We have a 6yr old and a 1yr. He keeps telling me that they are good with kids if you get them as pups. But im not sure. Do i tell him no or get a puppy.
2007-07-13 09:31:23 · 15 answers · asked by Melissa B 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
They are generally good with kids, yes. But, there are some things to think about.
-Age of the children: Your kids are only 6 and 1. Even if they had no intention of being mean, they could seriously annoy or even hurt the dog. This is bad for the dog, of course, and for the kids, because an unhappy dog is usually not a friendly dog. American Bulldogs, even as puppies, are strong, and could do some damage to a child if annoyed or injured.
-Size of the dog: American Bulldogs are big. And strong. Even if the dog was just playing, he could be really rough with the children, knocking them over and playbiting.
-Commitment: Adding a new pet to the family, especially a dog, is like adding a new family member. Your kids are 1 and 6, ages that need constant attention. But a puppy needs attention, too. Just think, with all the busyness in raising two young kids, a puppy might not get all the attention he needs, which could lead to behavioral prroblems and an unhappy dog.
I'm not trying to steer you away from getting a puppy, these are just some things to keep in mind.
Good luck! =]
2007-07-13 09:43:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are inviting really big problems into your life if you get a puppy at this point and time of any breed. I have a new purebred pup that I researched first before I purchased it to make sure it was suited to our lives and lifestyle. I don't work and my kids are all grown and live 8 + hours away so children are not an issue. I have the time to devote to my pup as I don't work and am home all day. She is still sucha handful and keeps me so busy ! I can't imagine how much stress you will be adding to your life because believe me it is stressful. trying to house train and control chewing and misbehavior and Just Plain Puppyness is alot of work. I would be more concerned about her biting your children as my pup tries to bite me in a playful way but your 1 y/o will not understand gentleness and is to young to be around a puppy. Please tell your hub to research it himself so you are not saying absolutely not, just not now. Good Luck
2007-07-13 12:54:27 · answer #2 · answered by victoria c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There was an American Bulldog in my puppy's training class and it was incredibly aggressive. The owner couldn't even let it off of the leash because it would lay on top of the other puppies and try to crush them -- no joke.
There are plenty of other dogs that I think would be a better fit for young children. Get a Golden Retriever!!!
2007-07-13 11:08:56 · answer #3 · answered by Amanda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like all puppies they can be too much at times. However, it will not be mean spirited, just puppy behavior. Also, many times the children bring the bad behavior out of the puppy, and then want to blame the puppy for it.
If you have bullit proof kids that are fine with knocking around with a puppy that will knock back, then I say yes.
You will need a firm hand on the husband as far as getting the pup trained. If he is child-like in his responsibilities around the house, then I would say no. If he is dead on.....then yes.
2007-07-13 09:44:46 · answer #4 · answered by yetitrainsdogs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say read up on the breed , my brother in law has one and she is a terror . No one works with her and she is aggressive to other dogs not to people . I don't trust her period. Now in saying that I have two on my block actually that are perfect male and female ( don't know the age, sorry ) the owner has had them through every obience traininghas worked hard on it too and they are perfect. Other dogs live in the neighborhood and everyone gets along no problem they play with my huskies ( 1 and 6 months) . The breed is stuborn and can be a handfulso read up and make your decision. Just know what you are getting into okay. I don't want to sway you but,if you don't work with them they become liabilites and most humane socities can't or won't take them and they get euthanized ( would you rather have them live there the rest of their life in a cage if no one can take them) . Also check with your home owners insurance some charge more depending on the breed ( pit bulls, bull terriers, rotts, etc) . With the band on certain breeds you never know.
good luck and let us know what happens.
2007-07-13 09:44:44 · answer #5 · answered by michelle m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an American Bulldog. He is 2 1 /2 yrs old and he is fantastic with children. The only concern is that they are big dogs and can easily knock a small child down by mistake. AB's are fabulous family pets. Be sure to get one from a reputable breeder and ask to see their Penn Hip scores! Good luck. :D
Oh, and MissBeckyD, American Bulldogs are not AKC recognized.
2007-07-13 09:36:33 · answer #6 · answered by Karen 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, they are like any other dog, raise them with love and care, get them when they are young, and they do make good family dogs, however, just like any other breed, there can be problem dogs. Deal with a reputable breeder, be prepared to pay a decent amount of money for a good pedigreed dog. Avoid puppy mills, or buying unknown dogs from the newspaper, stay away from "pet shop" dogs and you better your odds of getting a good animal. Again, deal with a breeder and get a pedigreed dog. I can't say that enough. Be sure to get the dog in with a good training program have a good vet and get it checked and vaccinated on time, provide a safe nurturing environment, to have a trouble free addition to the family. ( nope it's not cheap )
Good luck
2007-07-13 09:40:22 · answer #7 · answered by randy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well american bulldogs are generally mild tempered animals and they sould be fine with children as long as you teach them when they are puppies that all humans are superior. But bulldogs tend to have a lot of health problems. Make sure you clean their face because dirt gets in their skin flaps. this can cause eye infections. My neighbors dog was put to sleep because they didn't clean his face around his eyes. So i think it would be fine to get a bulldog. They are good obediant animals.
2007-07-13 09:36:32 · answer #8 · answered by Steubs 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In general American bulldogs are good with kids. Be sure to check petfinder.com to see if you can rescue a puppy. It would save his life. And try to meet the dog before you commit to getting him. You want to see how he acts with your kids and if you feel good about getting him. Good luck!
2007-07-13 09:42:21 · answer #9 · answered by Bambi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2017-02-17 19:01:55 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋