Hi

Posting this in the hope of "fully activating" my account and getting rid of the annoying welcome message at the bottom of my screen.

I'm considering getting a dog and came across this forum while researching. I've been reading the threads for hours. It's really interesting. You offer some great advice. It's given me a lot of tips and I'll definitely be looking here for help if I do take the plunge and become a dog owner.

Can I just say HOORAY,, the fact that you are reserching and thinking before getting a dog is a great sign.

So many people see a dog on tv or in a show and say 'I want one' without even pausing to think if they are suitable for such a dog.
When you do decide you are ready remember there is lots of advice and experience (good and bad) about both finding a breed of dog that suits and a good breeder /rescue. Many of us have heard the stories and seen the results of bad breeders and puppy farmers and would be more that happy to pass on tips on how to avoid falling into this trap.

One stabij owner Im in contact with made the mistake and is now facing terrible choices about operations on her dog who is just 6 months old because he has a hereditary disorder with his shoulder joints. If only she had asked the stabij community we could have told her that the place she was buying from is a well known puppy farmer and that she should avoid it at all costs.

Hopefully we will see you posting through your planning and into bringing home your pup.

Well that is great that you are researching before getting a dog! Not many people do and they can make a huge mistake. Welcome to the forum if you need any help please ask

Hello and welcome. Well done on doing some research first. Let us know how it all pans out!

Hello and welcome! Good luck if you take the plunge...and can I put a word in for a Rescue Dog? If you're new to dogs a puppy can be a real challenge- we weren't new but our current boy was a shock. If you approach a good rescue (Dog's Trust are brilliant) they will be able to match a dog to your lifestyle and expectations. They will give expert advice and back-up, and will take your dog back in the unlikely event of something going wrong- such as an allergy in the family. The dog you get will have been really well-assessed. If only all breeders were as diligent.