Dog - when should I buy one, how and where and what type?

[MeanBean]

I'm being constantly nagged to get a dog, by friends etc. My DS is almost 5 and my DD is almost 2. Is this too young? I've been holding out as it represents yet another job for me (I'm a single mother with a part-time job), but I also do like the idea of getting one, know it's good for children to have pets, and don't like the fact that my DS is scared of them and want to cure him by having a lovely golden retriever (possibly). Does anyone know lots about dogs and have any advice on how they mix with kids and what age is good to get one? would be very grateful for any advice.

I don't think there is any given age which is deemed to be better than any other. With young children, you need to think carefully about age and breed of dog. Some breeds are better than others. Getting a dog as a puppy is the ideal, but you have to be sure that you can give them the attention and training necessary. And a puppy can demand a lot of attention. If you go for an older dog, you need to be sure that it is safe around children. If you have a particular breed in mind, such as a retriever, it might be an idea to contact your local retriever rescue organisation. Explain your requirements and they will only let you have a dog which fits those requirements. They often get dogs which are lovely family pets but have been given up through unfortunate circumstances, e.g. divorce, moving abroad, etc.

Having said that, you might like to consider a smaller breed, if you feel your son might be happier with a less overwhelming dog.

Whichever breed you chose is irrelevant. Every dog is different and how they are is often down to their owners. I have known perfectly happy, safe rottweilers and vicious labradors. Breed is not everything.

If you feel you cannot cope with a puppy, and you have to be prepared for a lot of work with a puppy, then you have to be very certain that the dog you do take on is safe around your children.

Sorry, have just reread that and it seems that I'm contradicting myself wrt breed. Breed can be irrelevant depending on the dog's history. However, some breeds are generally considered to be better with children than others. In the end, it is down to the individual dog.

There was a long thread on this a while ago. (I think the answer was a resounding NO! )

Not an expert with dogs but do have a 7 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback. Everyone was very enthusiastic when we got her, but after weeks of being woken at night; socks being eaten & the sheer responsibility of someone having to Watch The Dog at all times, my kids (16, 14, 12) have all gone off the idea!

There are a number of websites (www.pedigreedogs.co.uk is one) that let you enter your own family circumstances & tell you what breeds would be most suitable for you.

TBH I wouldn't want a big dog with a 2 year old, but obviously you know your kids best. Good luck!

rhodesian ridgeback gets my vote - after the initial puppy stages they are great loyal and cool dogs. Not in your face not too ahiry big enough to scare intruders but not biters nor big barkers.
We're getting one when we move!
I too would advise a puppy as then you can be srue of its nature and upbringing - no nasty surpises there..

kiwi I have a 3 year old Ridgeback - if you would like a breeder recommendation or any advice pls let me know - ours is very very sweet and bred for temprament.

puppies v bitey meanbean. May be good to wait a year until dd can be taught not to be bitten!

Golden retrievers are gorgeous dogs but they take a long time to grow up and they can be quite big and my be boisterous with a young child. Dh and I spent a year cosidering this very question as both of us work full-time and we don't have loads of space, we also had to be sure that we could be committed to exercising it. Loads of problems in dogs are caused because they don't get enough exercise and they can be very destructive.
Three months ago we got a beagle!
And you know what? It's one of the best things we ever did. She is beautiful.

Be prepared for hair-there is no dog on earth that moults like a golden retriever. If they could invent one that didnt, I would have 10!

Are you sure it's a good idea to get a dog for a child who is frightened of them???

And I would like to mention that if (WHEN!!!) we get a dog, we will be getting ours from a rescue centre. Ridiculous numbers of dogs are put down every day because they don't have homes. You could get a puppy from a rescue centre and there are places set up which deal exclusively with specific breeds.

I personally quite like the idea of a greyhound, they're lovely gentle dogs.

We had a golden retriever/labrador when my brother was 2 and they grew up together although she was quite big and scary at first. Dogs need 2 walks a day too(even in the rain and on very cold mornings which puts me off!)but I guess you know that already...

Or you could get a whippet i.e. a small greyhound!!

Most rescue centres wouldnt home a dog with a child of 2 (even a puppy) so probably not an option.
Agree Greyhounds lovely dogs, just a problem with cats and possibly a bit "fragile" with small children-quite sensitive in both temperament and low pain threshold sort of way.

I agree that 'when' isn't neccesarily as important as which dog you get. I have a friend who's cross breed is fantastic with everyone including very young children, but my mothers golden retriever was one nasty dog! (With just about everyone, he was from a dogs home and about 18 months old when she got him.) We had terriers (jack russells) when we were younger, and despite their 'reputation' for being snappy, they were always brilliant little softies - but they need a lot of exercise - they're bred to work. We had a lovely border collie too, but my MIL's one is nasty. I think in the future, when we get one it will probably be a cross breed (a mongrel, but I certainly don't mean it in a derogatary way!) Out of all the dogs I've known with friends and family, they seem to have the best track record. Then again......I do think Beagles and Rhodesian Ridgebacks are gorgeous!

Poodles don't shed hair. Or you could go for a Labradoodle! I've always wanted one of these - cross between a labrador and a poodle (look like a labrador with a bad perm!) - but they are very hard to find and quite expensive.

Our last dog was 3/4 Alsation and 1/4 whippet. She was 5 when DS1 was born and, having been treated as my surrogate baby until then, I thought we might have problems, but she was absolutely brilliant. I'd had her since she was 6 weeks old and loved her to pieces. Our current dog is a Scottish type border collie from a rescue centre. We have been very careful with him as he is clearly uncertain around children. He's very sensitive to loud noises and I think the noise the children make unsettles him. He is getting better every day and is a lovely dog. I just don't understand how anyone could have abandoned him Still, their loss is our gain.

With children as young as 2, I would be very wary about getting a rescue dog, unless the rescue centre knows a lot about its background. A puppy would be better if you can stand the mess and give it the attention it needs.

CD YES pls!!! WE are not moving til summer hols but would love to consider a puppy after that, we are happy with the runt of the litter, we would get it neutered/spayed whatever...
Cheers

Beagles and King Charles Spaniels (sp?) are supposed to be good with kids...agree with others that Retrievers take a long time to grow up (they are teenagers for waaaaay longer than any other dog...) We have a mutt (got before ds was born...) He's medium sized and stupid...but nearly went back several times due to the fact he was VERY boistrous to begin with. If you do want a retriever find out if there is a guide dog training centre near you - they are always looking to rehome 'failed' guide dogs - which, of course, will be very well trained!

Kiwi you will need to sort it all out now and get on the waiting list - it took us 9 months to get a pup and I know people who have waited 2 years!

Secur it's so weird the way people say Ridgebacks are aloof - ours is nicknamed Wiggle because she can't even pass someone in the street without wagging her tail like mad and wanting to meet them - she is such a friendly girl! She loves cuddles with strangers and family alike.

Also re the exercise bit, they don't need that much - for the first year you can't let them walk longer than an hour anyway as it can promote hip problems in later life. Ours gets about an hour a day if dh doesn't walk her in the mornings (which he does for 40 mins about 2 or 3x a week) and more at weekends, but is very happy with less. They are basically slobby comfort seeking dogs who are very happy as long as they have plenty of company and a comfy bed (or preferably sofa!!!) They are NOT suitable for leaving all day when you are out at work (but then I don't think you should do that to any dog!)

Ours was an ideal pup, never chewed anything, arrived fully house trained and never even weed in the house. The breeder we got her from lets them grow up in a little room off the kitchen and she has kids so they get handled and played with in a family environment from the word go. She is a very normal person

There is a dog that has been bred especially for familes with children and allergies although I have no idea what they are like. They are a new breed and a cross between a poddle and retriever so the hair isnt a problem but you have the temperment of a gr. have to say my sister has a gf and she is not good with children at all. They have no kids but find the dog a huge commitment as they both work full time and so have to pay someone to come in everyday to walk it and this is not enough as it is. Dont know what's been said but I do think you have to be at home the majority of the time to avoid problems. As a child we had a dog who was left all day and used to destroy the house and then turned violent. very sad and in the end had to be pts.

are you really sure about this? i have 2 ds's, a dog and a cat and as an animal lover there are a lot of days when i find it too much. i also have friends who have sent their dogs/cats to rescue centres because they can't cope with the care, attention and money the animals need. if someone gave me even a plant to water i think i would run away wailing

meanbean, we have decided to get a dog (very likely to be a welsh terrier puppy), dd is going to be 5 in July. I have had dogs before, and so has dh, but until now we never felt really ready to have one. I think it's a bit like deciding that you're ready to have children, you just get that feeling!! To me getting a dog is like getting a child that never really grows up and will always need a lot of attention.... But I am happy with that, the extra work (mainly mine...), the extra cost, and ..... the extra love and fun a dog brings!! However choose carefully, and do get a puppy. Maybe 2 is a bit young with a puppy though. But it is a good idea to get a dog for a child who is scared of dogs, that's why my parents got our first dog (brother was scared). Don't get a rescued greyhound , they are good but have no idea about playing!! Also very big and you need strength to walk them safely. Good Luck!!!

I have only skimmed the thread and have no knowledge about dogs myself; however, a friend of mine recently got a lovely spaniel from Battersea Dogs Home. The dog is very well-behaved, great with my DS and about 7 years old (not as excitable as a puppy). My friend was given a thorough grilling about his lifestyle, accomodation etc and they made sure he would be a suitable owner. They then suggested the right sort of dog for his circumstances, and he chose from their suggestions. He paid £70 I think. If you are in the greater London area it might be an idea.

The dog was fully vaccinated as well, which saves on costs.