My Husband and I would really like to get a dog, but we are also not avoiding the baby issue. So if we end up getting a puppy first, will he be jealous of the new "baby" when one arrives? Is there really a good chain of events?
2007-03-24 10:19:44 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think it depends on the type of breed you are looking at. We had a schnauzer for about a year before our 1st child was born---he was treated like a member of the family and he was very jealous to the point of having to put him outside most of the time. However, we have two bassett hounds and they have the best personalities around children---very laid back. Labs are so smart but very active. We love our lab but he gets very excited and wants to play with the kids to roughly. Good luck---just read info about the type of breed you want and see what their personalities are like. good luck
2007-03-24 10:28:30 · answer #1 · answered by GG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if you introduce the baby with the dog slowly, the dog should accept the baby. I would not suggest getting a small dog as they don't go well with children and don't get a dog that you could "baby" (dressing him up, carrying him around, etc.) as that type of dog WILL be very jealous of the child. I suggest a dog like a Beagle, Labrador, Golden Retriever or Dalmatian. You do need to weigh up the pros and cons of each breed (exercise needs, possible health problems, life expectancy, size, etc.) and you need to find a reputable breeder who screens their dogs of hereditary diseases as almost ALL breeds are prone to hereditary diseases.
You do need to remember that once you get your dog, you will be fussing over him/her. When you have your child, you will be fussing over him/her. A dog needs a lot of attention and if you feel that you can not give attention to a dog once your child is born, don't get a dog.
You should also know that dogs need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. When you are pregnant and your husband is fussing over you to make sure you are OK, who will be playing with the dog and taking him out for walks?
2007-03-24 14:33:29 · answer #2 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Imagine this if you will........ your husband is sitting on the couch relaxing after work the dog is messing all over the house and chewing things up, the baby's crying wanting changed or fed and your husband will not help you with the dog messes or the baby. Now not only are you taking care of your husband and the baby you have another A** to wipe plus your own. Is this what you really want? If it is call me i have 2 puppies for you and a husband and kid that are all yours for the taking..................GOOD LUCK!!!
2007-03-24 10:29:33 · answer #3 · answered by Dawni 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the puppy when you are ready to love a puppy and have time for a puppy. If that is before the baby or after the baby - it'll be OK. Just remember that a puppy needs a lot of attention - feeding, housebreaking, training not to chew everything, not to bite, etc. If you have the energy for it, it's wonderful when a child and puppy can grow up together :-).
2007-03-24 10:28:24 · answer #4 · answered by Caro 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually what happens is that the puppy becomes your baby until you have your first child then you are so caught up with the baby and everything else that the dog kind of gets left out as far as attention etc is concerned because there is a shortage of time when you are working and raising a family.
2007-03-24 10:27:35 · answer #5 · answered by mups mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had a dog and when our daughter was born it became quite depressed. She knew that she was no longer going to be pampered and was having to play second fiddle to the baby's needs. Of course we walked her and cared for her but she just wasn't the same friendly dog.
Then 3 years later our son came along at that was just too much for the dog to handle. She died shortly afterwards of heart failure (she was nine years old).
Now that the kids are getting older I think we will get another dog soon. Thus I would suggest waiting until the kids are older before introducing a dog into your lives - just my opinion! Good luck.
2007-03-24 10:32:31 · answer #6 · answered by regrunion 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dogs love our baby. They sniff her and I allow them to lick her feet to keep them from getting jealous. They are protective of her though she is never alone with them I feel comfortable about it. The dogs are here they have been here for 4 years, a new baby did not upset them. We still spend time with them and started teaching them things while I was pregnant so there wouldn't be all these sudden changes. Like at night they started sleeping in the living room instead of our room etc.
2007-03-24 10:26:06 · answer #7 · answered by Chrissy #1 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dogs are social creatures, and they love having anyone around, if you are getting a dog get something small. When the baby comes the dog will just be excited to have a new friend! ( I Just got a puppy back in January and it has been awesome! she is a Papillon soooo smart!)
2007-03-24 10:27:12 · answer #8 · answered by kdube151 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think a puppy and a newborn will get along wonderful together. I don't see you having any problems at all with them getting jealous of each other for they both will be very young and both will be very adorable.
2007-03-24 10:30:00 · answer #9 · answered by teddybear28_38104 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most people underestimate the work involved in caring for and raising a puppy
-teach need to be brushed daily to prevent gum infection
-plan in the cost of surgery/medical expenses
-time committment for exercising the dog
-vet checkups
-cleaning their eyes of dried sleep
-having them groomed regularly
2007-03-24 10:30:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋