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