Getting A New Puppy With Toddler

[JRT Lover]

Hi, this is my first dol post. I have just lost my beloved 14.5 year old JRT and am devastated, but looking for some advice from fellow dog lovers about when to introduce a new puppy (not necessarily a JRT) as I have an almost-crawling baby and will hopefully have another child in a couple of years. I'm not in the head-space to get a new puppy just yet, but interested to hear your thoughts on when to do that. Should we get one soon and train the puppy along with the child/ren? Or wait until the second child is past the dog-terrorising age? My head says wait until they're old enough to not pull its ears, but my heart doesn't know if I can be dogless for so many years.

And while I'm on the topic, breed suggestions would be most welcome. Small-medium inside dog to live on a horse property with lots of opportunity to run, non-shedding coat preferred as well as a coat that won't pick up half the paddock.

Your thoughts most welcome :)

[YvonneM]

I don't have much useful information to offer for you, but wanted to say sorry to hear about your loss of your JRT. I just lost my little fellow in March and just yesterday picked up our new puppy, so on a steep learning curve. There are lots of people here with years of experience and lots of helpful advice.

[shirra]

So sorry for your loss JRT Lover.

I don't have the experience to answer your question but I'm sure others will be able to.

[persephone]

Welcome :) Sorry your old boy has left you ..it's hard isn't it , when they fit so well , and you know they can't ever be 'replaced'

You may find some help in the following pages :

LINK

[raineth]

Welcome :)

Sorry for your loss

My feeling would be to wait until your little ones are older. This is mainly because you really forget how much work a puppy can be! They can be just as much work as a toddler in that first 12 months; and if you've already got kids in that age bracket then it can leave you a bit burnt out.

Possibly you could get a dog (not a puppy) although you may need to look hard for a dog that suits what you want, and is socialised to babies, toddlers and horses.

[Justrace]

We got a Brittany puppy in March & I have a 2, 2 and 6 year old. Our beautiful old girl had to be PTS late last year & we all miss her terribly. She was amazing with the kids and we felt that they knew how to treat animals. The first 4 weeks were really difficult but we seem to have settled into a routine now.

The older children understand not to go near him when he is in the crate, which is in our main living area but the 2 year old I do catch sitting in front of him playing with his toys. I make sure that if I can not 100% supervise them that he is crated or outside. If the kids are outside playing and I can't be out there with them, the puppy comes inside. To be honest I think if you got a pup before your second child (kids are hard work LOL) and you made sure the dog has a place to get away from your toddler, it would work okay. It is a lot more work raising a puppy with kids, but I just couldn't stand not having a a four legged in the house.

Good luck

[Dogsfevr]

We get inquiries from people in your situation often .

As we say to them it can be done easily,you would be aware its like having a 3 child BUT we emphasis it comes down to the household & who will help & who will be left with doing all the work & often that is "you".

You may be the type of person who can adjust easily & with help & a good puppy set up enjoy having a dog again & the toddlers learning too or you may be the type of person at present that realises there limitations & whilst not enjoying the wait understands its the best option for than main care giver/trainer.

Generally we are reluctant to sell to people with 2 very young toddlers because a young pup needs time.

We tend to find most who already have a youngster find getting a pup & establishing it before the second child works well .

But it really is an individual thing & what you expect the dog to do & how much training it will need to meet this ideal

[julesluvscavs]

Sorry to hear of your loss of your JTR. It would be so heartbreaking

We got a new gorgeous puppy in Feb , shes low shedding atm, but she won't be as she gets older ;-)

Wishing you all the best with your search for your future new family member, and that you find one that is suited to your family and lifestyle :)

Edited April 26, 2013 by Jules❤3Cavs

[DesertDobes]

I bought a puppy when I was 6 months pregnant but it worked out really well and our dobe girl was quite happy going for walks with the pram or just lounging around indoors with us when my son was a baby. Sadly she passed away after a snake bite but I now have 2 young dogs and an 8yo son and he love love loves the dogs and enjoys doing training with them and tags along to the dog shows/trials.

I've never rehomed an adult dog, but I think it would be less stressful than going through the adolescent dog stage which will hit when your kids are also in a semi- destructive and selective hearing stage

[Zug Zug]

Really sorry for your loss. They become so much a part of you over a lifespan that long.

I would say give yourself time to grieve, and then think deeply about whether you have the energy to train a puppy. There is no question they are a lot more work than an older dog. I lost my old boy a few years back and there is now a 17 month old puppy at my feet - he is an absolute joy and has also been quite challenging at times. So while you will love it all when the time is right, you really do need to be ready for it.

If it was me, I might be thinking of getting a pup prior to the next child, then perhaps having the baby when the dog is between 18 months - 2 years old and fairly well trained. But life often has its way of stuffing up sensible plans like that so I think you need to be ready for whatever comes.

I would also second the idea of crate training your next dog. Because no matter how lovely your kids are, dogs sometimes need to get away from young children and get some sleep in an area that is safe. And with kids in the house you are bound to host BBQs, birthday parties etc. and the crate is the safest place for a dog on those occasions.

In terms of breed, I've said this many times but I really think a Border Terrier is a great option for people in your situation. In fact I've said it so many times now that I'm starting to think I should get one myself one day (except I can't, because my allergies limit me to poodle type coats).

They are relatively low shedding, but not non-shedding. Far less coat maintenance than a poodle or similar. And they train up beautifully. Really stand out at obedience classes as a lovely, sensible little dog.

I hope you feel better soon about your JRT. Once you're ready, don't forget that the process of searching for the right breed and breeder can take quite a few months, so I think it's good that you're starting to think about it early. It's never too early to start asking questions. :)

[*kirty*]

I think it comes down to your individual situation and what you want. I have always had lots of animals and some came into our lives when the kids were very young. Some families find it hard to cope with toddlers or babies and can't imagine throwing a puppy into the mix. Others find they have lots of spare time while babies nap etc and its a great time for a puppy. No right or wrong answer I think.

[JRT Lover]

Thank you so much for all the replies. My heart is broken for losing my girl and your sympathy means a lot.

Lots of different perspectives here, which is what I was hoping for, thank you. I have time to give it all some thought, as we certainly won't be getting a puppy just yet, but it's good to start thinking about it so its a well considered decision. Breed choice is another whole different issue and choosing a breed that my hubby and I agree on is even more of a challenge!

[WreckitWhippet]

When you are ready get a puppy. Ears are going to be pulled from time to time but honestly if you supervise, there's no need for a puppy to be terrorised. We had puppies from the time my daughter was born and she was very respectful of the dogs and their space, you teach your kids to be kind, just as you teach your puppy not to bite and jump all over the kids.

[huga]

It depends on the kids too. Some kids are just little cyclones of chaos. Mine weren't/aren't and are great with the dogs. My youngest son was just two when we bought Sid home as a puppy. The crate was fantastic (and he was already crate trained, which was very helpful) to just pop him in for five minutes when I couldn't watch him. Wreckit is right, you teach both dog and kid manners.

[Christina]

When you are ready get a puppy. Ears are going to be pulled from time to time but honestly if you supervise, there's no need for a puppy to be terrorised. We had puppies from the time my daughter was born and she was very respectful of the dogs and their space, you teach your kids to be kind, just as you teach your puppy not to bite and jump all over the kids.

How sad you must be right now. As above when you are ready.

The important thing is to train your child as well as your puppy & all will be well. Lots of babies & toddlers & dogs grow up together & the love & bond is beautiful as long as the parent can deal with them all sensibly.

[raineth]

Thank you so much for all the replies. My heart is broken for losing my girl and your sympathy means a lot.

Lots of different perspectives here, which is what I was hoping for, thank you. I have time to give it all some thought, as we certainly won't be getting a puppy just yet, but it's good to start thinking about it so its a well considered decision. Breed choice is another whole different issue and choosing a breed that my hubby and I agree on is even more of a challenge!

On the breed issue, I was wondering whether an Aussie Terrier would suit.

They have a non-shedding coat but it wouldn't get things like burrs stuck in badly like I imagine a shih-tzu would for example. The one we fostered, his coat would pick up things, but then they would just easily slide out without getting knotted.

I'm like you, I like to start thinking of a breed well in advance :)

[tikira]

Hi JRT Lover and welcome to DOL

I am sorry about your little dog, I really feel your pain, as we lost our Jack in March, and are having a similar issue. Your head knows you should wait, but oh, the loneliness without my sleep buddy is awful.

While we don't have children to consider, we do have another dog to add to the equation, so we have scoured the net for the solution. We have considered a registered breed puppy, and older puppy, and an adult dog, and have been in contact with JRT Rescue, who have a lot of dogs and puppies on their website.

I know people very much against back yard bred puppies, but maybe look at Gumtree type ads etc for a little bit older dog, which would give a dog that is already here another chance at a happy home, and be a companion for your children as they grow. Then when your kids are a little older, consider whether to add a puppy to your family.

On the question of breed, I have found our JRT was incredible with children and as all JRT owners know, it is hard to think of any of any other breed once you have loved one, but any dog can be great, IF it is the right dog. One that has been with children could perhaps be the best way to go. Always be cautious of these ads though, scammers are everywhere these days.

Give yourself a little more time to grieve, he/she was obviously such an important part of your family, all of us here understand that feeling. It is such a hard time for you, so let the tears flow, and maybe a Rainbow Bridge thread would be a special thing to do for him/her, I found it helped.

Good luck with your decision, only you and your loved ones know what will be best for you, but we are all here cheering for you as you go through this horrible time.

Di

[Justrace]

We were looking at the Logotto for the shedding & their temperament with kids, but fell in love with the Brittany. Maybe head out to a show to have a look at the different breeds & talk to the people there.

[dancinbcs]

Despite my rule of not selling Border Collie puppies to anyone with a toddler who could pick the puppy up and drop it, I have broken my own rule twice due to the individual people involved. The first family wanted a puppy for the oldest child's second birthday and they had a 6 month old as well. The mother was an ex pre-school teacher and the father very keen to take the dog to obedience. They were so organised and vigilant when they came to visit, making sure the two year old sat when near the puppies so he couldn't pick them up but could play with them safely. They seemed to both have eyes in the back of their heads when it came to watching the kid's every move. I sold them a bomb proof, easy going male and he was a perfect fit for them even when child number three arrived exactly 12 months later, giving them 3 spaced at 18 month intervals. The other one was a gentle female puppy who went to family with a very gentle, quiet, two year old daughter and several kids quite a few years older. Their two year old adored "her" puppy and the feeling was mutual. The main thing is being organised and getting a puppy with the right temperament for the situation, regardless of breed.

[OSoSwift]

I got an 8 week old puppy when I had a 5 mo and a 2yo.

Being organised was the key as well as the fact the 5 mo was very easy going and the 2 yo already well versed with what was and was not accepted.

I had a puppy pen set up so if I had to change a nappy, puppy was scooped upa dn put in there to minimise toilet accidents or chewing issues.

Also the breeder of my puppy and I spoke at length about temperments, what I wanted, any worries I had etc etc. The puppy I got was the quietest in the litter and she told me if one of the otehrs was the only one available she wouldn't have sent me the puppy as she was very full on.

What did make me think what the hell have I done was when the baby slept through until 6.30 at least and the puppy woke me up during the night, I did laugh about it though :)

My previous dog had died 7 weeks before my baby was born and after having a rough time with his birth I was spiraling into depression. That little pup gave me something fun and positive that didn't involve bums and nappies and washing and pulled me up and out of it.

I personally think Whippets make one of the best quietest, best house/kids dogs around :)

Edited April 28, 2013 by OSoSwift