It depends on the dog (and you). All dogs are different. I don`t think it`s lot different from getting an older dog from a breeder tbh.
It`s a question of getting to know each other and learning to communicate mostly, I think.

Thanks for all the replies!

I wouldn't expect them so well behaved to start with at all, and will happily put lots of time in

House training isn't a problem, as when visiting my uncle who had a new pup (Alfie was fully house trained by this point), I ended up taking over for him and taking the pup out about once every 30-60 mins (Man that beagle could pee! ).

It will depend on a few things whether I do get another dog or not, so can only really decide in a few months, but I would really like another!

Many owners suffer from "second dog syndrome"

It is a bit like "second baby syndrome"

Your first baby might sleep 23/24 hours, eat everything, never cry and be out of nappies at 6 months old.

The next one screams 24/7, only drinks milk and is not house trained until it is 3.

Expect the dog to be different, it usually is!

Haha thanks!

Alfie wouldn't eat when I first got him, he barked in his crate alll the time, took monthhhs to house train him fully, but we got there in the end.

As long as I can "get there in the end" again - I should be okay!

It is totally worth it though?

I have three rescues and (as with all dogs) they are all totally different.
Kerrie came first, she was an abused stray. First two days, she was brill, after that she was a hell hound for a good 6 months. Had SA, couldnt walk on a lead, hated other dogs, hated strange men, chewed, chased anything small/furry. But could sit, and was housetrained!


Poppy, show reject. Not house trained, scared of her own shadow, not socialised, couldnt deal with small furries. Brill with other dogs, fantastic off lead, with people and other dogs

Rupert, my first foster dog. Was a poundie on his last day. Had severe SA (used to scream the place down) couldnt walk on a lead. Brill recall, knew basic commands, and house trained. Fab with other dogs/people/cats.

See all different. My three, are probs very bad examples of rescues, an awful of dogs are handed in simply because the owner can no longer afford to keep them (other wise are perfect pets) and not many have as bad experiences and are in such a state as Kerrie was.

What sort of dog are you looking for, are you looking for a challenge, or just a dog who maybe needs a teeny bit of help, or the ready made/well behaved pooch?

I don't need a "ready-made" dog, but probably not one with severe issues.

It is good to hear peoples experiences though!

Best thing to do then, is maybe make a list of what you like in a dog (breed/size/colour/coat length) and just pop along to the local rescue and see whats there. Just keep an open mind.

Kerrie is totally not what I wanted (I wanted a mature long haired male) and I got a total nut job. Rupert was the same, never considered a spaniely type, but he is a fab little man and I adore him.

I know the rough age I want and the rough size, and not toooo hyper active, and not really long haired but apart from that I am pretty open minded about it!

I do really hope I can get another dog.

I will be more than happy to wait though, like if I start looking in July/august time, and it takes over 6 months for the right dog to come in then so be it!

We seem to have like no rescues round me, all a bit of a trek out! (Unless there are any I don't know about round me... lol) But hopefully I can go fairly often when(or if) I start looking

Keep an eye on dogsblog, (Im not even looking, and I do!)

Just had a look and nothing near me - will keep an eye out though thanks

I seem to be in one of the areas where dogs never seem to be!

Our nearest dogs trust is about 45 mins away, sspca near me has literally 8 kennels, and the one time we went there was only huuuuuuuge dogs or staffies (mum won't have a bull breed), and the woman said they don't have a high turnover of dogs.

Wish I had some places closer so I could go for a visit - even on my own!

...parents will need convincing first before I get another dog btw