Realistically what age should our kids be before we rehome a dog?

[weeblueberry]

My girls are 3 and 5 and, although we're not planning on anything immediate, we will at some point get a dog.

Most of the rehoming sites I've looked at have very very few dogs that are able to go to homes with children at all and I've yet to see one that doesn't say 8+. Now my parents have done breed specific dog rescue so I completely understand why they do this. You simply don't know enough about a dogs background in most cases to potentially have them stressing about young children.

I just wondered if this was a hard and fast rule or whether it would still be worth going in and chatting with them when the time is right? Both daughters are great around all dogs they've come into contact with, including both my mums rescue dogs who they've been around since birth. My youngest in particular is absolutely enamoured with dogs but, even at three, understands that she shouldn't approach a dog and should wait for them to come to you with palm outstretched etc.

I suppose I just wonder whether these things are done on a case by case basis or whether we should wait the 5 years or so until my youngest is 8 to even start looking at adoption?

[colditz]

I would wait until the youngest child will obey you instantly and without arguing. ie "Let go of the dog"

This could be anywhere from 5 to never.

[weeblueberry]

Actually, she's no saint, but any time I've ever told her to leave my parents dog etc she's done it without question. Not that she needs to be told often. She seems pretty responsive to their moods herself. :) But I completely understand there will be times she won't be and would need to do what I asked.

[AvocadosBeforeMortgages]

Go and chat to them when the time is right for you - the worst they can say is no, so you've nothing to lose.

Do try some of the smaller local / foster based rescues too. They can tend to be more flexible as they have seen the dog in a home environment. I don't know where you are, but All Dogs Matter (N London) would be an example of one such rescue.

You will find that the rescues that are rehoming Romanian street dogs to the UK are surprisingly flexible with who they will rehome to - I understand why, as ultimately the dogs they can't pull from the shelters get PTS. However, I would urge caution. While some of the dogs adjust well to life in a home, some really struggle and I hear about a disproportionate number that end up with significant behavioural problems, particularly around reactivity (e.g. fear aggression) which is the last thing you want when you are an inexperienced dog owner with young children.

[Aprilshouldhavebeenmyname]

My Ds 3.9 has a much better relationship with our ddogs than say 6 months ago.
He understands when to leave them alone +why and has fab chats with them!! Even just apologised to one after he hit her foot with a scooter!
So I would say 3.6.

[WeeMadArthur]

My DS is just 8 and has grown up with dogs but even now I have to remind him that our new dog is not a toy. He is smitten, as any child would be, and sometimes the hugs and attention he wants to give her is too much. I would say that the rescues are right, and are being on the safe side, kids need to be older in order to be sensible around dogs.

[Hoppinggreen]

We got a puppy rather than rehome when the dc were 7 and 11
I’m glad I didn’t do it any earlier and think that the rescues are right
I know people do manage fine with dogs and small children but there are lots of reasons why it’s better to wait if possible

[Phillpot12]

Ours are 5.5yrs and 7.5yrs and we are hoping to get a dog this Summer. Depending on what sort of dog you want I think you would probably find something suitable. I think you are right smaller/breed specific rescues are your best bet.

[SpanielsAreNuts]

Bigger rescues like dogs trust can be flexible on DC age on a case by case basis. DC that have grown up around dogs tend to be ok at a younger age than those who haven't.
Also dogs suitable to be with younger DC do get snapped up immediately and generally won't make it onto the website. You need to talk directly to the rescue and wait.

Personally I would never get a rescue dog being brought in from a foreign country, especially with DC. They are often not family dogs.

I would also be very wary of rescues who are happy to home lots of dogs with young children unless they were keeping the dogs in foster homes and not kennels.

[Wolfiefan]

We waited until youngest was 6. She was old enough to leave the dog alone when she was sleeping or eating.
I also found having a puppy fucking hard work! Separation anxiety and training and toilet training issues. And the mouthing. Good god the mouthing. She ate through a bloody wall!!
You need your kids to be independent enough to allow you to focus on settling in a new dog. What age that is depends on the kids and the exact dog you end up with.
Maybe try a rescue that fosters rather than puts dogs in kennels. You'll have a better idea of how they are with kids and any issues they may have.

[SpanielsAreNuts]

Oh and to answer your main question the age DC can, sensibly, be around dogs is very individual. My 3yr old has a real affinity with dogs, listens well around them and is very intune with them but I know most 3yr olds wouldn't be like her around dogs (and my DS wasn't).

[Judashascomeintosomemoney]

Mine were 6 and 7 when we got our first rescue Labrador (had others since too!) so old enough to listen, understand and be sensible but young enough to feel like they have grown up with him. The DDs are 14 and 15 now and he is still their best friend, they adore him and he them. They have always helped with playing and training and now they’re old enough to walk him and they are very involved with all the vet care too. Since we got him we’ve also had other, older, rescue Labrador girls that have sadly now passed away, the DDs were so good with regards to looking after them. They’ve learnt so much and I can’t imagine them ever being without a dog in future.

[Phillpot12]

Yes, the places we are looking at have foster homes so you get a real idea what the dogs are like. Often with other animals and kids.

[Flippetydip]

We got a retired greyhound when ours were 8 and 6 but they'd have probably let us have one earlier - they seemed quite relaxed about the children. I couldn't face it earlier - I wanted them both at school so that I could work walks into the school run and I wasn't constantly trying to juggle pre-school children and a dog, but maybe you're more patient than I am!

[weeblueberry]

Thanks all! Sounds like when the time comes it’s probably worth having a chat with them, letting them meet my youngest etc.

And no the dog will definitely be a family dog with my partner and I taking on the responsibility. Not daft enough to think my kids will be quite up for scooping poop/walking alone etc on a regular basis. 😊 I love the idea of a retired greyhound. Really don’t want a puppy.

[parklives]

It is possible to get a wonderful adopted dog from abroad.
I've only done this once, and my DDog loves children, and behaves perfectly around them (never left alone etc) I feel guilty I don't have any children of my own to play with because she is the perfect 'family' dog.