My 2 cents. I feel very strongly that dog-ownership is a HUGE responsibility. I have had dogs all of my life.
Properly raising and training a dog does not come naturally. It is something that requires hard work, research, training, etc. I believe that asking a novice to choose the proper puppy, socialize, train and care for it properly, is like asking somebody off the street to perform an appendectomy.
It's hard enough to start with a pup, but a rescue dog that has 'issues' is another thing. I know the popular, socially acceptable thing to do is to rescue a dog. I volunteer at an animal shelter-There is a very, militant attitude about getting a pup from a breeder, (backyard or legitimate). You're the bad guy if you want a puppy, when so many dogs wait for a home.
It is easy to fall into the media perceptions about adopting a dog with an unknown or abusive background. I'm here to tell you, that UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING-you could be bringing a ticking time bomb into your home.
I know there are many exceptions about wonderful experiences with rescue adoptions. We met a great rescue dog at the campground this week. BUT, you have to accept the fact that some dogs may have issues beyond your scope to 'fix'. You may have to access the situation, the potential dangers-and make a hard decision.
