Should my kids be trusted with a dog?

[BlueCheese23]

Heya, I've got a little boy called Thomas and I'm pregnant. I'm thinking about getting a family dog, as I had one when I was little too. Should I get one, or is it too risky for the kids? What breed? Please reply quickly; my plan is to get in in Jan, a bit before my baby's born!

Do not get a dog. You will not have the time, energy or emotional strength to deal with either a puppy or an older rescue and a new baby and young child.

Wait till your youngest is at least out of nappies.

A new dog just before a new baby? I think you’re barking, Op!
WIt until your child is old enough to know how to treat animals properly.

No, baby and puppy is a bad idea op.
If I were you I'd really visit the idea in a couple of years .

Getting a dog and having a baby at the same time is a bad idea. Dogs, whether you get a puppy or an older dog, need months to settle in.

Having a baby is a huge disruption and dogs that have lived in the family for years struggle to cope, let alone a new dog.
Having a puppy is harder than a newborn, it can take up to 2 years to fully train them.
I would wait until youngest is at least 5 years old before you get a dog.

You need to look at the size of your house and garden, how much time and exercise you can give, grooming requirements, behavioural traits etc and research different breeds.

You’re frankly bat shit crazy to even be considering it.

Don't do it! Family dogs are lovely, but right before a new baby is bad timing.
Think of your days - you'll be with your first baby, trying to sort out breastfeeding and sleep, and have to walk the dog in the meantime, not to mention any issues with toileting or barking.

Give it time..

No. Don't be daft.

For once in my life I agree with everyone else. Dogs need training, walking, love and attention, clearing up after dog poo, and it might get chased by toddlers and get snappy. Wait til kids are older.

God no. We had our dog 3 years before our first child was born and it was still hard work. Couldny imagine a puppy and a newborn.

Well this won't go down well from all the other comments you have had!
I was pregnant last Christmas with my second and we got our two year old a Bassett Hound puppy! It's the best thing we ever done!

I had two little Jack Russell's long before getting with my partner. The problem was they hadn't grown up around babies and children, as my little one started walking around he became obsessed with the dogs and wanting to play. I was on edge constantly!!
Both dogs understandably just did not like this crazy, bonkers toddler bounding towards them whilst trying to throw toys, cushions etc at them!

The decision was made to get a puppy, that would know no different than a home with children in it.
They are the best of friends now..
And my two Jack Russell's are so chilled out and happy now because they know they are left alone!

Do it!! Just make sure you do lots and lots of research, you have to get the right breed for you and your family xx

But sunshining, you were an experienced dog owner. I think getting a first dog is a very bad plan with a new baby on the way.

Don't.

Maybe you could call it Candy.

You are absolutely batshit crazy to get a new dog at the same time as you have a toddler and a baby. They are like having another toddler who gets you up at night can't be left alone for more than a couple hours and cannot be reasoned with. Wait till both kids are at school then do some research.

No, it's a really dumb idea to get a dog when you're expecting a baby and have a small child. I can see you trying to re-home the dog within a few months of your baby being born.

I had one when I was little too

Your parents were the ones doing all the work of looking after the dog.

No way puppy's bite, not through malice but they mouth and teeth and destroy stuff, not a good combo get a hamster

Wait until the kids are older.