We lost our dog 3 yrs ago, at the time I just had a baby, now our kids are older (they are 3, 5 & 16). We've always had dogs, but every dog we ever had was a "used" dog - somewhat older & already trained. Is it best to get a puppy when you have small children so the dog "grows up" with them? What about an older dog, say from a humane shelter? Could an older dog be good with young kids even if they didn't grow up together? How do you know if a dog is okay with kids & also the cat who lives in our house? Or maybe we shouldn't get another dog right now. Please help?! Thx!
2007-03-04
16:35:20
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7 answers
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asked by
sweet pea
5
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Pets
➔ Dogs
First things first, a puppy would be another "child" for you. Housetraining, vet bills (vaccinations, spay/neuter, etc) manner training, chewing, aaaack. Think hard about all the time, money and effort a puppy will require of you. A dog can bond with new humans at any point in their lives, in an amazingly short period of time. Regardless of whether you decide on a puppy or adult (or senior--they make amazing pets!) I highly recommend you adopt a dog through a rescue group, preferrably a group that fosters the dog(s) in volunteers' houses. Because they've been in a house, they've never lost their housetraining (as can sometimes happen at a warehouse type animal shelter), you'll know if they like kids, cats, dogs, men, etc. You'll know they're personality because the foster family can tell you all of that. Plus, you'll be saving a life!
2007-03-04 16:43:44
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answer #1
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answered by Amanda 3
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You need to research the many different breeds and make an educated decision on what you think is the best breed for you and your families lifestyle.AKC has a web site with descriptions of all recognized breeds of dog.(akc.org )You could also read a few books like Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, or Idiots Guide to Choosing, Buying and Raising a Dog.
If properly trained and embraced as a beloved member of the family, any breed can make a great pet.
I say you should stick with what has worked. I prefer puppies myself because I would rather the pup grows up with my kids I personally feel safer this way but I do know other people who would rather have an older pup or young dog because they do not want to go through all the puppy problems. Rescues usually foster the dogs that they have available so the fosters would know about the dogs they have. Almost all shelters test the dogs to find out how able they are to tolerate kids and other animals so they should be able to help. Your best bet is to find a dog or pup you are interested in and spend some time with it to see how the dog and the kids get along. Some rescues will allow you to foster the dog for a period of time to see how out works out. Find a breed you are interested in and then look into rescue.
You should do your research before you bring any animal into your home. As I stated in the beginning any dog can be good with children it is a matter of how the are trained and socialized. Also please keep in mind that small children and babies should never ever be left alone with dogs.
2007-03-04 17:27:28
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answer #2
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answered by Shepherdgirl § 7
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Your kids are still pretty young to be getting a dog. An older dog that has been well socialized to kids and is well trained would be a good option (but hard to find).
If you are set on a young puppy you can find some ideas here - http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/best-dog-breed-for-children.html
Good luck in your search.
2007-03-04 16:46:43
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answer #3
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answered by Chris Smith 3
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Hi. Shelties or Shetland Sheepdogs are terrific with kids. Either a puppy or a full grown adult sheltie would be terrific with children. Males are usually a little more protective of the kids, which is terrific & they are beautiful, intelligent, loyal & easy to train. They will give you & your family a lifetime of love & happiness. Many blessings, Patti
PS A great breeder in Atlanta that sells Shelties is on the website: myshelties.com Her name is Becky & she is terrific! We have purchased 4 Shelties from her & her knowledge is unsurpassed. We have purchased both puppies and a full grown male sheltie from her. All are just wonderful pups with terrific temperaments, beauty & intelligence. Enjoy!
2007-03-04 16:45:14
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answer #4
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answered by Patti 5
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golden rets are really nice with the children . but stick it in the kid's head tha dogs are "human" and should be treated normally and not abusively. have fun with it. but try to get a not so big 1. anyway, golden rets are popular, easy 2 keep and very good companion.
2007-03-04 18:32:38
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answer #5
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answered by John 2
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I think a Labrador retriever is best for you. It's like a real kid as a puppy, but when all grown up, it's as responsible as an adult. But if you don't want a labrador, you should get a puppy who doesn't have lots of hair. You don't want your kids to get asthma. and the less hair, the less ticks it'll get
2007-03-04 16:50:16
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answer #6
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answered by prettypigtails 2
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i adopted a 1.5 years old ckcs (cavalier king charles spaniel), who was treated rather unkindly by her 1st owner.
she absolutely adores human touch- children, strangers & adults. you can't tell she had a traumatic past.
she doesn't bite or nibble when my friends' children played rough with her, or even when pulled by the tail. she is full of energy & make a great jogger's companion.
the ckcs i have, is not an alpha dog. she is quite happy with my 1st maltese, & they play- fight in the mornings. she also socilaize very well with other dogs, & 2 domestic cats (my friends').
2007-03-04 17:32:32
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answer #7
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answered by sista! 6
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