New Dog, or not yet?

[FeralBeryl]

I've only ever peeped in this section, please be gentle with me
Basically, we'd love a dog. 3 DCs of 6 and under. It's not been feasible yet as work has meant we'd be away for (I feel) too many hours in the day to leave one alone.
We'd like a mid range size, I would ideally like a rescue dog, I was brought up with them, and don't really like the idea of paying for animals when some need a home, or am I being idealistic given the kids ages?
We've also held back until the children are old enough to have a little understanding about respecting others space etc.
We don't have a massive garden, but would obviously be committed to at least a couple of walks a day.
So, are we ready? You lot are the only ones I'd trust to ask!

[buckingfrolicks]

Too soon. Dogs are timeconsuming, a rescue dog more so possibly.

For the next week, as many times as you possibly can, think to your self, 'if I had a dog NOW, what would that mean' - so, you're going out with the DCs, you have to also get the dog on a lead, make sure it doesn't tangle up the DC's legs or go out the door before you all, you're getting in the car- who goes in first, dog? DCs? where do you tie/hold on to the dog before you get it in the car. Where in teh car does it go?

You're off to your DPs for lunch... can the dog come? the kids cry because the dog can't come... you get home, DC's tired and demanding. but the dog needs walking NOW, it's piddled in the kitchen you need to wash the floor

You're getting a cold and feel terrible - but the dog needs a walk NOW, it's raining, you take your 6 yr old along, the dog has the squits all over the pavement, you have to clean it up, stop the DC from standing in it, tie the dog up somewhere unless DC strong enough to hold dog lead safely...

etc etc

I wanted a dog very badly and moaned on here about the rescue dog response times - then I did this exercise and realised that no matter how much I love dogs, it is not the right time for my family to get (another) one.

[FeralBeryl]

Thank you very much for replying.
Ill certainly do this over the next few weeks as an exercise.
Car etc, I have a large car with a boot that would be 'separated' by a grille. I could then safely extricate the mob before the dog.
We don't tend to do anything that isn't dog friendly as a rule. Our life revolves around parks, walks, wandering rather than structured activities or travel.
We also have a very dog friendly family and social group. DM as well as DB would be fighting with each other to dog sit given the opportunity also close enough to take over emergency walks if we were all struck down.
It's not something I will rush into though, I'm a firm believer that a dog is on a par, if not worse than having another baby with the commitment required.
I will give it all a lot more thought though, thanks again.

[FarrowandBallAche]

Hi OP

How long are you out of the house atm?

[FeralBeryl]

Hi Farrow, it can be up to 5 hours at the minute, but this changes (permanently) from September.

[FeralBeryl]

Sorry, meant to say it would never be longer than 2-3 tops then

[FarrowandBallAche]

Ok well 2/3 is good.

Tbh lots of people with young dc have dogs and cope really well.

It is another living thing to look after, feed, walk, play with and love and sometimes it can be hard especially when you might be tired looking after your family.

But dogs give us so much and I really believe that if you have the time to look after one properly then they can make a family complete.

How old are your dc?

[MuttonCadet]

Please consider a retired greyhound, they are used to being handled by people, don't usually have the potential issues that rescues can have, and are incredibly gentle.

(Don't require much walking either).

[FeralBeryl]

They are 6, 5 and (almost) 3.
Also desperate for a dog, the eldest has acquired a 'looking after your pet' type book and is obsessed
As I say, I'm certainly not going to race into things, I wouldn't do that to the animal or our family.
I just feel that soon would be the right time, rather than the constant longing for one I've had but known it's not been feasible.

[30DayDead]

Well we had our dog before we had the kids so we managed to cope with a dog and two children under 18mths. So it can be done! It really wasn't that stressful or difficult but it did take both of us to pull our weight. When it came to walking the dog etc. some rescues will consider homes with young families but some won't so you may have to look a bit harder. Good for you for considering a rescue rather than just buying a pup.

[MuttonCadet]

Most greyhound rescues will let you visit numerous times and build up a relationship with a dog before you take them home, indeed, they love people to come and walk the dogs, it might give you some extra time to decide and you'll definitely get a dog that suits you.

[Friendlystories]

Be prepared that some of the bigger rescue organisations (RSPCA, Dogs Trust etc) may not rehome with such young children in the house. This is because the dogs have usually only been assessed in a kennels environment and it's difficult to tell how they will be around children. If you have any smaller, foster based rescues in your area they may be more flexible because the dogs may have lived with children while in foster homes. We adopted our first when DD was 4 but he had been in a foster home with children and was only 4 months old himself so the rescue were confident he was child friendly. I would hang on til September when your hours change if I was you, the longest I will leave mine is about 4 hours and 5 might be stretching it a bit for a new arrival who will need time to settle in. You could start looking at suitable rescue places anytime now though and let them know you will be looking in a few months so they keep you in mind. Good luck

[FeralBeryl]

Thank you-some great information just as I knew you would have here
I will contact some of the smaller centres over summer hols and see if we can visit/help out at all first.
Thanks so much again

[ToomuchChocolatemeansBootcamp]

I agree that 5 hours is too long but 2/3 is very manageable if the dog settles well. Good luck with the smaller rescues, think they would def be a better bet with regard to young children, and definitely spend as much time as you can with any possible dogs before bringing them home permanently.

[Wolfiefan]

I would wait. Nearly three is very young. Many rescues specify school age children.

[mandyMarvel99]

Yes I too would love a dog although would involve me having to either talk my boss into letting it sit under my desk at work or sweettalk my parents into having it during the day. Also am expecting our second child in november.
As someone has said; the bigger charities wont rehome dogs into houses with small children: the youngest minimum age iv seen is 6 but usually its teens and upwards. Even if you found a smaller one who would consider it, Im not sure anyone with 3 young kids would have the time and space to truly monitor and evaluate thoroughly enough how the new dog and kids are interacting. They are animals and if threatened scared or confused could attack. Sorry to be negative. As i say like you i wish it was different...

[Nomorechickens]

We were advised to get a rescue greyhound in similar circumstances to yours. Do some research - they are lovely! My friend got one from a rescue where they board the dog for you when you go on holiday

[mandyMarvel99]

Yes Iv looked at Retired Greyhounds site. Theres a few near me.