Kids and dogs, your opinions please??

gel91

Hi! I've a son whos turning 1 in 2 weeks (OMG!!) and have been offered a puppy which would be ready to bring home in late december, by then I assume my son will be walking more as he's finding his feet at the moment. I'd love to take it as it would get me and Jamie out house more for walks because we live in a flat and so it would need lots of toilet trips and training.

But, you hear so many horror stories about dogs and children and was wondering if that's just from badly trained dogs and if I was to get a puppy and train it from the start, I could minimized the nipped feet and pulled tails from one to the other right??

I wouldn't want it to be any kind of guard dog, just a active and playful puppy which will hopefully turn into a happy dog and they could grow up together?? Kids do get attached to pets don't they?

Reckon kids and doggys shouldn't mix, or no harm in it? Help me decide!

I'm more than up for the challange of training doggy and while it's being toilet trained it will be kept out of bedroom/kitchen and not be allowed in living room when jamies on the floor - just incase of missed spills and wondering hands. But I'm under the understanding that dogs will only take a couple months to toilet train? And yes I'm also aware it's quite cruel to leave a dog in the hallway 24/7, he'll still be allowed to play just not when Jamies down on floor!

Opinions?!

twocsmom

I think a big part depends on the type of dog. Both my kids have grown up with dogs since the day they came home from the hospital and we've never had a problem. You just need to be diligent in protecting both the baby and the dog (babies like to pull ears and tails and climb all over the pups).

gel91

It's part labradour (can't spell) and we're not sure whos shes mated with though, so it's not a pure breed. But the mum is a dog whos very friendly well trained and shes lived with 6 kids growing up too
Edit: but the chances are the daddy is a collie, theres a dog thats allowed to roam the streets up there and often wonders into the garden

twocsmom

A friend who is a vet tells me that pits, rottis, and akitas are the most unpredictable-doesn't mean they can't be great dogs but they can also be less than reliable in the temperment department. We have shepherds and they adore our kids and vice versa. Labs can be high strung, especially as puppies so training is very important (both for dog and baby). My sister had labs with her kids and never had a problem...you will just always have to be alert no matter what kind of dog. I say go for it and enjoy!

staciekins

It doesn't matter if it's a chihauhau, poodle, lab, or pit bull. There are no such thing as bad dogs, just bad owners. It is all in how they are raised from puppyhood. Dogs, unlike humans are born naturally trusting humans and capable of unconditional love that doesn't have to be taught. We are the ones that breech their trust. All animals are capable of agression but will not use it unless they see need. Most dogs if raised properly never see the need. The only thing that really varies significantly is the energy levels. Some breeds are "chewers" and some are "jumpers" and some are "lap dogs". It depends on what you want...good luck. Do some research before you get a dog.

vizamy

Have you had dogs before? Are you experienced in training them?

A puppy is like having a second baby, really. They take a lot of work and they will chew too and may chew on little hands when you are not looking. You may be better off getting a dog that is through the puppy stage, which is already house trained, walks on lead, etc., and which is known to be good with small children. Another advantage of getting a grown dog is that you will know exactly what you are getting. Often a puppy, especially a crossbred puppy, will end up nothing like you were expecting.

Many rescues will have delightful dogs that have been living in a home situation with a foster carer. Unless you are an experienced dog owner, that is what I would recommend you get instead of a puppy.

nadiaez

we went to visit my mum when my daughter was 16 weeks and she has a mixed breed dog that's 3 years old and she was great with the baby...every time she she started crying the dog would come looking for us and get upset when baby was upset. The dog was really protective over her..I know it's not the case for all dogs and probably depends alot on breed and temperament

bethdris

We grew up with dogs. Our kids are 4.5yrs, 2.5yrs and 1.5yrs old. We have an American Bulldog (shes almost 10yrs old), Boxer( hes 4 yrs old) and American PItbull Terrier (hes about 9 weeks).... Yes, our house is crazy and we LOVE it..I wouldn't have a home w/o a dog. (we have a fenced yard, so that helps a lot). The kids and dog interact with eachother all the time. (supervised of course).

Every family is diferent. If I didn't have a fenced yard, I wouldn't have the big dogs. Labs are big by nature and collies are too, so becareful, you may end up with an 60+ pound furry pup with high energy. I would do research on both breeds and see if they fit your family dymanics. Puppies are fun but a LOT of work. (I stay home with the kids, so the puppy has a lot of outside potty time.).

Kym1610

I do not have kids, but I have friends that have both kids and dogs and it seems to work well when the dog is trained properly.
Good luck

meerkat70

A lab is generally a great family dog, loyal, affectionate, and soft as putty. Just make sure you train te dog. Take them to puppy class, socialise them. Yes they take a bit of work, but no, there not like a second baby - unless you either had an unusually easy baby or an unusually difficult dog.

Dogs and people have happily co-existed for a very long time. Be sensible with your dog, and you're giving your child the wonderful gift of a great, loyal friend.

SueGremlin

Kids and dogs are a perfect combination.

gel91

I'd much prefer a puppy to a grown dog out of that stage because with an older dog theres never a garantee as to what his past is and if you know the full story. But I do see your point.

Stacie, that's a very good point, didn't mean to offend you if I did!

Nadia thats lovely that's the kind of thing I'd love!! For them to grow up together, I don't speak to any of my family so I want jamie to have some form of person/pet thats always always there aswell as me

Oh and no I haven't had a dog before but I have read up on them, from jabs upwards and I think I got a pretty good way in my head to tackle both baby and doggy and deal with them both, if all goes well and I do go ahead anyway

gel91

A lab is generally a great family dog, loyal, affectionate, and soft as putty. Just make sure you train te dog. Take them to puppy class, socialise them. Yes they take a bit of work, but no, there not like a second baby - unless you either had an unusually easy baby or an unusually difficult dog.

Dogs and people have happily co-existed for a very long time. Be sensible with your dog, and you're giving your child the wonderful gift of a great, loyal friend.

It seems like an all round good idea to me!! Doggy will go to a good home, jamie gets a friend for life and I get out more excerising for walkies and hopefully meeting others too!

MrsSWW

Have you had dogs before? Are you experienced in training them?

A puppy is like having a second baby, really. They take a lot of work and they will chew too and may chew on little hands when you are not looking. You may be better off getting a dog that is through the puppy stage, which is already house trained, walks on lead, etc., and which is known to be good with small children. Another advantage of getting a grown dog is that you will know exactly what you are getting. Often a puppy, especially a crossbred puppy, will end up nothing like you were expecting.

Many rescues will have delightful dogs that have been living in a home situation with a foster carer. Unless you are an experienced dog owner, that is what I would recommend you get instead of a puppy.

Absolutely right!! We only have rescue dogs and I totally agree that if it's possible to get one who has lived in a family situation as a foster it would be better. Dogs ARE like children: you need to nourish, exercise, educate, and discipline them. If you are not whole-heartedly comitted I would say you aren't yet ready. Please think about it carefully - your child isn't yet walking, have you thought about how much of a handful it will be when you are running round trying to stop them getting into mischief as WELL as training a puppy?

You should never leave a child unattended with ANY breed of dog, large or small.

You asked for opinions, so here's mine (as a dog owner). Wait until your kid has grown a little, then you can choose the family pet that fits in with their personality. I just think a puppy would be a lot for you to take on when you have a child of that age, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to then find another home for the dog if it didn't work out. :flowerforyou:

catcrazy

A few questions to ask yourself...

Will the dog grow to be too big for the size of the flat

Is the flat big enough so the dog has somewhere he can go to escape a noisy lively toddler

Will you still get to walk it with a child in tow when its absolutely p'ing it down with rain for the day (and poop scoop)

If you can answer yes to those then maybe but remember that no matter what the dog breed or the training you should never EVER leave a dog alone with a young child, not even for a second.

I had a HUGE dog and 4 babies over the years. He was very protective of them...of the whole family and he never gave me any cause for concern but I still never left him alone with them, if I needed to briefly pop out of the room (loo trip, answer the door) they were both in I took the dog with me, longer times out the room I took the baby/toddler

twocsmom

It doesn't matter if it's a chihauhau, poodle, lab, or pit bull. There are no such thing as bad dogs, just bad owners. It is all in how they are raised from puppyhood. Dogs, unlike humans are born naturally trusting humans and capable of unconditional love that doesn't have to be taught. We are the ones that breech their trust. All animals are capable of agression but will not use it unless they see need. Most dogs if raised properly never see the need. The only thing that really varies significantly is the energy levels. Some breeds are "chewers" and some are "jumpers" and some are "lap dogs". It depends on what you want...good luck. Do some research before you get a dog.

I agree to an extent-that how you raise and treat a dog greatly affects how they react to you. That being said, I've had two shepherds of my own (grew up with them as well) and they were all raised the same way and treated the same way, but just like people every dog has their own distinct personality. My male dog was sweet as anything to us-but the kids could never have friends over unless he was put outside because his temperament with others was less than sweet. My female is the sweetest thing you've ever met and will let anybody love on her. Each breed has its own unique traits-shepherds are protective and sometimes stand-offish, labs are known for their high energy levels, too many other breeds/personality combos to list. I think it's important to be aware of those things when getting a dog because adding a dog to your family is a life long commitment-these fur babies need to be in their forever home and without prior knowledge about what you are going to be living with they will sometimes lose out on that opportunity.

Banks01

Labs ae good. I've got a golden retriever that awesome with my kids

LorinaLynn

Regardless of whether or not you take this pup, could you please suggest to your friend to have her Lab spayed?

I've worked in shelters and animal hospitals, and it's heartbreaking the number of pets who are put to sleep simply because there's not enough homes.

I'm also a huge advocate of adopting older pets. I agree, with shelter dogs, you don't know their history. But a lot of rescue group foster the dogs in homes for weeks or months, so they've give the dogs a head start on basic obedience and house-training, as well as a pretty solid glimpse into their temperament. Many are fostered in homes with children, with other dogs, with cats, etc. I've known several rescues that became therapy dogs.

gel91

A few questions to ask yourself...

Will the dog grow to be too big for the size of the flat

Is the flat big enough so the dog has somewhere he can go to escape a noisy lively toddler

Will you still get to walk it with a child in tow when its absolutely p'ing it down with rain for the day (and poop scoop)

Won't have time, doggy be coming home late december and we should be moving early january / febuary.

Yep the dog will be allowed anywhere in house, just won't be allowed in same room as Jamie untill toilet trained when Jamies on floor, but when he ain't on the floor doggy can come anywhere except kitchen. I don't like pets in the kitchen plus mines tiny!

Yeah, I LOVE the rain, and I double love the sun! Only thing I wouldn't take him out in would be extreme snow and thunder. I don't think dogs like thunder anyway?

You asked for opinions, so here's mine (as a dog owner). Wait until your kid has grown a little, then you can choose the family pet that fits in with their personality. I just think a puppy would be a lot for you to take on when you have a child of that age, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to then find another home for the dog if it didn't work out

If I didn't have the time or patience for a doggy belive me i wouldnt think of it twice, having a baby was shock enough! but no, i got so much spare time when jamie naps and idk, the house gets lonely - i got loads of time to dedicate to them both but i respect your opinion and your reasons for thinking so!

Kalrez

Dogs? Babies? No thanks, on both counts!

But seriously, use some common sense and you'll be fine. Babies are interactive chew toys for dogs. Don't leave baby unattended with dog. Even the best trained dog can snap. It's not their fault. There's only so much crying and hair pulled I could take before I snapped and ate somebody's face too.

If I were in this situation, I would probably wait on getting a puppy until after my kid was a little older, around 5ish. Toddlers are clumsy. Older children are better able to control their body, pressure when petting, etc. I dunno ... toddlers are enough work in and of themselves. Not sure why you'd want to heap more work on top of that by getting a puppy.

A few questions to ask yourself...

Will the dog grow to be too big for the size of the flat

Is the flat big enough so the dog has somewhere he can go to escape a noisy lively toddler

Will you still get to walk it with a child in tow when its absolutely p'ing it down with rain for the day (and poop scoop)

If you can answer yes to those then maybe

Pets are for life. Think hard before you bring something home.

FearAnLoathing

If its a puppy there is a good chance it will nip the baby,because its a puppy and puppys chew.But if you just keep a good eye,and train the dog well things should be ok. Keep in mind its going to be ALOT of work.It will be just like having another baby in the house.
My 4 year old and our lab are very close,but he was already like 3 when she was born. Labs are great dogs very good with children.
Id say its basicly comes down to if you would be able to handle pretty much having another baby in the house

engineman312

Have you had dogs before? Are you experienced in training them?

A puppy is like having a second baby, really. They take a lot of work and they will chew too and may chew on little hands when you are not looking. You may be better off getting a dog that is through the puppy stage, which is already house trained, walks on lead, etc., and which is known to be good with small children. Another advantage of getting a grown dog is that you will know exactly what you are getting. Often a puppy, especially a crossbred puppy, will end up nothing like you were expecting.

Many rescues will have delightful dogs that have been living in a home situation with a foster carer. Unless you are an experienced dog owner, that is what I would recommend you get instead of a puppy.

quoted for truth. if you have a one year old, you are basically going to training two babies to pee in the proper place. honestly, sooooo many animal shelters already have dogs that are trained up, and adults. i know, everyone wants a puppy because they are sooooooo cute. but you don't know what kind of personalities they have. my advice, go to the aspca, and ask if they have any nice calm dogs, like 3 years old, that'll be good with kids, and hang out with one of them and see how they react with your kid. a puppy just doesn't know his body yet. they don't understand that their teeth and nails can hurt.

_Ben

Labs and kids are normally good together, especially when they are puppies. The only issue is like the other posters said, its like having a second kid, a lot and lot of work

meerkat70

If its a puppy there is a good chance it will nip the baby,because its a puppy and puppys chew.

Labs don't tend to nip when pups. Soft mouths.

But the advice to not leave the baby unsupervised with the dog is sensible.

In other news.... I can't believe how many people are saying it's like having another kid though. I always thought that was one of those things that people who *don't have children* say. Puppies don't (unless you are *really messing up* with the training) wake you through the night for months on end. (Maybe one or two nights - but our two didn't even do that. My daughter on the hand was two years old before she slept through!) They don't require constant breastfeeding. They don't need to be changed, and they toilet train a *whole lot* easier. They don't cry much..... Nope, it really isn't like having another child.... :-)

krstnmuir

we got our second dog (first died of old age) when my last child was about one. The pros I think are the fact that they do grow up together and so dog&baby are used to eachother... I like the idea of a rescue dog, but because of young kids my personal choice was that we get a puppy.
The cons of a puppy with a child that age are that your child and puppy both need 100% supervision and it's so hard sometimes. Also, your child is almost at the stage where he/she'll get into everything, and so will your puppy. the puppy will wake your child from naps, your puppy will have accidents because you were too busy caring for the baby... your child will cry because he/she can't sleep in the dog bed... you will find your child eating dog food, and/or putting all the food into the water dish.... your dog will sneak your childs lunch very often, and or your child will feed your dog things it's not supposed to eat. you'll hate finding dog hair in your childs mouth! and all over your childs sticky hands. Your dog will bump into your wobbly toddler and tears will be shed, tails will come in contact with faces...
Even with all the hard times there is nothing better than seeing the bond between a child and his/her dog... when you come into the room and your child is using your dogs belly for a pillow while watching cartoons it's the sweetest thing ever!
I do suggest you kennel train the dog for smoother times. we didn't do this with the first, but did with the second and it's nice to be able to put her in the kennel when absolutely necessary.
If you are going into it knowing it'll be a very rewarding challenge then I say go for it, but know it's going to be frustrating sometimes and wonderful at others... good luck with your decision.

dlaplume2

I love dogs. I got my first (my own not my parents) when I was pregant with my first. It was fun to train her and then she was super good with the baby.

I think you should consider a few things first, then decide. I don't know where you live, you called it a flat, so I am thinking somewhere in Europe. I don't know how things are there, but here in the states if you don't own your own home, it is very difficult to rent an appartment with a dog. Most landlords don't allow dogs. Make sure your land lord allows dogs and that if you have to move are you prepared to only take a place that accepts dogs? The other thing is it is very time consuming to train a puppy. You have to take them out very often. I know you are looking at that as a plus, but with a baby, you might want to consider that Dec is the middle of winter. It might be easier to do the training during the spring into summer. I do know that when I got my last dog, I considered that and decided to wait until spring. (note I live in North eastern, USA it snows and is very cold in winter.)

The other thing is the chewing. You need to make sure you have plenty of chew toys for the dog and make sure your (I think you said son) son knows not to play with the dogs toys. Puppys are very playful and will not know the difference between which toys are ok and which aren't. Make sure you are prepared to lose a few kids toys. Puppys also go through teething just like babies, you will need to watch that when the puppy starts really chewing on stuff.

In my opinion Labs are the best dogs. I love them. They are very good around kids. I have 5 kids and I have had two black labs, no issues. I think if you truly feel comfortable after answering these questions, then go for it. make sure you spend some time with your son and the puppy to see how they interact, before you bring home the dog.

Best wishes.

Qarol

Why not foster an older dog, instead? Training a puppy can be such fun and rewarding but with a small child in tow? That sounds like an exhausting combination. Fostering is a win-win...you can do a good deed while deciding if this animal is a good fit for your family and lifestyle.

livnlite

I am an avid supporter of dog adoptions to good homes, I think it's wonderful that you would consider taking a dog in to your home. A Labrador is typically a wonderful family pet. They typically have a very good temperament, and are extremely smart and easy to train. You should have a feel for what temperament this puppy has by now. You can kinda see if it will be submissive or aggressive. Labs are genetically designed as retrieving dogs .. they have what is referred to as 'soft mouths' . They can instinctively pick up a hunted bird (for instance) without mauling it or puncturing it's skin with their teeth. Believe it or not, but that is just one of the factors of why they make such great pets. Labs are notorious for chewing .. that is one their traits. Make sure it has plenty of SOFT chew toys so it won't victimize any of your favourite slippers.

Taking in a puppy at the same time you have an infant is not going to lack in challenges. Please consider, exactly WHY you want to take a pet into your home. Is it because it's cute and cuddly and you think it will be a great toy for your child, and may soon tire of challenges involved of having a dog in the house (the potty training, the dirt it will track in onto the same floor that your child will be crawling on, the cost of food, vet bills and regular care) .. or are you willing to take it into your home as a new family member, for the long term no matter what the cost or effort. Labs grow to become quite a large animal, will your household accommodate it's size? As pups and young dogs they also require exercise regularly. This is not the type of dog that will benefit from being neglected (come to think of it, not many breeds are), and may act out in frustration if not handled properly.

I really do wish you well. I love to hear success stories of families who have adopted a pet into their homes. I cringe at the thought of someone taking a pet into their home, only to have it locked up for hours on end, or tied on leash with little or no interaction or socialization at all. Please, do your research, and consider not only what that animal can do for you, but what you can do for that animal. This dog may very well be your own built in babysitter (so to speak) and security system .. Labs are so smart that they can sometimes even alert you to dangers that may be lurking. They are good protectors of their 'pack'.

Again, Best of Luck!

Kalrez

Nope, it really isn't like having another child.... :-)

You're right. If I lock my dog in a crate at night, it's no big deal.

Maybe it's a bit of an overstatement to say that puppies are like having another child, but it's not that large of a stretch. They get into things. They knock stuff over. They ruin things without knowing their value. They poop, pee, and puke unexpectedly. They can whine and cry at night until they get used to sleeping on their own. They depend on you for everything. They don't always listen or do what you want them to do.

But hey. Maybe I have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about. I find both kids and dogs to be far too much work. I'll stick to my cats, thanks.

gel91

Alot of replies!! Can't reply to them all but have read through and I am taking everything on board.

An older dog really isn't an option for me, I'd want to know all of it's background, what kids it had been around how old they were, why did the owners give it away, where did they find it ect, and I'll never be certain I got the whole story. For me a puppy is, the harder, but more safe option. Although I understand it'd be easier!

I have looked after a different friends set of puppys when she went on holiday, about 7 of them with the mum dog aswell when my son was just a few weeks old although that was alot easier because my sons age he couldn't be around the dogs and the mum was still feeding and carrying them around! One of those puppys went to a friend of mine and that dog turned into a terror and I still see the dog often - but I can learn from her mistakes.

And no I don't want a puppy because there cute, I want it for a family pet for me and my boy to grow up with! But the cuteness helps, not gunna lie.

I think all things given, with alot of hard work it's doable, and hopefully it'll be worth it in the end. I think I'm gunna say yes and take one of them. I don't have much else to do with my days so a dog would be a lovely christmas present for us and a welcome family member.

Thanks for all your replys/opinons!

MSDRIZZ

Don't do it. Labs are great dogs, but are allot of work. They need allot of training. They do much better with a yard. You seem to have allot on your plate right now with a small baby. I would recommend not getting a puppy until your son is older and not getting a Lab until you have a yard for him/her to run in. Also if you do plan on getting a dog find out all you can about kennel training. It makes the dog more secure if he has a place to get away from it all and it cuts down on undesirable behavior such as chewing while you are gone or sleeping. Just make sure you do this correctly. It is not to be used as a punishment, but as a time out place so the dog can calm down. Good luck in your choice.