I have 3 children (ranging from 18 months to 8yrs) and the older two are very keen to get a dog. A friend's dog (beagal) has had puppies and they have one still in need of a home when old enough. We went to visit yesterday and the kids loved them (I've always wanted a dog too). My concern is that my youngest is too young and it would make things a bit tricky for a while. The constant chewing in particular worries me, it did hurt when they tried to nip my feet so I'm sure the kids wouldn't like that at all. How long does the chewing/biting stage usually last?feet
We have enough space at home, have a garden and I'm a stay at home Mum so puppy wouldn't be left alone except for half an hour on the school run and eventually 2-3 hours once a week when the older ones have swimming lessons (at what age can a puppy be left that long?)
I think a dog for my eldest would be amazing. He is struggling with things a lot at the moment (school, friends, relationship with Dad) and I think a dog would be very therapeutic for him.
My big concerns are:
- if my youngest is too young. Would it be a nightmare trying to keep them apart
- my husband has allergies and I would hate for him to decide we had to re home a dog for this reason. The kids would be devastated
- How hard is the initial puppy stage. Would I struggle to find enough time for the puppy and my youngest
- Things aren't always easy with my husband and his relationship with our kids. I worry that he might threaten to rehome the dog (but not actually do it) as a way of punishing the kids. He also can shout quite a bit, will this scare the puppy and negatively affect it's behaviour/development
Having written all that down I suppose it looks as though now isn't really the time to think about getting a dog but would love advise from others.
Thanks