Advice Regarding Getting A Dog

[VINASOL]

I wonder if some of you can help. I already have a gorgeous cat, but DH and I have decided that in the New Year we'd like to get a dog. I know that I will need to inform Ofsted and that when the time comes, but I wondered what dogs you all have and what type of dogs you woudl recommend.

We would like a small dog like a westie or king charles spaniel and think that they would be great with kids - what do you think?

[Ticktoria]

A doggy question - something I can answer for once rather than being the one asking all the questions

All breeds can have issues, and everyone has their own preferances, you just have to socialise them well, train them and give them their own space so that they can escape (when my 2 go on their beds my DD knows to leave them alone).

If you want a pedigree / pup research your breed and take advice from reputable breeders, and breed clubs. If you're not set on a pup why not go down the rescue route, they'd be able to match you to a dog used to children.

KC spaniels can have terrible heart, brain and eye problems so very important to find a breeder who has done all the relevant screening. We had one when I was a kid and he was great, didn't like to be over fussed and my neighbours two are the same they tolerate my DD, whereas my dogs (lab & beagle) will actively seek her out for play. Westies also need screening for health problems but can't think of what the issues are off the top of my head, my experience of westies and kids is not good, but I don't know the breed well enough to comment.

[fluffysocks]

if you are thinking a puppy the dont under estimate the amount if extra work you could be in for! We got a springer spaniel x labrador puppy in january. He was 9 weeks when we got him which has worked great as he has no choice but to be a social so-and-so and be used to all the noise and comings and goings. However he is incredibly playful and constantly been running off with the childrens toys, oh the amount i have lost due to his chewing and the copious amounts of toy cleaning i have endured. But that said he is well worth every bit, the kids faces when they see him-they really get a great deal out of him, and for some kids its the closet to a pet they will get. We often take trips to the pet shop and they take turns to choose new toys/treats for him.

I would highly recommend crate training, it sounds horrid to "lock them away" but not sure I would be surviving the puppy stage without it. In my experience puppies are very much like toddlers.

as for breeds, spaniels are a great size, but probably best to talk to breeders or rehoming staff as they will know generally what breeds are great with kids, but also bare in mind energy levels too and a realistic time you can dedicate to training and outings. I have a friend who had a king charles spaniel and he was the most docile thing ever, but there are also kc spaniels down the road and they are yappy things! I have always known Labradors, but they do get quite large and are known for being energetic and bouncy. A dogs "child" stage can last upto 2/3 years of age, my friend has a 5 year old lab and he is still as bouncy as ever yet my parents have a 7 year old lab and he calmed down around 18months with training.

hope i have helped. good luck.

x

[miss mopple]

wise words from the others

We got an 8 week old rescue puppy in February and I wouldnt be without her. She has added so much to our home, but can be really hard work. She takes alot of walking even now, which sometimes with littlies and a pushchair just isnt practical so we get up and walk her at 6am most days She is a golden retriever cross (not sure what with) and has the most playful, loving temperement and is good with the kids if a bit bouncy at times

Crate training has worked wonders for her toilet training and as said, it gives her a space of her own which is a must

Oh, and start saving now as by gum are they expensive to run Worth it though

[Ripeberry]

We are thinking of getting a puppy in a couple of years. I have only ever had cats and never a dog as my parents did not like them

We are thinking of starting off with a 'cat like' dog, such as a Whippet.
They are supposed to be very quiet and gentle and good with kids.

[PixiePetal]

Another crate user here

We got our terrier x pup in Feb and she's now 7 months old. The crate has been a sanity saver - and probably saved a few shoes too, although she got one of mine this week

When she is in there, she is to be left alone - and when she now chews something up and gets caught, she slopes off into it by herself

Mindees love her to bits. DD (16) has been teaching her tricks

[sunnysmile]

Whippets are fabulous dogs dogs to have, i have 2 and they are no bother at all, minimal shedding, they don't need a lot of exercise as they run in bursts and are such loyal dogs, so peaceful in the house.

[Baileys'n'cream]

Just wanted to add that I am also a crate user Well, I was when Bailey was a pup, she is now a 3 years old lab, still very playful but a lot calmer than when she was a pup, her crate was her favourite place

Well worth it, we had only had Bailey a matter of days and she was going into her crate all on her own for naps, it was her safe have from the tiny ones

[russell]

Hi *****mind with 2 staffies and rge children love them and vice versa but with anydog I had I wouldnt leave them on there with the children .I have childminded for 25 yrs and have always had a dog of some description and the kids have always enjoyed them

[Ali56]

We had a whippet and she was so good, she put up with so much from the children and never once complained! she used to love being in the middle of it all, or would watch happily from her bed-amazing dogs, so placid and very loyal. If i ever got another it would be a whippet again, as said above, minimal shedding, easy to train, just watch out for rabbits or hares-i once had to carry her over a mile back home when she ran off after a hare and twisted her foot!!! lol

Ali

[Shirlwith3]

we got a weimaraner puppy this year when we got him he was 15wks old is now almost 6 months old, we too use a crate but also use a dog pen to section part of the room of so lo's can't crawl in to it as I have one 1yr old minde who would given the choice also he can greet them when they arrive but not be able to mobbed them as they sometime arrive with food in their hands, he has been very good with the babies crying & a toddler shouting just sleeps through it.
He is so good he has not once has he chewed any of my toys he will pick them up sometimes he preferreds wood, I once found one of my best shoes in his crate one morning & not a tooth mark on them.

Everyone has said get a crate another bit of advice do a risk assessment done too, as with a puppy you will have to clean up after them when they have an accident & make sure the carpet is clean for children to play on.

[Paws]

We are thinking of starting off with a 'cat like' dog, such as a Whippet. They are supposed to be very quiet and gentle and good with kids.

Whippets rock! They certinaly are very 'feline' and are absolutely awsome with children - even as tiny rascally pups. We have three dogs, but I honestly don't think we'll ever be without a Whippety Hound, they are fantastic.

[sunnysmile]

Just out of interest how does it work with you environmental health inspection with dogs as my CC officer has no probs but he thought environmental health might as they are int he kitchen?

[mushpea]

We have a lab, who must be the laziest lab ever,, he is very freindly and great with the kids,, i have had one child bouncing on his belly (yes they go told off!) and he didnt even move, babies have poked his nose and pulled his ears and he just lays there and lets them although i must add that as soon as i see them doing it i remove them and tell them off,, NO dog is totaly trustworthy , any dog can turn when they've had enough, i pesonaly think its more how the dog is treated and socialzed than the breed of the dog.
we also have rules, when he's in his bed he is to be left alone,,, he spends most of the day in the kitchen and hall and then goes in the garden either when i'm out there or when the children are indoors,,, I also dont let the children play with him because then he sees them as playmats and could get to excited around them plus when dogs play tug somtimes they grab a hand insted of the toy which could be seen as biting by the parents.
we do take him for walks, the kids love taking him over the woods and running with hm and it wears them all out
I wouldnt be with out our charly but once he's gone i dont think i will have another cause there would never be another charly.

[estrelas]

I have a lab apparently the best with kids

Well he's mad, eats everything carpet, me, shoes, mobile phones
He's only 5 months and apparently will calm down

love him to bits tho and i would get another

[clorogue]

Crate trainer here too - wouldn't be without it! We have a westie now for 6 years my youngest was 5. He is a lovely dog, but I would never leave him alone with the childminding children, he actually doesn't have access to the childminding children - it is amazing after his walk in the morning as soon as a little one arrives at the door he goes into the crate in the utility room and sleeps, or is sectioned off in the utility room or goes outside, but then I don't childmind every day. They need their own space and the crate does just that, especially when they are a puppy.

He has never done anything, but you never know with dogs and children, what would it take for them to pull at him. I am being very cautious and I know that and the parents appreciate that too (explained it all to the inspectors when they visited and were impressed with that). He has his routine.

They are very intelligent dogs - he loves looking at the telly! They learn things very quickly. But they are a terrier.

One strong piece of advice we had when we were looking was to go to a breeder that has them in her own home, we did. They had a little area sectioned off in the kitchen and were well handled and socialised. That is the most important time in a dogs life up to 8-12 weeks, they learn so much and any fears that develop can be from that time. You should introduce them to 100 people before they are 12 weeks old. Beware of puppy farms. Really not advised to go to a breeder/kennels that breeds 2/3 types of dogs as the risk of cross infection etc is high and other problems as well as things wrong with them. It is strongly advisable to meet the mum and preferably the Dad and then you can see the background temperament of the dog. Different breeders offer different things but beware of breeders who say there is no need for the vet to check them as they have checked themselves also anyone that offers to meet you somewhere with the puppy, you need to see where it comes from. My friend bought a puppy that wasn't vet checked before she got him, and she paid a lot of money for a puppy with a deformed face. She went through a horrible time. They should be vet checked, some offer microchipping and I believe they should have their first injection. Our breeder gave us a lovely pack with a picture of his mother and the pedigree and so much information on bringing up a puppy.

I really researched into buying a puppy, I had to *****mind and I have 3 children of my own.

Kennel registered is not regulated, anyone can kennel kennel register a dog.

We took him to puppy training classes and he is well socialised so much part of our family now - wouldn't be without him for the world. He is a great character, but a completely different breed than a labrador and I love labradors too.

Nothing is his, we were told that when training I was told to even try to get in the cage with him!!! I can take his food away and anything off of him and no reaction whatsover, you really do need to do that. Otherwise they try to be the leader of the pack in the house - can't bear the consequences of that!!! My friend was on the verge of doing that until the vet told her that everything that was his is yours and to stand in his basket. We really can do what you like with him and he is so daft.

Hope you make a good choice, but I can't stress enough the importance of never leaving a dog around with a little one. Any dog has the potential when they are pushed too far. I know that if I had a little one going to a childminder who had dogs, I would be cautious too.

Apparently they are the best dogs to have if you have allergies as they don't shed hair, and are least allergenic dog!

Good luck!

[Dragonfly]

Getting my puppy Friday, a lurcher (losted my last lurcher 3 years ago she was nearly 14yrs old) never used a crate for past dogs but have got one for this puppy.daft question how do I go about using them?? put them in at night time? and when during the day help please!. also have brought a playpen/room devider to help wth separating puppy from children at times.
Anyone got a puppy RA coulds share please

[PixiePetal]

Getting my puppy Friday, a lurcher (losted my last lurcher 3 years ago she was nearly 14yrs old) never used a crate for past dogs but have got one for this puppy.daft question how do I go about using them?? put them in at night time? and when during the day help please!. also have brought a playpen/room devider to help wth separating puppy from children at times.
Anyone got a puppy RA coulds share please

when we got our pup, the crate was bed from the beginning - we had a bit of blanket from her bed with mum and siblings given to us which helped the process of settling.

She came out to play and toilet but in the crate for sleep and shut in over night. She is now 18months and out of the crate during days when no mindees but door open so she can put herself in for a nap. In at night with door closed and in when I need to when I am working.

[TheBTeam]

We used our crate from day one for overnight and for any time that we had to go out or couldnt supervise dogs fully like at lunch time for mindees.

We dont insist on the dogs going in during the day for sleeps, only if we have things to do that they can not be involved in, but on the whole as they have got older now they very rarely go in during the day, but then I have my husband here as well with me, so we can if necessary have one with dogs and one with children.

The dogs dont really bother with the children now and apart from the odd run off with food, they have settled well to the comings and goings.

I am so pleased we got the dogs because for years i didnt think minding and dogs would work.

[VINASOL]

Well, we didn't get a puppy at the beginning of the year, but we are going to collect our new puppy on 22nd July...the last day of term. I don't work holidays and thought this would be the perfect time as we could crate-train her and get her used to times that we would not be in the house (school run for example) and I wanted to have time to house train too. I'm going to lock her out the back (by a stair gate but can also see her by my internal window), but because of our house layout, it means that she can have full access to the secure garden at the back and the kids can dip in/out with the dog iyswim.

So, on 22nd July we collect our 9 week old English Springer Spaniel. SOOOOOOOOO Excited....I say that I'm getting her for my DD but if I'm 100% honest, it is totally for me - a childhood dream!!

Am having fun watching the Dog Whisperer too...all I need to do is to find a good name....