Would love a dog to add to our family

[Sparkles21]

We have 1 DS due to losses after he was born. The losses were at 21 and 19 weeks and because it was awful and traumatic we decided we would stay as a family of 3. We absolutely love our little trio and we are so grateful for our little boy. He is 5 and has just gone into year 1. Since he started school however I have had this longing for a dog. Have any one child families in the same situation after loss gone on to add a dog to the family?
I know it's a huge commitment but I wouldn't be thinking about it so much if I didn't think I could give a dog what it needs. We are very active as a family and love the outdoors.

I am an only dc.. Dm got us a ddog when both me and ddog were 18 months old.
Ddog was my perfect sibling. Slept on my bed. Came out when I was a teen and trawling the streets with friends after school!! Was my absolute bff.. She died just after we turned 21..

That's so sweet. I Imagine that's how my little boy would be. There's just so many things to consider like cost etc I know I want a dog but seem to talk myself out if it sometimes.

Yes, we did. Very similar situation to you. We got one when DD was 4 who has been a brilliant pet for us, but has never really followed her around so she worried he didn't love her. Then we got another dog when she was 6 who has been a lot harder work for us but who adores her and the feeling is mutual. He is her dog and it's so adorable to see. They are both rescue dogs - labrador cross types and we were lucky to get them both at around 9 months old. Old enough to be house trained but not so old that they weren't socialized or trainable. They are both super gentle, affectionate and well behaved.

It's a big commitment to be sure - you have to be confident you can walk them and give them enough attention, and you probably will lose some items to chewing. But it's immensely rewarding.

I wrote much more than I meant to - I'll stop now!

We got a dog when my son was 4 and they're best friends.

Just to counter the others, my friend got a dog when her DS was 5 and her son became incredibly jealous of the dog, because as a puppy it needed a lot of attention. The boy and the dog haven't really bonded and he resents the dog. It's a shame and has been hugely stressful for her unfortunately.

We had ddogs before my youngest ds was born. He declares them his besties. Can't choose between them he tells me. . They share bedtime stories together still. Ds is 8.
They hang on his every word..

Thank you for all the replies. I know it's a huge commitment and alot to consider. My son already has lots of interaction with my in-laws dogs and he absolutely loves them.

Hi @Sparkles21 , are you still considering a dog? 5 years old is a great age to get a dog - he'll appreciate it more now, and will be able to be gentle with the dog. Is someone home during the day? Personally, I wouldn't recommend a dog if it will end up being home alone all day Monday through Friday.

We have a whippet and she is a great family dog - very gentle with our 1 year old, very affectionate, and very easygoing. Whippets need one good walk/run per day, but otherwise she sleeps about 20 hours!

We have an only child and a dog but no losses. Our dog is wonderful and a huge part of our family. He’s like a toddler that never grows up 😂. The puppy stage is hard but sooooo worth it!

Hi guys! 👋
Yes still considering it. I work 3 days a week and I am out the house all day on those days. We would have help from family on those days. It's a huge commitment and I want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible. Think we maybe looking at a dog around spring next year. Would love to get some recommendations on dog breeds... we absolutely adore collies.. husband grew up with them.

Collies are hard work!

We are in a similar situation and thinking about a dog in next couple of years when DS is around 7. I grew up with a Labrador so would prefer something like that. DH and I had a JRT until DS was 2 who had to be put down due to aggression.

DS is an only child and although I haven’t been through losses as you have, for various reasons we knew he would always be an only child.
We got a dog when he was 6. Not as a furry sibling of any sort, or as a companion for him, but because we’d always wanted a dog and the part time work I did when he was born made it finally feasible. He helped train her, he grew even more comfortable round dogs than he had been previously and they grew up together. I think in a small way it taught him that sometimes needs of an animal mean you have to adjust your plans, or at least plan them a bit more in advance than you would otherwise.
She wasn’t the breed he would have chosen (he wanted a terrier type, she was a Lab) but he loved her to bits.
Like you, we are an active family, so she fit in well to the things we liked doing and the sort of holidays we liked, but as long as you can make arrangements for the work days/outings that can’t include dogs etc then I’d say go for it!

What’s your lifestyle like? Collies are very active, so if you’re regularly/running/going for very long walks, they’d be a good choice. If you’re less active, then there are lots of breeds of all sizes that could work too. Also worth considering how you feel about cleaning lots of fur! If you hoover daily anyway, it’s not so bad, but long haired breeds can shed lots!

We are very active as a family. We love long walks or bike rides in the Peak District, camping as a family etc I enjoy running too 😁

I got a “shichon” (bichon/shih tzu cross) the year before my son who is now 6 was born, and he has been fabulous. He’s my son’s great friend, plays football with him, catch, sleeps in his room. Very fun playful dog, I recommend it for kids, he is such an important member of our family.

I am an oc and we had a terrier cross when I was growing up and she was amazing - always there and so placid, I have such fond memories of her.
DH bought me a springer 9 years ago and we love him so much! We have since had two DD's (2&3) and he's great around them, such good temperament. He comes everywhere with us and I wouldn't have it any other way, he is a huge part of our family

I would second the recommendation of a Whippet or something similar. We got a Bedlington Terrier x Whippet puppy a couple of years ago when our only DS was 7, and she's an amazing family pet. Like a pp mentioned up thread she loves a good walk once a day but is happy sleeping the rest of the time. She is very cuddly and loving, extremely chilled out at home and not demanding in the slightest (especially compared with the two spaniels we had growing up!). The other bonus is that she doesn't shed at all, this comes from the Bedlington Terrier side. She adores our son and the feeling is mutual, we feel he has really benefitted in having a close bond with a pet in the absence of a sibling. Best of luck 🙂

We got a greyhound when mine was 7.

She is the bestest prettiest girl in the whole world

She changed the dynamics in our house for the better

We're a family of 3. DDog actually came before DD and they're the best of friends and I don't feel the need for any more children (not that I can!). It's hard work for the first couple of months but then it's amazing. Do research breeds though. We are quite an indoorsy family so our chihuahua-jack Russell cross fits into the family perfectly. Low-ish walk needs, very happy cuddling and very affectionate. Doesn't need too much excitement or play, but happy to join in when DD is excited.

We have an only and a DDog, they are fabulous together. It's the best thing we did, our DDog is amazing she was so patient and loving with our DS, he does torment her a little, but only in a silly way ( I suppose like you would a sibling) he gives her hugs and kisses they run around the house playing and chasing, it's fab.

We got her when our DS was 4, hopefully she has a long life as they grow together.

Oh we are quite outdoorsy so she comes out with us on our trips out but just as happy to sit and snooze on the sofa.

Our collie was 6 when we had our son…she did need a lot of training and of course we did that prior to our DS. A puppy collie was full on!! Having a newborn, things changes for her and we have had to manage it all very carefully, still do, but our DS is almost 4 and he adores her…I think she likes him lol no seriously she is very good with him!!
She does still need her 2 walks a day and agility once a week, runs with us when we fit or comes out on the bikes, oh and lots of fuss when we have visitors!

I was an only child and grew up with 2 spaniels and a lab, it was brilliant, wonderful dogs and a great addition to a family. Re the jealousy thing someone mentioned, get your child involved in training, take them to the puppy training classes etc. The Steve Mann books are definitely worth a read and he has one for children.
As you’re an active family a spaniel might be worth considering? I’d say still very active but perhaps a little less intense than a collie?

I've just realised there has been quite a few posts since I last replied. Thanks everyone for all advice and tips. I can now say I am the proud owner of a 13 week old Border Collie Puppy 🐶 ❤ yes certain things are hard work with a child etc but the toilet training and crate training has been a breeze he is such a clever boy. The poster who mentioned the Steve Mann book I agree it's fab I purchased it about 2 months before we got our puppy. The one for children looks good so will look at getting that one too 👍