I prefer a medium to large breed and have a 1 and 1/2 year old son, so I want a dog that is really good around children. Can you recommend a good dog?
2007-02-14 04:43:24 · 24 answers · asked by rachel_ksr 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My first thought was to recommend the website that someone else already mentioned where you plug in all your info, and then it gives you dog breed ideas. I used it when I was looking for a breed for an apartment with other small animals, and it gave me some great ideas.
Other than that, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Puppies are a lot of work. A lot, lot of work. Many people want to get a puppy for their small child to play with, so that they can grow up together. This is generally not a good idea because, let's face it, you've already got enough of a handful. Also, small children may not yet know how to play nicely with a puppy, and puppies are too immature to know how to play nicely (no teeth or claws) with children. Many puppies are given up to shelters because they are played with too aggressively by small children and never learned how to "play nice." You don't necessarily have to go with an older dog, but one as old as a year or two will already be potty trained, if an indoor dog, and have calmed down from it's puppy craziness a bit (depending on breed).
- Someone also mentioned looking at a shelter. I'm a big supporter of getting shelter animals. All my pets are from shelters. However, shelter pets can be unpredictable and can have issues that regularly cared for pets do not. If you go the shelter pet route, make sure you talk to the supervisors and find out about his temperment and issues before you bring him home. It's easy to bring home a shelter pet just because you feel sorry for him, but if you bring him home and you're unprepared to deal with his issues, you're not doing either of you any good.
- Labs are great dogs, but they are a handful. I'm not saying you should not get one, especially if you decide on an older one. But they are a breed that keeps their 'puppiness' through the first two or three years, unlike many other breeds. They are highly popular, and for good reason. They are wonderful dogs, but they are also world class chewers and highly curious in their early years, which means many ruined pairs of shoes and furniture legs, and lots of emptied garbage cans all over your kitchen floor. Many people get labs because of their popularity without realizing this, and that is why there are so many labs in shelters across America.
- Most of all, before any decision, do your homework. Go to the library and read about how to take care of a dog. Read about the kind of responsibilities that you're signing yourself up for. Both you and your dog want to have a long, happy life together, so it's worth it to realize what you're getting into.
Good luck :)
2007-02-14 05:12:03 · answer #1 · answered by hmx_mail 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Golden retriever, but meet the parents of the dog first. If they are obviously mellow and gentle, you cannot go wrong with this breed. It's by far the least likely of all breeds to be aggressive, in my experience. Very gentle dogs. Labrador Retrievers are next, but they are more energetic usually, which could be too much for a toddler. A few Goldens are high strung, too, so make sure you choose carefully.
Border Collies might be a good choice, also, but again, very energetic dogs. Other nice, gentle pets: a medium sized Poodle; a Spaniel breed other than Cocker or Springer; a Shetland Sheepdog (very delicate dogs).
Generally you want to go with a breed that is bred for obedience type work, not one that is bred for aggressive type work - guard dogs, heelers, and terriers are more likely to get impatient with a grabby, clumsy toddler and bite. Yes, even a Jack Russell. Lap dogs and miniature dogs tend to be less intelligent and act more on instinct, so they may tend to snap at clumsy children also.
2007-02-14 04:57:35 · answer #2 · answered by zilmag 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The golden rule when dealing with children and animals of any kind. Even the most placid and tolerant dog can become agitated by teasing or rough handling, many puppies can be very clumsy and boisterous, unintentionally hurting a young child.
Regardless of breed, there will be a range of personalities in each litter.
For the average household, it is best to go with the "middle puppy" - ie. not the one who charges forward first to greet you (this will be the confident, dominant puppy who may be too much for a busy family with children to handle) nor the one hanging back or cowering in the corner (this puppy is too shy or nervous and again, might not deal well with a busy household).
Pick the puppy that approaches you but does not climb too much all over you or try to mouth your hands and clothes too aggressively. It should not panic if there is an unexpected loud noise (eg. clapped hands) nor struggle too much if it is held and restrained.
My personal Family favorite's are:
#1 Labrador or #2 Golden Retriever:
Good-natured and eager to please, the Lab's love of water can be a nuisance as it will find any puddle available; they both also enjoy retrieving and carrying things around.
Labs are energetic and require a lot of exercise but also adore food. The Golden has a longer coat which needs more grooming.
I hope this helps you! I have been training dogs for many years and have recently built a site which will be growing week by week. If you ever need any more tips feel free to visit our site.
See the listed source below.
Cheers,
Sam
2007-02-14 05:02:33 · answer #3 · answered by Sam H 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it was me, I'd go to your local no-kill shelter and discuss what kind of a dog you are looking for with the adption center counselor. Usually they will have in mind several dogs that would fit exactly what you need. You can get some very nice mixed breeds or even purebred dogs this way.
In general, families seem to love labs. I believe they are still the most registered dog breed in the American Kennel Club. However being so popular has lead to a certain level of genetic weakness in the breed. Still they are considered good family dogs for a reason. I personally love boxers and collies. Both are great family dogs, but in very different ways. Boxers look tough, but are so gentle (at least they try to be. They can be boisterous and bull-in-the-china-shop until they settle down as adults) and every one I have met LOVES kids. My parents' boxer thinks she is a lap dog. Collies are bred for protecting flocks, and they will treat your children as sheep, watching over them and protecting them from any threat ranging from neighborhood dogs to wandering into the street. However collies are independant thinkers. They don't do well witht he repetitive kinds of training techniques that work so well on labs. If you can think ahead of them you can't find a better dog. Lassie is a bit unrealistic collie example, but only a bit...
Another generality is that almost all large breed dogs will be very puppy-like for two full years, sometimes three. They will be very active and rambunctious and mischievous until then. You can avoid this by adopting a youngish adult dog from a shelter or rescue. The added plus is that many times these older dogs have been former house dogs and are housebroken and know basic commands already.
Please consider adopting a dog from a deployed soldier. In my area there are so many soldiers going to Iraq and many, many are being forced to rehome their dogs. My shelter is full of them.
2007-02-14 05:01:00 · answer #4 · answered by Robin D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a really big lab mix and he's wonderful with kids. I did train him well, by taking him with me to school to pick up my kids and exposing him to lots of small children. And he knows he won't get petted unless he's sitting down first. If he knocks someone down, it's from clumsiness.
I have a shepherd mix, though, that likes kids well enough, but gets too wound up if there's too many. I keep a closer eye on her around kids.
What I'm saying is it all depends on the dog. Even well-trained pit bulls can be good with children.
Like the above person, you might want to go with a slightly older dog. Puppies are difficult and you already have a baby. Where I live, there is a program at the local prison, in which the prisoners train the dogs from the shelter...and the dogs are usually wonderful additions to anyone's home.
Make it all easy on yourself since you're a first-timer. Get a dog that's already housebroken and obedience trained, and you'll just have to keep it trained and give it lots of love and your family will have a wonderful friend.
2007-02-14 05:02:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definately a Lab! I got mine as my first dog, and I loved it! They're so easy to train, and they do whatever you like to do. Just make sure you get a boy. Girls are totally different! They don't give you any love. They just live there for food. They protect you, and go for walks easily. They don't need a lot of room. When you get a puppy, get a crate and put it in it at night so it doesn't bark, and chew up things. If you want to train it email me! I have been trying to write a book, and want to be a future dog trainer! I don't think you'll be disappointed! Go to: GrandRiverLabradors.com They're from Ohio or Penn. That's where I got mine! They have a great personality! And they're so beautiful! My email is CCandDuke@Yahoo.com.
Please don't get a dog from a shelter when you have a little kid! The dogs that go there are sometimes abused and any wrong move will send it in attack mode. This has happened many times in our family! Stick to getting one from a breeder!
2007-02-14 05:30:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would inquire with the local rescues and the local shelters. They often have fostered dogs and the foster family can tell you how they are with kids. I'm a behaviorist and I don't recommend puppies to brand new dog owners without a LOT of research first. A slightly older will be easier to housetrain (quite a few already are) and you will get to see its final size and temperament easier than a pup. Labs and lab mixes are very common in shelters and most are great with kids if they get enough exercise. Good luck.
2007-02-14 04:48:35 · answer #7 · answered by Cave Canem 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
That depends on the first time owner.
You have to ask yourself many questions:
Do you have time for a pet? Puppys are alot of work. Can you do that?
Before you get any pet do your research and make sure that is the right pet for you. Too many people get a pet and realize they don't have time, puppys are too much work, get the wrong breed from them, etc...
Go to your local animal shelter/rescue group and they will help you find the perfect pet for you.
Go to:
and find your area. http://www.mypetnanny.info/PD/index.htm
Good Luck!! Your new friend is waiting for you.
2007-02-14 04:54:48 · answer #8 · answered by Kamah 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Labrador Retriever!! Far and away! Excellent with children, low maintenance, playful even in old age, easily trained.
I've had a Black Lab for going on 10 years --NEVER a house accident. She probably stands about 18" tall weighs about 40 lbs (just a guess). Make sure you have a fairly big yard for running.
2007-02-14 05:00:52 · answer #9 · answered by Hayseedless 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
These are all the dogs I know for a fact are great with kids...golden retriever, Bernese mountain dog, border collie (they are beautiful)..I had a half German pinscher and half shar-pei, he was great with all kids. But all really depends on how you raise the dogs, if they are around children a lot than your safe on the kids factor...I would recommend getting a dog that you know has had some experience with kiddos.
2007-02-14 05:00:24 · answer #10 · answered by Ally P 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋