Considering getting a dog!

[livvylouis]

Hi myself and DH have been considering getting a dog for a while now but it has never seemed like the right time till now. I want to make sure we are making the right decision as our dc's are only 4.5 years and 2 years. I'm wondering if they are still too young as whenever I look at rehoming a dog the charity always seems to want families with children over the age of 8.

I'm also not sure what breed maybe best for our family although I would quite happily have a mongrel if it was right for our family, any advice please!

[clutteredup]

Don't know a lot about breeds etc but you need to think carefully about how much time you have to exercise the dog - small dogs still need walking but if you get an energetic dog like a collie or spaniel you will need to be able to take it out a lot more or have a really big garden so it can run around when you're not walking it . We would like a dog too but I can't face the addition of another thing to look after I have 3DC and a DH and that for me is hard enough and whatever anyone says it will be me who has to look after it , thats befor you factor in cost of feeding , vets bills etc - so choose carefully - am quite jealous really - would love to have a dog really.

[livvylouis]

I work part-time from home and my dh works shifts so the dog shouldn't be left alone for very long periods and having the time to exercise shouldn't be a problem.

[Blondeshavemorefun]

tbh i wouldnt rehome a god with young children - you just dont know what they had been subjected to with their previous owner/s

at 2 and 4 your dc dont sound to young to have a dog

we had a 3mth puppy with a 3mth baby (woofa 1day older than baby) and nearly 3 and 5.5

[Blondeshavemorefun]

dog not god

though sure our woofa may think hes god

[newpup]

I would not say that 4 and 2 is too young for a dog at all.

It is important to make sure you get the right breed of dog though. Think about how much indoor and outdoor space you have. Also how much time you have to exercise a dog, my 14 month old lab needs an hour and a half a day. Some breeds are calmer than others and some are more suitable to families with children.

I agree with Blondeshavemorefun and would get a puppy with young children. If you have the time to devote to it and get the right breed for you it will be a wonderful experience for your family.

By the way labradors are by far the best breed of dog!!

[spugs]

I would like a god to be re-homed with me please preferably a movie god such as Brad Pitt

[livvylouis]

Thanks all.

I tend to agree that a puppy would be the option for our family. Not sure what breed though, we have a fair sized house but not a very big garden in fact it's tiny but we live right next to woods and loads of open fields. Was thinking of a Bichon Frise? But been told that they can be a bit yappy, any other suggestions?

[newpup]

My friend has a wonderful Cavalier King Charles spaniel if you like small dogs. They have a lovely temperament and are good with children. Not yappy at all.

You have to be careful about getting a good breeder as badly bred ones can be prone to health problems but that is the same for quite a few of the pedigrees.

I am a labrador lover but you need to like big dogs!!!

[MitchyInge]

most dogs who have to be rehomed don't have 'problems', it's usually no fault of theirs - divorce, death, other changes of circumstance

[newpup]

Totally agree mitchy, it is never the animals fault. But personally, I would have a puppy with small children.

I know there are people who have successfully rehomed dogs with children but alot of the rehoming centres would only rehome dogs to families with children over the age of 8 anyway. I think this is probably a good guideline.

I applaud anyone rehoming dogs and would consider it myself if I did not have young children.

[newpup]

Just looked at your profile - your spaniels are gorgeaus!!