ds almost 4 - yes or no to a new dog?

[tracyk]

Our old dog died when ds was 2ish. I'd had her 14 years and had been my life before ds was born. Walking her etc was easy as ds was in a buggy and I worked fairly close to the house.
We've moved now and I work further from home now.
The dog would be in the house on its own 3 days out of 7 till early afternoon.
There are dog walkers in the area -I've seen them out and about and some of my friends have dogs so would be willing to do the 'occassional' walk for us.
Is it practical to get a new dog just now? Is it worth the hassle to let ds grow up with what would effectively be 'his' dog. He's going to be an only child - so it would be like his little sister!
I keep talking myself out of it - but maybe I should just bite the bullet and get a new one.

I say yes,yes,yes!!!!!!
Just got a puppy for my triplets(4yr)and they love her so much. It's lovely to take them all out walking together and they have so much fun with her,mostly using her as a giant pillow but the dog seems to like it!!

It's up to you - do you want one?

I am a very pro dog person, my dcs adored my old dog and have taken to new one ok. A 4yr old is quite capable of walking quite a long way tbh, so that's not an issue.

As long as you have the time to give the dog and can ensure that he/she will have plenty of exercise then go for it! I leave our dog in the garden if I have to go out, she'll sleep in her basket quite happily for the day. She would be fine walked in the morning and left in the kitchen until early afternoon though (not when a puppy obv).

I'd hate to be without a dog but for what it's worth you hit the nail on the head when you said dog walking was easy when your ds was in a buggy. Our dog gets regular walks come rain, hail & shine and it can be difficult to pursuade a 4 year old that it's time to take the dog out. My ds is now 5 and he knows we must walk the dog every day but it can be a battle of wills at times

no

There will be difficulties -- partly because a young dog might not fit in so well with child's pace walks as your old dog would have done.

But you sound like someone who knows just what's involved with having a dog, and someone to whom a dog is very important. Just ask yourself if you have the stamina for the inevitable hassles!

I guess the choice of breed will be important. I got my first dog just before we started a family, and so chose a gundog type: rock solid in terms of not getting grumpy or agressive with the children.

I have a gorgeous terrier now, but he would not be good with oung kids.

My old dog was like a surrogate baby for me - so everything I did revolved around her eg - where to live (near a park), do I go out at night (only if I had a dog sitter or back early), where to work (with flexible hours so I could walk her).
That's what's putting me off a new one. I won't be able to/want to 'give' as much to the new one. I used to walk for an hour or so in the mornings, half an hour at lunchtimes and an hour or so in the evenings. A 4 yo won't keep that up through the winter! But he so loves dogs!
But then - I'd probably get another rescue mutt - so maybe any life with a warm loving home is better than a kennel? and it'd just have to fit in around family life and make do with good walks on the weekend and rushed ones in the week?
I just can't make my mind up - and I know once I've said yes- there's no going back!

Our dog is my DDs 'little brother'. Its great.

If you do decide to get a dog, it would be worth looking for something older than a pup - you simply can't leave a pup all morning, and you'll have less housetraining issues with a somewhat older animal. You also can get a better idea of character. We got a lovely 10 month old who had been kept for show by the breeder but wasnt quite up to standard so needed a family home.

I think I would have to get a smaller breed than I would normally go for - my old one was a springer/collie cross. Though dh is against too small a dog.

It will be good for you to have some time out on your own with the dog sometimes -- and dc will have quality time with dad.

I really, really benefit from the excuse to get out of the house and away from the children sometimes. Of course we do family walks too, but your mental and physical health are hugely benefitted by just-you-and-the-dog outings.

Coming out of summer - I'd take the dog to work with me in the car if no-one was going to be in the house - it wouldn't be too hot by then. Then she could get regular jumps around.

x-posted - oh yes, if you're thinking of a rescue mutt anyway then of course it would have a better time with you.

You used to do a lot... perhaps you should look for something smaller that really doesn't need so much walking on a regular basis.

When I wokred part time away from home my dog came everywhere in the car with me when the weather was cool. He loved it.

It sounds like you are truly a 'doggy' person and should go for it.

That's the other thing - I've put on 2 stone since my old doggy went!

I think you'd be fine getting a dog in your current situation. I'd be telling you how demanding they can be if you hadn't had one before!!
When we got our current dog we looked for a rescue dog. However we couldn't find one that had a 'rock solid' personality and your lo is still quite small so you'll obv need to bare (bear?) this in mind.

I think if you've had a dog before and understand what's involved (as you obviously do) then yes, go for it!

We got a puppy when I was pg with my third and it was such hard work - I had no idea what we were letting ourselves in for.

But he is 2 now and it is lovely seeing him with the children, especially ds who is 7.

And as a family we get loads of walks together which is really nice.

We got our dog when dd was 3 as she was (we thought at the time) going to be an only child.
She's nearly 16 now and the poor dog is nearing the end but would recommend for that age .
I think the dog will soon get used to being on it's own for those 3 days and it's only until early pm.

Well - I thought if we got a dog young enough she would get used to being on her own each day. I'm hoping they get used to whatever the routine is.

hijack - Hi ggirl, I am posting on all three threads that you have posted on today in the hope that you might return to them later...

I need your help (please, please) re suitable person interview for Ofsted if you have a moment. I'm due to be interviewed tomorrow (bit late! 13 months after taking up Chair role)

tracyk..can I recommend a cocker spaniel...we got ours when ds's were 2 and 3 and she is the most amazing pet...placid,...playful but respectful...at the moment (well not this minute!!!) they have her dressed up as Hedwig the owl from HP. she wears a cloak, and glasses! And she never complains just follows on behind waiting for them to include her

Yes Yes, get a new dog, your DS would love it, and grow up with it. I would have loved to have a dog when I was little