Advice Needed :)

[jojo44]

hi, new to all of this am hoping some lovely people can offer some great advice, My family and I are looking into obtaining a new family member. We have read a lot on the internet and asked family friends I have purchased books on raising a puppy for myself and my children to read. This is not for xmas and in fact may be months away before we make a purchase. Im so confused I read up on one breed only to see that maybe it wouldnt be the best choice. Maybe i should explain my situation and then someone could list any breeds that would fit in with our family. I am a stay at home mum who in the not so near future will return to part time work, hubby works and we have 4 lovely children, eldest 10 youngest 3, my partner and I have both owned dogs as children but that was quiet some time ago, ideally would like a robust, friendly, easy to train, must be totally kid proof, we are not sure if it is better to get a puppy or a mature dog? We would like a healthy dog from a registered breeder who has tested all parents. Ok im rambling sorry any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

jojo

[persephone]

Hi, jojo and welcome!

seeing you have plenty of time..and are keen for a good match..may I suggest that you start going to dog shows/obedience clubs..looking at dogs, talking to owners/breeders?

This way you have 'hands-on' experience, not just written info.

You can see the dog interacting with people, get an idea of its size in real life, how loud its bark is, how much it sheds..all things which may be useful.

Good luck!

[jojo44]

Hi, jojo and welcome!

seeing you have plenty of time..and are keen for a good match..may I suggest that you start going to dog shows/obedience clubs..looking at dogs, talking to owners/breeders?

This way you have 'hands-on' experience, not just written info.

You can see the dog interacting with people, get an idea of its size in real life, how loud its bark is, how much it sheds..all things which may be useful.

Good luck!

thanks for that, that sounds like a great idea something the kids would love too.

[Scarlet]

Just a couple of things to think about.

Any puppy will be quite destructive and toilet training can be a little daunting. It takes a lot of consistency - just like training kids

A more mature dog from a rescue organisation or breeder may be easier. You would have to be specific and let them know exactly what you are after but the advantage here is that the owner / carer would have a good idea of the dogs temperament and if it would suit your family.

Small children should be supervised around dogs and should never be allowed to carry dogs or puppies. Dogs often see children as lower than them in the pack order so it is difficult for children to discipline dogs. Saying that it is great for older children to take a dog to obedience classes and even try dog sports.

Dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels are usually great with kids but I think really robust dogs are the retrievers but they are large and in their exuberance can knock young children over.

I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions.

[Kavik]

Some more information about what you would like in a dog would help.

Would you prefer long or short hair? How much grooming are you interested in doing?

How much exercise and training are you willing to do?

What size dog are you after?

What sort of dog appeals to you? - do you like chunky or more lean types, terrier or spaniel types etc

Are you interested in any dog sports or more interested in a companion? (not that they can't be both )

[WinGus]

Welcome to DOL jojo! I echo what Persephone and Scarlet have said!

I must admit I had one breed in mind after all my research, but did visit a number of breeders before making the final decision to get a dog. I had previously been to some dog shows and watched dogs in action, so that was great too.

Puppies can be a bit of a handful, and need lots of care, attention, training and patience. Might be a bit hard when you have four kids and are thinking of returning to work. Vice versa, the excitement of four kids wanting cuddles and play at the same time may scare a puppy. You would probably be better off getting a mature dog.

You really need to think about the time you have spare to give to a dog too, not just a puppy, but a mature dog. I mean in terms of grooming, exercising, play and training. We considered all these things before getting our little baby and haven't looked back since!

Have you tried looking at SelectAPet? http://www.petnet.com.au/selectadog.asp" target="_blank"> http://www.petnet.com.au/selectadog.asp It's pretty good and may help you to narrow your search.

[Poodle wrangler]

Top tips already.

Other things to consider:

* How much exercise do you want to do with the dog?

* How much grooming is OK for you?

* How robust are the children- e.g. will a puppy bowling them over frighten them badly (while he's being trained NOT to do it)?

* A puppy is much like adding a new toddler to the household for the first couple of months.

Many of the working breeds are bred to work all day, every day. How you find time to exercise them sufficiently with 4 kids, I don't know? e.g. cattle dogs, border collies, kelpies and others. Bored dogs that aren't getting their needs met will destroy and bark.

Some breeds are probably more tolerant of children antics than others, but much of this is individual temperament and socialisation beginning with the breeder.

I might get flamed for this, but I prefer a dog without very large, powerful jaws with young children in the house.

Many breeds are like this and wonderful with kids, of course.

All dogs need to be supervised with children as smaller dogs can have snappy temperaments that wouldn't be tolerated in a larger dog and can do damage, also.

Please, please, please don't buy from a pet shop or someone who's just bred their own dog (unregistered breeder or backyard breeder BYB).

They don't health test and a dog with problems is very distressing for both the dog and your family.

I'm not sure if the MDBA have their breeder list up yet? If so, that'd be a good place to start once you've narrowed the breed.

[Falling_dawn]

Something to remember

Some little dogs do have a tendency to be a bit snappy it really depends on the dog

I have a little girl and if I was ever to get another dog I would get a mature dog their personalities are already apparent and you can generally see what your in for if you can get one that is trained its so wonderful

Though puppies are cute my goodness the work you have to put in is huge

And you can get some nasty surprises

mine is wonderful, loving, submisive dog but has some fear problems which showed themselves at about 5 months it was a bit of a shock when suddenly my wonderful puppy showed a nasty streak and needs alot of work to manage

[Reddii]

I agree with what the others have all said - talk to some breeders about their lines and what they are bred for as well. Within the one breed you can find many different types and temperaments. eg - my boy would be fine around kids, he's gentle as a lamb and unless you turn him on will sleep the day away, once in drive though, that's another question entirely. My girl is a driven working lines nut that needs constant work and whilst she is great with kids and would never intentionally hurt them (she gives them kisses when they are crying, I'm sure she would have been a great mother if she was not desexed) I would never trust her in a household with them either. she's just as likely to nip the kid instead of the ball when they went to pick it up. My wife won't even play frisbee with her because she is so full on. Both dogs are of the same breed.

Perhaps also have a look at this link as a starting point

http://us.eukanuba.com/eukanuba/en_US/jsp/...e.jsp?pageID=BS

I'm not suggesting this is the be all and end all, but it is something I came across while having a look aroudn the web one day. when I put in all my details it came up with my dogs (BC's) in the top 3 or 4 choices - the only thing that stopped them being number one is the size of my yard. (Not suggesting they are the right dog for you, just that the toy does have some merit.

It is a starting point to perhaps suggest some breeds that you might like to research a bit further, it certainly isn't definitive.

good luck finding your new puppy or dog.

[shellbyville]

I agree with what everyone has said so far. Research the breeds you think might be suitable, go to any shows/obedience etc so that you can to see dogs in action and also to talk to people about their breed.

Just my opinion and because I am biased toward the labrador retriever, I think you can't go past a lab! A puppy does require some work, lots of consistent training, a lot of people get a dog or puppy and seem to think as long as they are fed and have shelter and lots of pats everything will be great. They also require lots of time and training.

An older lab might be worth looking at. I rehomed an older male labrador (11 months old) to a family with 2 very young children (18 months and 3 years old) and the family absolutely love him and he is great with the kids!

Very gentle and sweet, he did have lots of training with me before he went though!

Labradors are very tolerant of children, but they can be boisterous as puppies. Saying that though any dog regardless of age & no matter what breed will always need to be supervised with kids, and any dog no matter what breed will require effort on your part, so that it becomes a joy to have in your household.

Good luck finding a new family member.

[badboyz]

Shar Pei (rolly dog). Great size (below knee height), easiest breed to toilet train, not usually very destructive or over active, not prone to wander or escape. Easy care, provided they are fed correctly. Robust without being over the top or pushy. Easy to train. Come in every colour of the rainbow and different coat types.

An older pup or mature dog can be a fabulous choice for a busy young family. Most of the hard work is done and the pup/dog is ready to play with the kids straight away. A baby puppy is first and foremost a baby and needs careful handling and training. Having said that, shar pei puppies are often calmer and behave better than most. Biased I know :wink:

Edited December 14, 2007 by badboyz

[Poodle wrangler]

Any ideas jojo44?

[Jessa]

Hi Jo jo

WOW! We're both in similar situations here (see my intro at the welcome mat)

My partner and I and our 4 kids are also (finally) getting our first family dog together! Isn't it exciting! I have done alot of research on 'the best dog for our situation' and narrowed it down to a GIANT FLUFFY We are down to 3; Newfoundland, Bernese mountain dog or a St Bernard... they are all FANTASTIC with kids, gentle and sweet.. GREAT family dogs.. you must be aware though that they grow BIG and must not be allowed to become uncontrollable.. some intense early training is a must. This is just our choice though... I have heard that caveliers are also fantastic with kids.. a beautiful sweet little dog.

I am finding this thread really helpful too! bring on the excellent advice guys! I think I will try 'reddi's' link http://us.eukanuba.com/eukanuba/en_US/jsp/...e.jsp?pageID=BS and 'Wingus's' 'petnet link..

and see what result I get! Might get myself to some dog shows too (thanks Persephone)

Have you narrowed down at all? are you after a large or small dog? what ideas do you have? anyways

Good luck with it Jo jo keep us posted... dying to know what you come up with

[badboyz]

I just did the eukanuba one - and all 3 breeds that I have been (or in one case, plan to be) involved in showed up. The best survey I have yet come across - and pretty good breed descriptions also. Nor is it limited to 4 responses - which is great.

[Nekhbet]

can we just add that make sure you get a dog from a good breeder and you see how the dogs live and behave. Any dogs that are a 'bit shy'or 'oh he's a bit protective I wouldnt pat him' is not something I would purchase for children (especially if you want bomb proof)

I think an older dog or at least something out of the baby puppy stage would be easiest. This way you dont have as much work while your kids are young and the dog can be more forgiving to a little rough play from the younger kids.

Staffies, Labs and Golden Retrievers are a classic choice but yes generally are best and boombproof for the kiddies. Depends what size dog you want too and what you have owned in the past, for me Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Dogue de Bordeauxs can be great but you need to be prepared for the size. They are easier when a little older too. My bordeaux is a fabulous kids dog, he plays gently and never nips or bites. He even lies down when toddlers come near him ... but with anything training does contribute to how the dog turns out. A dog that has learned to run madly with kids will see any child as something to nip or bodyslam not out of malice but playful habit. So then a littly may be the way to go, shows are a great start.

[jojo44]

wow, so many responses.... thanks to all. The breeds we are thinking about are Cavalier king charles as i had one as a child, a english cocker or a golden retriever. Please let me know if a cavvie would be inapropriate to have around my 2 boys aged 3 and 4....oooh we also have a cat and they are pretty good with her.

[Sandra777]

Well personally I don't think you could go past a Staffordshire Bull Terrier - the ultimate children's dog, short haired so virtually no grooming, doesn't dribble, happy with a game and a walk to school and back. That said there is NO SUCH THING as a dog that is "totally bombproof" with children. Dogs are dogs and can't say when they've had enough. IMO the smaller the dog the more chance a child has of accidentally or deliberately hurting it and earn themselves a defensive bite or nip.

[Kavik]

I think those are good choices

Cockers being a bit larger are probably a bit more robust than Cavaliers, but both are nice dogs and a good size to have around children. Goldens are nice too but remember they are going to be a large dog and can be boisterous as pups.

[badboyz]

I would add that if you can find a puppy that has been raised in a household with kids - and even a cat, that would be an excellent choice. Some dogs raised in nice pristine kennels may not be the best choice to join a house full of little people.

[Dogsfevr]

I agree go to a dogshow,it s free & you can see so many dogs in real life first.

Of the breeds listed cavies are great,english springer spaniels are bigger than cockers but smaller than goldies & there great family pets aswell.

There are so many breeds that would be suitable its really a case of size,exercise,coat & what you expect of the dog in the family set up, alos whether it will be inside /outside.

Size of your car for fitting dog & family in.