I have 1, 4, and 5 year old children and we would like a puppy but, something that will be good with kids?

Question

basically were looking for a good inside family dog that's easily potty trained and obedient...any suggestions?

Answer 1

With 3 young kids, I recommend that you get an older pup, 6 months or older. They will still be young, cute, and playful, but there is a better chance they will house train quickly (even better is to get a pup from a rescue which may have already house trained the dog and started basic obedience). Young pups, 2-3 months old, are like having a newborn in the house that doesn't wear diapers. Noisy, messy, and a lot of time. Also a lot of fun, but it may be more than you want to take on with young kids!

Not sure what size you're looking for, but I'd recommend any of the following for young kids:
Golden Retriever (Labs can be good, but may be too rambunctious)
Newfoundland (great with kids despite size)
Beagle (love kids)

Avoid very small dogs, as they are easily injured by young kids who don't know to be careful. Also avoid terriers, cocker spaniels, and herding breeds. They tend to nip (herding breeds only do it to herd the kids, but it can scare them all the same).

The kids would probably love to go to the shelter and pick out a mixed breed pup themselves, and mutts are almost always great dogs!

Answer 2

Pugs are really good with kids (usually better if you have the kids first, which you do), but can be hard to potty train. Look online for potty training tips because these are some loving and loyal dogs who will have fun playing with your kids without hurting them.
If you need a workout buddy a lab could be a good dog, too. They can be very well trained (super obedient) and made to be good inside dogs (but can be put outside all day with no problem, if you like. Just make sure to get them enough exercise (daily walk or jog).

Answer 3

Skip the puppy stage . It's like adding another child to the mix. Locate your local Lab rescue. I would go for one that is 1 to 2 years old. They should be potty trained already from their foster home and should be thru the chewing stage.
I have 3 Labs. My black male just "knew" not to jump on small kids. My wife works at a daycare and I took him there a few times. He would just sit down among the little kids for attention.
Now when they are 8 to 10, they were fair game for sitting in their lap(all 90+ lbs) and giving kisses.
You should be able to find one that is good with kids right off. The foster home will have seen the dog in action for a few weeks at least before it was ready for adoption.
Also having a dog in the house wil help your kids immune systems build up.

Answer 4

Any toy sized dogs will be more difficult to potty train. It generally takes longer than bigger breeds.

Look for dog breed that are NOT hearding dogs, or Terriers (way hyper and intensive), or Spaniels (biggest biters of children). Consider breeds that are known for loving children, has the energy level that YOU can deal with and the type of hair that YOU can deal with.

I wanted a giant dog known for being good with kids but my hubby did not want long hair all over the house. We chose a Great Dane and she is fabulous with the kids and trained but is still very clumsy so they complain a lot.

I think that if we did it again (for the kids, this time) that I would have chose a medium/small dog that was kinda fluffy. I have all boys and they seem to want to cuddle with that size/type of dog. I think a poodle (not tiny but not standard sized either) would be perfect. They don't shed. I prefer a sport or puppy cut as opposed to a fancy cut. They are extremely intelligent and trainable. They are active, athletic, and sturdy. They are cuddly and cute.

We had a poodle when I was a kid. He was so awesome. He was tough, followed us kids (all 7) everywhere, and was extremely smart, loyal, and protective. He was no fru-fru dog. A medium sized poodle could be perfect.

Note: Ooh! Just thought of another one - Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier. Even though it is a terrier, they are supposed to be gentle and love children. The are hypoallergenic like poodles, SUPER cute, and like teddy bears their whole lives. They hardly ever shed at all.

Answer 5

It really is up to you, you are the person that will have to care for the puppy any kind you get, people will tell you what they thinks is best . I have had small, medium,large and just now have a ex large one. It is the way you train your dog. That is the key to kids and dogs. My grand kids are (2) 7 year, (1) 3 year olds and a new own. My Newf is just wants to see the little one and know how to play with the older ones. Hope this helps

Answer 6

I would suggest a Jack Russell Terrier very smart dog and good around kids my buddy has one and they have 3 kids all under the age of 10. If you want a great mid-sized dog I would suggest a Golden Retrieveror a Lab

Answer 7

I got my 4 year old a siberian husky.. although huskies are not for everyone.. after all they are high energy.. she is great with my son though, but it took alot of training

For your children (esp with the 1 year old) i would recommend a lab. They are extremely gentle and smart. Potty train is going to be tough with any dog. When you go to the shelter/breeder/pet store see how the puppy reacts... is she very jumpy and biting alot.. remember thats exactly who shes going to be when she comes home. Honestly my son spent the first few weeks playing in his bed room behind a baby gate b/c she took all of his toys and had sharp puppy teeth. Good Luck and be prepared for anything with a puppy!!!!

Answer 8

Golden retrievers are really good with kids, are considered by some to be the smartest of all dogs, and are easily kept inside. Small dogs tend to bite small children when they are annoyed with them, so, even though a smaller dog would be better for an inside dog, the personality of the dog does not go well witht he children.

Answer 9

You can't go wrong with a Golden Retriever. I have 3 kids, they are older than yours. My kids have the best time with her. They lay with her, on her, play with her. She always has a great attitude. They are the perfect family dog.
If you are looking for a golden check your local rescue. If you don't want to put the time into training a puppy they may have a perfect adult dog for you. They will let you know which dog is good with kids. Plus the dog will be house trained!!! Good Luck.

Answer 10

I'm not an expert but,
dont be fooled by a little dog. I've got a toy poodle and he is a little B'strd.
Probably, a Labradore the blind societies use them. They are placid but they molt.

But, whatever you get it must be a young puppy around 10 weeks old. The older kids are going to pull it about so watch out that it doesn't take it out on the baby

Good Luck