Christmas is fast approaching and as usual, my husband and I are scrambling for ideas. The kids already have too many toys and always get loads of presents from family. My daughter has been working on a sleeping poster, she receives a sticker for each night she stays in her bed, and we've made the reward a puppy.This would also make our Christmas so much easier. She's not scheduled to actually finish her poster until after Christmas so we thought that it would be a great surprise, plus my husband and I have been wanting a dog and know the kids would just love it.
I know it's a lot of work, and just like having another child. In the past we've had our furniture chewed up, floors ruined, baseboards chewed, etc. So we are fully aware of how NOT to raise a dog. This time we're going to crate train the dog, and hope that sets us off on the right foot as far as behavior is involved.
Our dilemma...is how to find the right puppy at the right time, just before Christmas. We're thinking a lab, lab-mix, maybe rhodesian ridgeback, retriever, hound...There's still a lot of research to be done.
We absolutely don't want to (and will not) buy from a puppy mill, preferably adopt from a rescue or the Humane Society.
So what do you think? Am I crazy to want a puppy when I have two 3 yr old's and a 6 yr old? or is this a good time? We've pretty much got our mind made up but I can't help but be a little nervous...Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated.
13 comments:
oooh! get a puppy! Get a miniature sheltie!!! My husband had one as a kid (5 kids in his fam) and his oldest sister just got one too (5 kids in her fam). They just continue to herd the kids up and are great dogs!
Thanks for the tip. I'll have to research Shelties. Sounds like a fun dog. So far all I really know is NO Jack Russels, NO Pitt Bulls & NO Boxers.
We have a puppy who is a lab & border collie mix, she is the BEST dog. She doesn't bark, loves the kids & is super sweet. You can see her in this post from my blog
http://ourfullnest.blogspot.com/2009/09/thousand-words-thursdaywhat-difference.html
Oh she is super cute! I'm getting excited about having a puppy. It's been sooo long. Cute Blog, now I am a follower. :)
I don't know much about larger breeds, I have 2 chihuahua (who are actually awesome with my 8 month old, they love her to death and are really protective, they even let her pull their tails and ears, something my husband and I could NEVER do!). But, we crate trained them both from the start and I HIGHLY recommend it! Now, we have the crates in the kitchen with open doors and they go in and out of them all day and sleep in them at night. We also invested in a training class at Petsmart, but only with the first pup and we can really tell a difference between the two. Good luck!
My son was 2.5 yrs old when we got our puppy. I think it was good timing. He was becoming more independent and I had a little more time to devote to our puppy. Just be warned that during that first month, you'll question your decision!
After MUCH research, we ended up adopting a golden retriever and I couldn't be happier with our choice. If you adopt from an animal shelter, I would encourage you to get a puppy. As much as I support adopting from a shelter, I think it is a bigger priority to get a dog that will be good and safe for your kids. Some older dogs can have bad, unknown histories that can pop up at dangerous times.
Good luck with the decisions!!!
I was set that I didnt want a dog until the girls were ALL over 5.. However, God decided we needed a dog, and we have a large dog (she is 15 months old).. Go here so you can read how she got home...
I dont recommend a small dog when you have two mischevious 3 years old as you have, because the may hurt him/her... I recommend a medium or large dog...
Have in mine: The less hair, the easier to groom...
Also, females are sweeter, especially as they get older...
I think you totally need a labrador.. Either chocolate or black, they are just the cutest thing and they are GREAT with kids.. Also, retrievers are GREAT.
Im also brain storming for Christmas because we dont want more toys around.. I mean, we will get them a thing here or there, but we are planning on redecorating their playroom and get new accesories for corners in their playroom... That would be the main gift.
Thanks you guys! I am pleased that no one said "DON'T DO IT!" lol
I do think we want a girl dog. In the past I have known too many males that lift their legs indoors and I don't think I can handle that.
I'm leaning towards a middle sized dog, not too hairy. I do like the sense of security a larger dog would provide sense my hubby works in 24 hr shifts and is gone overnight a lot.
We're leaning towards a lab, lab mix, retriever, etc. but it just depends on what we can find nearer to Christmas time. I agree the younger the better, and the less chance of getting a dog with "issues."
Anelys, your dog is soooo cute! Just like what we're hoping to find.
It is a huge responsability, and I remember she used to CRY TO BE HELD!!!!!!! But she loves the girls a lot, and even though she is very rough while playing, she is very gentle with Mimi (even though she is kinda notice she is growing and is starting to play with her!)...
One thing about getting a puppy is that you will not know their personality until they have hit maturity. With a slightly older dog you will know what you are getting. One great way to go is with a rescue that fosters. They will know the dog better. You can also find a dog in the shelter that has been raised with children.
I would be more than happy to help in the search for a dog. I have worked at a few shelters before. Retrievers are great, but very high energy and they don't mature until later, usually 3-5 years.
A lot of places don't adopt out a Christmas because it can be very stressful on the animals. One of my favorite ideas is giving the kids collars, leashes, toys, dishes for the dog and then actually pick it up after Christmas.
Oh and I wanted to add that pits are GREAT family dogs. Very tolerant of children and great for an only dog household.
We found a litter at a nearby shelter. They have 9 5 wk old pups. They are lab/hound mixes. They won't be available for viewing for two more weeks and can't be adopted for a week after that. So we will take a look. There are a ton that need homes.
I've heard labs are great and we'd prefer a shorter haired dog over a long haired dog.
I personally go for dogs around a year old. Puppies are way to much work for me.
yeah, we're not opposed to an older pup but i would like the kids to have a little puppy. hopefully we'll have it until they're practically in high school so i'd like it if we started with it as a baby...
but i do know it will be a TON of work..for me..
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