A Doberman puppy with Kids?

[WouldWoodchuckChuck]

DH has had a Rottweiler and a Doberman among others and I have grown up around large dogs in the the family, including bull mastiffs.

Pros: We have a large garden close to large green spaces. Quiet places for the rest away from family. We're committed to a lot of training and socialisation.

Cons: A cat (but one that mostly stays out of the way until the kids are in bed because he likes to lounge in warm places in peace and be fussed by us as he's had since a kitten), children's ages - 18m and 7y.

Part of me does think it best to wait a couple of years until the youngest is 4/5 and the other thinks a puppy would grow with the kids and be fine.

Has anyone had a puppy Doberman with young kids?

That should say DH grew up with those dogs in the family, he hasn't owned them himself.

I personally wouldn't have large dogs with young children - I'd wait until they were much older.

No, to any dog at those ages.

Is one of your dc called Damian?

What on earth is wrong with a labrador puppy ? or a golden retriever puppy ?

No to a puppy with children that young, for lots of reasons.

For a start l would not be looking at one of those dogs no matter how old the kids are.

If this isn't a windup.... No.
I had a large dog pre DC, but decided to go for something smaller with DC.

DC can help walking a smaller dog. Some smaller breeds are more fun, like throwing a ball, teaching tricks and showing DC how to get the dog to do it.
More manageable for yourself, costs less in upkeep - from my experience, dogs are expensive but expenses can be calculated, kids are even more expensive and there is a huge unknown (from kids party to school trip to new trainers at the end of mouth)
Shorter lifespans. Difficult to get a one from a decent breeder (not enough out there!)
...

Rottweilers are lovely gentle dogs, but they are so powerful I’m not sure if I would….

I personally would counsel against a puppy and an 18 month old. Either one of those is hard enough on its own.

I had a pre kids dog which was still alive for the first few years of my kids life. I found the combination of dog and toddlers an almighty pain in the ass. And that's with an older dog who's not too much trouble!

Kids are now 9 and 11 and we've recently got a new puppy (also a large breed as it happens) and it's so much better. Kids are old enough to really appreciate a dog and to help out. And can be safely left at home if they really don't fancy a walk in the park.

The amount of time I spent last time around dragging a buggy and a dog around wet parks, not even able pop into a cafe and warm up because noone lets in dogs. Honestly shudder at the thought of it.

I think a well bred doberman would be fine but I'd wait a bit - you've got quite a lot on your plate for a couple of years and handling a puppy and a toddler would be hard work!

I adore Dobermans.I have a German Shepherd at the moment. I adore big dogs.

There is no way on hell’s earth I would have had a large breed when my kids were anywhere below adult size.
As puppies they would mean no harm but they would have no idea of their own size and strength.

No due to your kids ages and the poor cat.

Absolutely not.

If you're dead set on a doberman, wait until your youngest is more like 9 or 10. If you're dead set on a dog right now, get something smaller.

I had a cocker and springer spaniel when my kids were 3&4. Biggest mistake of my life. I didn't have the time to train them properly and the kids had to come for every walk - miserable, dark, whatever.

children's ages - 18m and 7y.

Do not get a dog at all.

You will not have the time, energy or patience to deal with ANY dog. Let alone two dogs that need significant training.

I despair that anyone would even consider this..

Is someone at home in the day to look after the puppy/dog?

News story about dog-related family tragedy incoming…

We’ve had two lovely dobes - one when our dd was 9. Fabulous dogs if trained well and good temperament- but puppy days were v hard. Both were v good around children- and my v frail dm on her walker. Dog knew to be careful.
They are large and solid muscle…. And one person dogs.
I would wait until littlest is a bit older. Ours was terrified of the cat who ruled the roost…..

I wouldnt recommend any dog with kids that age

Dobermans need significant input to turn into great dogs, not saying theyll be bad if no input but they are large intelligent animals and a slow walk while kids dawdle and look at sticks and frogs isnt going to cut it.

What will you do if dh away, at work, ill busy and you have to take kids with you?

Will you definetly be able to go training every week?

Im 2 1/4 yrs in to raising a GSD and am only just getting some great progress, chill time, not having to monitor all day

Definitely, it fact get two or three.

I've never had a doberman but love them. I have a German Shepherd and couldn't have managed if my children were still young. She has taken consistent and constant training, she was awful for mouthing and her teeth really hurt, was strong to walk, needed hours of exercise everyday and would steal and chew anything we didn't put high enough for her to be unable to reach. She's a great dog now but I wouldn't have been able to put the time and energy in to her if I had young children.

I don’t know about Doberman’s, but have you the time and commitment for a puppy and all it entails?