I need opinions. I live in the Seattle area and my daughter is almost 11 and my son is a very lively boy at almost age 1. I'm a stay at home mom and I am wondering if a dog would be good to have? I've always loved bigger family type dogs like retrievers But I also like medium sized bichon Frise or something of that type. I am not one to like to pick up poop but I spose I'd learn.
We live in a towhome (3 stories) too with no yard, but we can walk the dog..I doubt that would be an issue. I'm sure with a dog I'd need to get a "sitter" for when we go out of town, turn my smaller car into a mini van to transport the dog as well.
Would a dog really entertain my son? I've always wanted a 3rd child, but a dog may be a good substitution.
2006-10-23 20:37:13 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Oh my 1 Year old loves Big dogs everytime he sees on he gets all happy and giggles. When i was little we had a german shepard i loved that dog i had that dog since i was born unfornatly we had to get rid of him when i was 14 years old. Having a dog is a good thing specially now bc your son can get to know dogs and learn to be around them and when he gets older the dog will teach him responsiblitly too. That is the thing though you will have to help your 11 year old take care of the dog. That also would be a good thing bc as a family you can walk the dog that would get your whole family outside and enjoy the company. For you though a small dog would be better. But still longs you walk him a lot and take him to the park and let him get energy out then the dog should be fine. Your son would love him.
GOOD LUCK
2006-10-23 20:42:05 · answer #1 · answered by knowssignlanguage 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is totally up to you whether you get a dog or not but remember that dogs are a responsiblity as well as a child and they need as much attention as a child. I suggest a small "house dog" since you have no yard and larger breed dogs need a yard in order to run or they sometimes get destructive, out of boredom. Also "dog sitters" aren't all that great, as they have to come into your home in order to feed/water/exercise your pet. I suggest looking into local kennels, and lets not forget vet visits. Just like the yearly well baby visits to the doctor you'll have to make time for and have the finances for the yearly visits to the vet, not to mention any emergencies that come up. And the cost of a good vet isn't CHEAP, there are some pet insurances however the can be costly as well. And of course you will more than likely be responsible for the dog, the feeding, bathing, walking, picking up after, beleive me it is different with a baby
2006-10-24 03:16:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
YES
we already had our 1 year old dog when my daughter was born. And watching them today...dog is 3 and daughter is 2, I also have a son that is 7 mos old....it's great. they play nicely together. They also tattle on each other as well. Mostly I like it because she is not afraid of dogs like other children that I know.
I wouldn't get a large dog in a town home, too much work and it's not fair to the dog that can't run around. I would research dogs that are known to be friendly with children...I've heard wonderful things about doxins and miniature poodles. They are smart and nice.
2006-10-24 02:04:13 · answer #3 · answered by anna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been in this situation recently. I have a 19 month old and a 6 month old and both the children do great with the dog. I have a beagle and it plays with the kids and then by itself sometimes. Make sure you don't buy a puppy that is not housetrained or you'll find yourself very stressed out. I have 2 children and now a puppy and I am trying to housetrain it and take of my two children and the house and all else. The dog does help with my son and entertaining him, but make sure you get a dog that is not aggressive and one that is either potty trained or easily potty trained. Good luck!!!
2006-10-24 00:19:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No ... unless you ensure the dog passes a temperament test, with flying colors. Your son is far too young to understand that he can't sit on the puppy, poke the puppy in the eyes or pull on it's tail.
Dogs tend to lash out when they've been hurt, and I really don't think you'd be able to live with yourself, if perhaps, your son hurts the dog and the dog seriously hurts your son. I think it's better to wait until your son is around three or four years of age ... better for your son and better the puppy ... IMO.
2006-10-23 20:45:59 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Carol♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. A one year old and a new dog/puppy = too much work!
It dosent sound ideal considering what you`ve explained about your situation.
No yard, you like big dogs (they need lots of exercise every day and they **** bigger - you have to clean it up! ..think of your one year old pickin it up and eating it) (they eat loads too)
If you still want a dog/(3rd child) 10 - 20 years from now, then that might work better and help with empty nest too.
2006-10-23 22:13:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO !!!!!!
pets are NOT playthings for kids - they are FAMILY members & are to be treated as such.
YOU are to play with your kids. Dogs are BIG responsibility & I can just guess that when you let Jr keep bashing the dog over the head with toys & the dog finally gets tired of it & then grows at JR- woosh - off a good dog will go to a pound & be killed....
if you go out of town a lot - NO - no dog....
'get a bird
but for the love of G*D - no dog...
Most dogs we rescue are from homes such as yours
2006-10-24 03:55:21 · answer #7 · answered by polka_123_pa 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Dogs like retrievers need exercise and a yard. If you really want a dog, get a small one better suited for your environment. You need to want a dog though, dont make it a playmate for a baby.
2006-10-24 01:34:33 · answer #8 · answered by KathyS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should wait a year or two! Your baby is still very small, wait till he's a bit bigger and stronger to run around with the pup! He'll enjoy the puppy much more if he's a bit older!
2006-10-23 21:16:46 · answer #9 · answered by Lan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have a 8 and 4 yr old and one due any day and we have a beagle chiwawa mix. hes the sweetest thing ever and we wouldnt trade him for nothing but i gotta tell ya that i dont think a 1 yr old is ready cause im constantly yellin at my 4 yr old to stop pulling his ears, tail, draggin him, pushing him off stuff, uggggggggg i tell ya i have to fuss all day and night about how she treats our dog
2006-10-23 21:54:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋