Family Pets

#1mom wrote: My husband and I are thinking of adding a pet to the family. We have 2 children ages 6 and 9. They have been begging for a puppy for the past year and since they are getting older we thought it was a good time. What type of dog do you recommend for a family with young children? Since we are first time pet owners I am trying to read up on all aspects before making the final decision. Do you think it's a better idea to wait until they are a bit older? Any advice from the experts would be appreciated.

Josephine

PrairieMom replied: It depends on what type of a home you have and how much space. if you have a large back yard, then I would suggest a Lab. Personally we always get mixed breed puppys, they are cheaper, and you don't have to worry so much about genetic illnesses.
We have a boarder collie/lab mix and he is great.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: FWIW, we actually just had to get rid of our beloved dog Owen a few weeks ago. Make sure you are ready, real ready. My kids are 2.5 and 11 months, but we had Owen before they were born. We rescued him as a puppy and he is a mixed breed. I love Owen and I always argued when people told me to choose a purebred, but it's the way I would go now. Owen is Akita shepperd mix and Akita's have aggressive tendancies. They are very protective, and although that sounds nice, and it was when I was home alone, he wouldn't let friends come over without me putting him outside. Training is crucial IMO. We did doggy training with Owen, even had him at doggy daycare to help him "settle" down, but he still growled and snapped if we didn't keep him on a "tight leash". So again, I would probably go with a Golden Retriever or Lab or something on the small side. Akitas are big dogs and need A LOT of exercise, which I didn't have the time or effort (after a long day with the kids) to do for him. Little dogs don't seem to need so much of that.

Its completely depends on your family situation though. I think that there has to be at least one person, if not everyone in the family who is completely dedicated to taking care of the pet. DH works long hours so he is no help with the dog. And although I'm a SAHM, I couldn't walk the dog (70 lbs) and both kids. It just got to be too much for us...plus Owen bit our son. That was our deciding factor.

Anyhow, GL. I hope a little of what I said helped. I think all dogs have their own personalities...so I shouldn't blame any one breed. But Goldens really do have good reputations.

indywndy_04 replied:
I totally agree about the mix dogs!!!!

#1mom replied: Thanks for the feedback. I forgot to mention one important factor. I am somewhat allergic to dogs and I've heard there are some dogs that are hypoallergenic. Our neighbor has a poodle and I seem to do ok with her. We are also leaning more towards the smaller breed (one that we can actually hold and cuddle with).

My biggest fear is the dog biting the kids. I'm going to have to think more about this before deciding to get a dog. Obviously I would need a dog that has a good temperment and does well around children (especially young ones like mine).

Thanks again!

Josephine

moped replied: We had a poddle or two growing up - UGH!!!! thats all I can say!

tammyhopkins replied: I seem to keep adding under you Jen Whatever, anyway i am with her Poodles UGH and she wasn't with them as long as me. Yappy, bitting and urine issues is all i can say. Got a Weimriener now i LOVE her good dog but big and needs a whole lot of attention.

Twelve Volt Man replied: I have a Belgian Malinois (for work) and a little tiny 3 pound poodle. The poodle is actually a great dog, but is getting old and is just plain disinterested in my newborn son. I'd echo the previous recommendations of a Labrador or Golden Retriever. They are both very good-natured breeds that do extremely well with kids.

Farelle replied: I've never been without a dog my whole life. The first one we got was when I was about 7-8 years old. He was a big ole shepherd mix and I do mean big, 150 lbs! I personally think it's great for kids to have a pet. It teaches them responsibility and the importance of being humane to animals.
I agree that some of the smaller dogs can be nippers and yappers, but not all. Labs are always a good choice bc they are mellow, but they are big and need more space. I think raising it from a puppy allows for shaping their behavior.
Don't forget your local pound during your search, They have MANY great dogs that are looking for good homes!
Good Luck!

MyBabeMaddie replied:
My cousin is allergic to literally EVERYTHING she should probably look into living in a bubble - Anyways she has a Wheaton Terrier - SOOO FREAKIN CUTE! Plus it doesn't shed at all nor is she allergic to it. Its a perfect size and really friendly.... Me on the other hand I've grown up with German Shepards and Labs...I say those are great dogs but they shed like mad!

lovemy2 replied: We have a German Shepherd - she is wonderful - very protective but very gentle with the kids, etc. and she is the perfect blend of protective and a wonderful hostess!! They aren't for everyone though...big dog and LOTS and LOTS of hair

Here she is....

kit_kats_mom replied: many of the mixed dogs are ok for allergies I've heard. The labradoodle, peekapoo etc.

I know there are a lot of websites out there that help you find the right dog for your family. some things you need to think of in advance are who will watch the dog when you are out of town, how much time are you willing to spend grooming?, how much the vet bills will cost even if the dog is healthy etc.

K is hitting us up hard for one but I keep having visions of the dog pulling a cooling roast beef off of the counter so obviously, we want a very short dog

On the wiemeraner....My best friend got one as a puppy and that dog is as spaztic as can be to this day. Part of it is totally her fault as a poor dog disciplinarian, but part is just the dog. She's a kook. Big and happy but dumb as a box of hair. They are beautiful but they need lots of room...very athletic dogs. When this dog was an adult, it saw me drive up in my new car and literally took a flying leap into my drivers side window, scratching the paint with her rear claws in the process. I hate that dog but for some reason, she just loves me.

PrairieMom replied: I am allergic to dogs too, but I do okay with my lab/boarder collie mix. I don't do so well with my inlaws lab/ something HUGE mix. Maybe its having more than one dog in the house at a time? I think I acclimated to my dog, so I'm not as allergic to him anymore.
I heard that Bishons are supposed to be hypoallergenic, but I am super allergic to my neighbors. Maybe you can just go play with some different kinds and see how you do?

Mommy2BAK replied: Well, we just got a labradoodle, and it is the sweetest thing ever, however, I haven't really read any literature about them and them tendancies, so they may not all be the same as ours. BUT~ they get pretty big if you get one like we have, his daddy was one of those huge poodles.

TANNER'S MOM replied: I have a MinPin and she is great. She has short hair and weighs about 12lbs. She is overweight..lol But they should weigh about 7lbs. She is sturdy and she doesn't fuss much. She was easy to potty train and crate train. She has never snapped at anyone. She is very gentle. We got her when Tanner was about 4. She weighed about 1lb when we got her and has grown alot.

Our outside dog is a Great Pyrennes. There is no greater calmer family dog. But she is HUGE...over 100 lbs. They are herd dogs, they guard the herd. Tanner used to ride her, and when she was tired of his antics she would just go hide. She has been roped alot too. lol

Dogs are a huge commitment though. I hope you find one that blends well with your family.

My dog is sitting beside me now resting as I type this...lol wolf wolf

Mommy2Isabella replied: We have a Great Dane, and I am allergic to animals and don't seem to have any problems with her.

However, probably not what you are looking for. As when she is full grown she will be the size of a small horse But they are great with children and very gentle. They are often referred to as the Gentle Giant.

You said you wanted a LAP dog, well, a great dane would go for that ... lol.

Sorry I am not much help!! Good Luck in your search