Looking to adopt a pup

[rmvworld]

I am looking to be a first time dog owner based in mid levels, hong kong. My wife insists she doesnt want one from the the RSPCA and would want a new pup bred for her. Ideally we're looking for a small dog who wont grow to big and can be a part of our family to grow up with our 7 yr old daughter and our upcoming baby in a few months time. Can anyone recommend where and how we should go about it. We 're zero experienced and are aware a lot of work is involved so before i take on this responsibility for the family i'd like to speak to people who can teach and help me

thanks

[carang]

why in the world doesn't your wife want a pup from the spca? ridiculous.

try spca, hk dog rescue for a start... do NOT buy from breeders/pet shops in hk. many, many, many of these animals are bred in horrible conditions and are sold sick. the number of times i've heard of puppies dying within days of being brought home.... also, you wouldn't want your daughter to become attached to a puppy that may die within a day or two. both the spca and hk dog rescue get "breeds" on a regular basis, they are not all mongrels. you just need to be patient and let them know what you are looking for.

also, don't be fooled that getting a small dog is less work than a large dog. small dogs need exercise and stimulation just as much as big dogs, sometimes even more. many hunting dogs are small-medium sized and they need a LOT more exercise and stimulation. but you may want to look into toy poodles, chihuahuas, king charles spaniels, beagle (very, very, very energetic hunting dog)...

but i strongly suggest that you wait until AFTER the baby is born to get a puppy. puppies are a lot of work and not something you want to be caring for when you are sleepless and also caring for a baby.

[bryant.english]

If you want a labrador, pm me.

Just to add, I agree with everything Cara said except the don't buy from a breeder bit. I know two good labrador breeders and labs. are lovely family dogs.

Don't buy from anyone who isn't recommended, that's a better way to put it IMO..

[Natfixit]

Zero experience = low maintenance dog. I mean, that , all dogs like babies or anything that depends on you needs care, but temperament and innate habits are really important, or you'll find yourself ( which I hope not! ) wanting to off load your ' new family member', and I don't mean the baby. I've grown up with beagles ( labs and cattle dogs) and yes, they are wonderful for a family pet, ahem, member of the family as they will soon make themselves known, being very intuitive, personable, sensitive and loyal dogs ( its the nose that strays...lust one scent and they're off!!), but need discipline from the moment they hit the pre toddler stage ( hard when you have a baby ) plus somewhere to offload all of that energy. We got ours when I was 8 and my sister 6 yrs old, and now agree with my parents that this was an ideal age. There are many beagle owners in the midlevels who could advise you. Bowen Rd is extremely popular and well known for dog walkers. Also the old peak road is grat for exercising your dog. Howevers, along with king Charles spaniels, cocker spaniels and poodles, they make absolutely wonderful family companions. My husband grew up with a Pomeranian and shi tzuis all his life. His parents now have a shi tzu Maltese cross, and she is so gentle around our 18 mth old nephew since he was born. Some off my cousins have poodles and they have been wonderful around their babies and small children.

Please do not go near the pet stores in HK. I walk in some pet shops in causeway bay if I happen to walk past, and the first time, I came out in tears. If I had a million HK bucks, I would take the lot home, but it would not stop this horrible trade. Our cat has half an ear and the other torn, he's fat and demanding ( considering that he was a rescue kitty but has cost us packet in keeping him healthy and happy, within reason) but my husband I love him to bits over his affectionate nature. With the SPC and HK dog rescue, you know at least the dog has been looked over thoroughly and treated properly by a vet. Not just some pet store owner who knows virtually nothing except how to count the money at the end of the day and pour food into its bowl.

Also, research cost. For a puppy to grow up alongside your children is a wonderful thing but you need to be able to afford both.

[Fiona in HKG]

First time dog owner and baby on the way. May I suggest you wait until after the baby is here, I've seen an awful lot of dogs discarded after a baby arrives as it is all too much to handle. Puppies need a lot of care and training and understanding. Please reconsider the timing.

[Fiona in HKG]

.... on the HK Dog Rescue FB page today:


Hong Kong Dog Rescue (HKDR)

33 minutes ago.


Arriving today: 8-month black labrador. No longer wanted because a human baby has arrived. Anyone interested please complete the adoption questionnaire on the website (under Adopt)

[Tanae]

Doesn't the OP want a small dog?

[Tanae]

I'd NEVER get a pup with a baby on the way especially having never owned a dog before. It's enough work for an experienced owner to have a pup with a newborn, but inexperienced...? I seriously think you should wait until WELL after the baby is born.

A workmate of a friend of mine got a schnauzer from a (ahem) pet shop and two months later had her baby and what happened to the pup? Got no exercise, got fat, wrecked half the furniture, got aggressive...a complete disaster.

Don't get a pup right now! It's not fair on the dog. But I guess it's up to you at the end of the day.

[Fiona in HKG]

Doesn't the OP want a small dog?

Hi Tanae, not sure if directed at my post but I wasn't trying to put a dog in their lap, merely demonstrating that too often, dogs are abandoned due to there being a baby in the household.

[Tanae]

Yeah, I understood your post Fiona. Bryant needs to read the original again. lol