Small dogs and babies

[Boompi]

I am due with no 1 in Sept and would really like to get a dog. We live in a large flat with a small garden but could only really handle a smallish dog. Any ideas of small breeds that are good with little ones? Is a puppy a bad idea at same time as having a baby!?

[hercules]

A really bad idea! It will create far more work than the baby. I would wait for a while, at least until you are comfortable with the amount of work the baby creates. Then consider whether you want another baby who doesnt wear nappies and is even more of a pita.

[oops]

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[CelluliteQueen]

Baby + established dog = fine

Puppy + baby = bad idea

My puppy (who is now 3 years old and adored to bits) was as much work as baby IMO. She was nearly two before DS arrived and I spend a lot of time training her.

Having a dog and a newborn baby is tough, particularly when you have a dog to walk twice a day but if the dog's there already then you have to make time.

If your baby is due in September then I'd definitely wait a couple of years. BTW congrats on your imminent arrival!

[Socci]

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[kid]

We got a Yorkshire Terrier when he was a year old. Glad he was already house trained as I'm not sure I could handle that.
DD was born when he was 5 and they have always got on well. Apart from DD using the dogs tail to tickle her ear, resulting in the poor dog having a bald tail for years!

I would wait until your baby is a bit older and you have a good routine before I'd even consider getting a dog. Then it would have to be a youngish dog that is already house trained.

[CelluliteQueen]

Socci, that aint a dog - that's an accessory! Seriously my dog is so good with my 18 month old and I am very proud of the the way she is with him. I also think that it is very beneficial for children to grow up around pets but I wouldn't have a puppy and baby in the same year!

[Socci]

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[katzguk]

ditto with everyone else, wait a dog is actually more tieing than a baby, you can take a baby out with you, a dog you'll have to be back in time to walk and feed.

[Boompi]

Thanks everone for your advice - I will take it and wait!
Prob just my maternal instincts kicking in and hormones making me loopy!!

[CountessDracula]

VERY wise!

Honestly it would be a disaster believe me

[Chandra]

Even with a established dog the arrival of the baby is difficult, you really don't have enough time for them and obviously they resent it. I have 3 small babies now... + a husband