guide dogs at the mo! They also need loving homes. (also the guide dogs that never made the grade).

[Blue_Frog]

Maybe this might help a little bit?

http://animal.discovery.com/breedsel...lectorindex.do

Theres a survey thing that you can do a bunch of questions, and it can point you in the direction of some breeds that might fit into what your family is looking for. And, as said above, not -all- dogs will fit the characteristics of their breed, and there are always sweet dogs that need homes in shelters too -- keep looking, and you will find one that will fit your family Good Luck!

[Whisk_Luva]

Thank you so much! I wil ldo that now

[Genny]

I also hope you find a dog for you, your mom, family... I know there's a special dog out there for you guys Good Luck on your search!!

[Whisk_Luva]

That was interesting...... English cocker spaniel is 94% suited to my family... Golden retriever at 93% (there are some at higher levels but my mum doesnt like them much)

[Seravieve]

Since your mom and dad seem to have a lot of preferences and specifications for this dog that you all want.. why don't you have them do that quiz too? Have them each do it separately and see if there's a breed that scores high on all of your answers.

I'd also like to mention.. just go to the shelter and see who's available.. and quit worrying about the breed so much. Breed specifics do generally fit them but there are usually exceptions and to write a certain breed off because of 1 or 2 dogs is silly. Just go, see who's there.. see if your family likes them.. better take you mom AND dad.. since they seem to be rather picky.. and see if any one stands out.

Thats how we got our first two. Just went up and saw who was there.. and which one we liked the most.

*edit* I just finished it and at 99%.. was Boxer.. and we have lil Eli! =) Also Dalmatian at 98% and that was my first dog. So I'd say its pretty accurate...

[Whisk_Luva]

Well we have been to some shelters to look. Like I said nows the wrong time. We just want a rough idea to be honest on the breed. Just because a dog isnt a cocker spaniel or whatever doesnt mean we wont get it. All we want is a basic idea on what sort of dog to look out for.

[MyPetTherapyDogs]

Hi
I am a dog trainer, I have trained a few of these dogs all with wonderful temperaments. I think the breed may be well suited for your needs!

Here are the breed standards for the English Cocker Spaniel

http://www.akc.org/breeds/english_cocker_spaniel/
Also, try this link:

http://www.ecsca.org/rescuehome.html

As a shelter coordinator, I have to say that you just may walk into a shelter and fall in love with a dog that is just made for you too! Sometimes you just see a dog and know its the one for you!!

Rescue dogs are sooooooooo grateful!!!!!!!!!!!

The best bet is to go around and look, ask to see the dogs out of their cages and get an overview of their temperament.

Good luck to you in your search!!!
Susan

[Whisk_Luva]

Thank you so much!

So do you think English Cockers suit our family?

Also how easy is it to train a puppy because we often have puppies in our local shelters!?!

[Whisk_Luva]

I have done lots of research... its still not deffo we are getting a dog but its looking likely. Our Gardens being properly fenced next week