How old should the DCs be before we can get a dog

[TheABC]

Been drooling over recent arrivals at the Dogs Trust, but with a toddler and a baby, I know I cannot give a dog the time it deserves at the moment. So, how long so you think I will need to wait?

We have two large dogs (one naughty one nice ) and I have an 8 month old baby.

I would say strangely I have more time for the dogs now as I am off work and even when I return I will be part time so I am actually home more.
I love getting out and walking every day and training etc.
The main problem with mine comes with walking such strong dogs while pushing a pram or wearing a sling- small dogs would be a breeze!

Saying that, I wouldn't have them if I didn't have support from my DH and plenty of time on evenings etc.

Our Mini poodle is not keen on our nephew as he grabbed her ears quite early on (he was around one). He's got MUCH bigger dogs at home- lurcher types so not used to being able to reach ears etc. She only likes it when he's in the high chair so chucking food!

Never left unsupervised with him as you can never quite tell. Dog arrived before child will in our house so this could be interesting. BIL says with hindsight getting the second dog just before finding out nephew was on the way was perhaps 'not ideal'

Interesting mix of opinions on here! I agree its about the temperament and breed more than looks - but a girl can dream! Both myself and DH grew up with dogs and we would love a short haired collie or similar - we go out for walks as a family everyday at the moment and both DH and myself enjoy running. So its got to be a breed that loves going out. But as we are in the middle of training DS to listen to us, its not fair to add the dog too. (Unless we enroll both of them?!) Ah, well, school age plus it is.

I think with a toddler and a baby you have enough on your hands. Wait till youngest is about 5, than bring a dog into your family. Your children will be old enough to understand the rules around dogs.
Also, if you are looking for a rescue dog, most won't re home to children under 5.
Dogs are fantastic pets but they do need a lot of training & care. Puppies are like toddlers, constantly into something- they need gentle guidance for do & don'ts. And even an older rescue dog will need time and training till fully settled into your family.
A dog is a huge commitment.

I waited til mine were 10 and 8, I wanted them to be old enough to enjoy long walks. Dogs can be hard work, and although it's completely worth it, you need to have the time, otherwise it becomes a chore. It would be difficult I think with very little ones.

If you are getting a puppy, bear in mind that you will be up at all hours during potty training. Extra sleep deprivation.

I'd wait until the kids are old enough to understand when told to leave the dog alone and are no longer screaming and grabbing. Otherwise it is up to you when you think it will fit into your family. Remember dogs can live 15 years or more depending on breed. Are you going to be able to commit to it for that long? There may be someone home most of the time now when kids are young but can you be sure that you won't have to leave it for more than 6 hours later in its life? Because full time hours out of the house is a bit much for any dog. They hate it.

We got a puppy when youngest was 22 months - a Labradoodle- the kids all love him but he is the youngest bff and they are gorgeous together (almost a year on).

Fwiw - our puppy slept in a crate downstairs from almost 8 weeks old and has never needed to go outside in the night or ever disturbed us in the night. House training wise he had a handful of accidents in the first couple of weeks and hasn't had any since.

Much easier than any of the kids!

We got ddog1 (a 12 month old rescue Whippet) from the RSPCA when ds1 was 5 years old and ds2 was 2 years old. We got ddog2 (an elderly lurcher) a year later.

We've just started fostering ddog3 (a 15 month old Whippet) and ds1 is now 11 years old. DS2 is 8 years old.

I don't understand why people say they can't have a rescue dog because they have young children. Our three dogs would seem to prove otherwise.

Wish mine had Ruth! We were up at 1 and 5 every night for months. She had a tiny bladder.

Eight here, and that was fine. I can't imagine dragging children out every single day for an energetic breed.

I think your lifestyle will dictate when. We have just adopted our first dog, our DD is 8. We had wanted a dog for years but waited until DD was old enough to walk into school from the gate unassisted, that way we could combine the school run (a mile each way) with the morning walk. I would find it difficult to find the time and energy to walk to the dog AND the child to school in the morning, then do a full days work. But I am sure you are not considering any of these things yet, so I would certainly wait until you know how your days will be arranged when your kids start school.