We are buying a dog.

[MattHunt]

Since Samuel is now three and still charmed by dogs we have decided to get him a friend, especially as we're having problems in the sibling depth.

So tonight I am going to see Blossom, a 12 week old Cockermouth Spaniel, that Mrs H saw yesterday.

Mrs H is now rearranging the house to avoid her furniture getting chewed.......

[grr666]

I like dogs, my parents always had at least 2 and often as many as 4.

But I'd not have one myself just yet, I am under no illusion about what fun it will be. 

 

Having to go for walks in all weathers, vets bills, damage to your property, hair all over

the car, bed, clothes everything really regardless how careful and clean you try and keep it,

getting a new hoover every 12 months, dog smell in the house, cleaning up all kinds of unpleasant 

substances inc drool (not all breeds of course), extra noise in my lovely quiet house,

having to take uk holidays, watching them die in 7-10 years time, pet food bill to add to the 

shopping each week. crap in the garden, cleaning up crap in the garden, pulling stuck blades

of grass out of their ringpiece (this usually happens in public too.... ) and of course there the

chemical warfare that is dog fart.... (you eat nothing but meat and biscuit and see what your arse does.)  

I could go on....

 

I've had to dig four very large holes in my parents garden over the years if you catch my drift.

There would be another half dozen if they had the space, but nowadays they let the vet deal with that 

side of things.

At least Blossom is a bitch, male dogs are harder to keep unless you have their knackers whipped

off, until then they are stroppy and randy to excess and will try and dominate the pack which is their way 

nurturing behaviour is more likely from a female dog, 

 

I feel very much the same way about dogs as I do children, if you want them 

then that's your lookout but it's nice to be able to have a play and a lark about

then hand them back afterwards. The day to day stuff isn't as much fun.  But I guess if you've had kids

already you might as well since the damage is already done. I've always said that if my mrs ever changes her 

mind and requests impregnation then I will get a dog then as I think it's nice for children to have a companion.

If that happens we may as well push the boat out and get a cat and a budgie as well. 

My first dog was called Pip, he was a black lab and great dane cross breed. Big dog for a 10 year old.  

I can't explain how but somehow he knew I was his master and he never played me up at all, he gave everyone else merry hell.

Best of luck with the pup

[mr rooney]

Agree with the above 100% but all those things are out weighed by pleasure they can bring over the years.  

I have 2 dogs and 2 cats BTW.

[The Zee]

You should be getting a dog because YOU want one, not as a companion for your child. i have had German Shepherd's all my life and would not be without one. They are always children and need looking after. I have never suffered from a doggy smelling house, she gets a bath every couple of months. Yes you have the poo element, vet visits, etc. From pups we always trained our dogs to only use a designated part of the garden for toilet business. This may not work for all breeds but the GSD is intelligent so we have not had any problems. Be prepared for hard work in the first few months to ensure you are in control and the pecking order is understood. you don't have to be hard just firm.

We still holiday abroad every year having a dog has not stopped us. She goes to stay with friends who she has grown up with since a pup and all through her solicalising period. Take the pup everywhere, experience everything, meet loads of people in all different places. (The pub is good place for sounds and smells)

 

Do this and you will have a well balanced dog and have many happy years together.

 

The main thing, no matter how bad your day has been you will always be welcomed with a smile and a wag.

[mender]

I wouldn't as the time you spend dealing with the hassle that comes with a dog takes time off your child when you have to clean up, always be home to let it out, not go away as you have to think of dog etc

 

It is the very, very, very, very last thing in the world I would do for my three year old.

 

 

 

Just saying.....!

[Coops]

We had our friend's Staffie for a week whilst they were away on holiday - I genuinely thought that after she had gone, I would also want a dog but alas no. I realised that as well as having twins, a dog would just be another thing to worry about. As mender says it's the cleaning up, letting out during the day etc. To be fair "Penny" was 14 years old and wasn't any trouble.

 

Although I loved having her around, it's not for me.

 

Good luck with the new pet!

[mender]

Our social circle is made up of parents with young children (2-8yo) and two did the same as what you are thinking of doing.

 

One couple said they would never have a dog with children again, at any age and are looking for a way out.

 

The other couple say they would have a dog, but when the kids are 7yo+ so they can be more involved in looking after it and walking it, but having with 3yo was mistake.

[MattHunt]

The dog has been a long discussed matter, not least because of the matter of poo, walking in appalling weather, Mrs H liking a clean house, life change...

However, we had bunnies, guinea pigs and a cat when Samuel arrived so we are used to the labour and now we are just down to the bunnies. Mrs H has had dogs since the year dot so in theory knows what she is letting herself in for and me...well I now that I am going to be the person covered in mud every evening and looking after the dog in the evening.

Tbh there is some risk here for all of the reasons given above so I will let you know.

[XLBaconDoubleCheese]

I have to admit, as a fairly recent first time dog owner I hugely underestimated how much work it'd be. Garry's post is fairly inclusive of all issues you *could* have. A lot of them are down to the breed, if I took Vinnie out of our house you'd not know we had a dog, short hair leaves no smell or fur stuck to things. We've been lucky in that he doesn't chew or bark, he's very quickly adapted to being left alone for reasonable periods. House training was hard but got there eventually.

On the flip side, he's cost a fortune, if I'd not insured him I'd be £3500 down in vets bills so far (he's a year old). Toys, food, treats, collars & leads, training all expensive over time. Training is another point, you can't just train the dog when you feel like it once or twice a week, it needs to be daily, plus as things occur along the way, no one wants or likes a disobedient dog. Then there's holidays, someone to look after him even if we go out for a long day etc, walks 3 times a day, every day. The emotional side of things when he's sick is horrible and draining too.

For all the good and bad though I'd not be without him, he's my baby as soppy as that sounds for a 26 year old non animal lover.

That said, puppy & a young child? Double trouble lol, I'd be more inclined to wait till he's a bit older so he can help look after him/her. Even if you're a seasoned dog owner that'd be hard work.

[djswivel]

We got Daisy (cav cross toy poodle) when our boy was 9 months old and she was 11 weeks.

Boy is now nearly two, and baby girl is 3 months this week.

Daisy and the boy play constantly - he'll throw her ball, stroke her, talk gibberish at her and she smiles and wags at him. Only thing is she might jump at him a bit, but he will push her away and she'll stop.

Having the puppy and babies (I feel) completes the family. She loves us, we all love her, she gets loads of play time in the garden with the boy as well as her walks.

She's one of the best things that we could have done for the family!

Just felt I should put in my positive story as well as all the bad ones!

 

She's not as fluffy now (went for a trim yesterday) but gives you some idea..

 

Edited 5 August, 2014 by djswivel

[Aspman]

Do you have experience with dogs?

If not don't get one now.

 

A puppy is just like a baby and they gone through the same stages of toilet training, teething, tantrums and tempers. They are a lot of work.

Puppies bite and their teeth are like razors. they don't mean to but they do it.

Toddlers are bad to animals, they don't mean to but they do it (I've a 3yr old boy and a 15yr old cat).

 

Dogs are a bind, you can't really leave them more than 4hr at a time. You have to walk them in all weathers. They can be expensive if they are not well. And as said they don't live forever and it'll break your heart.

 

I'd honestly give it a few more years until your wee boy is a bit older. I grew up with dogs but didn't have a puppy until I was 5.

 

I love dogs but I wouldn't have one. I know I can't look after the dog the way I should right now.

Edited 5 August, 2014 by Aspman

[dieselV6]

Noooo, do not get a dog, think of the Earth, the eco footprint of a mid-sized dog is larger than that of both your household cars added together. The vet costs over the years will probably add up to more money that is needed to replace your household cars, so why not just get a new car?  Come on, Superb Mk3 is just round the corner.... :p

[mender]

Also, no-one knows what sets a dog off on a mental; some say it is a chemical released by it's "victim" released by fear

 

A three year old can be horrible to animals, not by intention, but by trial and error-a dog will respond by instinct and any breed can hurt a child if provoked.

Could you guarantee watching them both together 24/7?

 

Do you want the child in the same garden as the poo?  Unless you have a huge garden, they will find it somehow.

 

Can you commit to being there every 4 hours or so to check on the dog?

 

 

It's not a decision to take lightly, for many reasons:

1/ amount of effort involved with kids and dog

2/ expenses involved

3/ inconvenience of having to be around and giving up any spontaneity you left remaining with kids around

4/ possible safety issues and disease transmission/faeces

5/ emotion re illness and death of it

6/ neighbours-while training it, it will whine and bark endlessly and hate being alone-I would not put up with it as a neighbour

7/ your home will be damaged and will smell of dogs unless you put in many hours extra per week cleaning

8/ holidays-do you always want to take dog in car (wreck that too) and be confined to UK holidays, have someone else look after it or pay for kennels?

 

Etc

 

On balance, with a three year old child, do you want to put in any extra effort, time or expense and have more worry, more to deal with and more hassle, for what pleasure it might possibly give you?

 

Spending that time and effort on being tuned in 100% to your children when you can would be better in my eyes.

 

Why not go for walks with someone who has a dog already or offer to take theirs for a walk when you're in the mood?

Best of all worlds then; the child gets to play with doggie, you have no extra hassles.

[matt_theforce]

I'd say go for it if you are both comfortable and feel ready.

 

Don't underestimate the spaniel in her though. I've been brought up with Springer Spaniels all my life and know how energetic and mad they can be (1 was a retired drugs sniffer dog & I think the drugs were permenently stuck in him).

 

We bought a cocker spaniel last year (my 1st cocker), thinking just how mad/loopy can he be compared to a springer?? ha ha, just as mad, just as loopy, although, he doesn't have the stanima of the Springers but his intelligence seems far greater, meaning more time spent keeping him entertained & learning to avoid chewing of furniture!

[loskie]

To the OP I think you mean Cocker Spaniel not Cockermouth.

Some cockers are very territorial the red ones I think and often have behavioural problems.

Think very hard about getting one a dog any dog.

Can you see the rest of the litter and parents? There are a lot of dogs being imported from Eire and the EU often poorly bred and with inherent health issues.

If you are determined to get a dog do not underestmate the work and commitment required. But  it is rewarding and good fun too.

Start as you mean to go on. No that means NO titbits at the table, get it a crate to have its own space, make sure the children know that is the dog's space.

When we got our labxspringer someone suggested putting whole raw carrots in the freezer and giving them to the dog to chew when teething. It worked a treat and we never suffered chewed things in the house.

Don't underestimate the amount of dog hair and hoovering that will be required.

A good idea to go to puppy training classes. Ours were in the local community centre and cheap I think £2 per session.

 

If you decide to go ahead enjoy it, there are ups and downs and dedication and time is required but it will pay off.

At the age of your child it will be your dog not theirs. Not a good present for a child of that age IMHO

[oldtynesider]

Be the man your dog thinks you are.

Best regards to everyone

[MattHunt]

Hi

My wife has had dogs for most of her life and we regularly loom after the lunatic Springers that her parents have. Samuel is very used to them and the knocks and chews.

It will be ours to look after...do not get me wrong, I have no idea of Samuel looking after it and Mrs H knows she is the at home person.

I met it last night and it is saner than some I have seen.

Some....

[Aspman]

I grew up with English Cocker Spaniels great little dogs.

 

You have to differentiate between the working stock and the 'pet' stock.

If the dog comes from working stock it'll be much more energetic and have much more stamina. They're also hard as nails for little dogs and basically unstoppable when they get going. You will never tire it out.

The pet stock is a lot softer, lazier and laid back.

They are very stubborn dogs but make good pets because they are generally not aggressive, a good size for a normal house and socialise well.

 

The Red Roan cockers have a reputation for being more aggressive and bad tempered. But I've met some very cuddly red cockers.

 

As said check the parents if you can their temperament will be a big indication of the litter. Any decent breeder will be happy to let you see the parents. Looks for dogs that have been raised in a home and handled a lot. That makes a massive difference. Working dogs tend to start their lives in a kennel without much handling, it makes them more aloof and much more independent.

 

You shouldn't need to get a male cocker 'fixed' if it's temperament is ok. Most people who aren't planning to breed get the bitches spayed because they can make a mess when they're in season. You do get 'dog pants' now which helps.

 

They live about 13yr and are prone knee problems caused by a shallow groove where the kneecap sits. Get this looked at by a vet at it's first check up. Fixable but needs an operation.

They are also prone to skin cancers so keep an eye out for odd warty growths.

 

Watch the end of it's tail, they don't dock them now and the end of the tail can get painful and split when they run through the bushes which they love to do since they are bred to flush game.

 

They're greedy and tend to get fat so be wary of titbits.

Edited 6 August, 2014 by Aspman

[sparks03]

If you are serious about getting a dog there are many older dogs in shelters just begging for a home. Given the age of your child having a puppy as well will be chaos, if you can't give the pup your undivided attention you will probably raise a problem dog. then the you'll lament ever having a dog and everyone will be miserable.

whilst promoting the adoption bandwagon id say careful consideration and meeting with a quieter dog that is used to children and although many will baulk at the idea, don't overlook a Stafford. There are many in care and make fantastic family dogs

[matt_theforce]

@ Aspman, if they are working dogs they can still have their tails dock'd, our cocker is a 5th generation working dog and a full breed complete with kennel club family tree and a certificate to proove his tail had been legitimately dock'd (poor thing), we bought him from the farm that his parent's both still live/work on & he visit's his parents often as his weekend walk usually end's up going through their land.

 

We haven't had any humping from him yet, probably still early days yet (1year old) but so far the working cockers temprement seems great

[loskie]

@ Aspman, if they are working dogs they can still have their tails dock'd, our cocker is a 5th generation working dog and a full breed complete with kennel club family tree and a certificate to proove his tail had been legitimately dock'd (poor thing), we bought him from the farm that his parent's both still live/work on & he visit's his parents often as his weekend walk usually end's up going through their land.

 

We haven't had any humping from him yet, probably still early days yet (1year old) but so far the working cockers temprement seems great

Not for those born in Scotland where docking has now been banned for several years. You would not believe the number(nor do I) of bitches moved to England to welp.

[bealine]

I would also advocate looking at rescue shelters if you are thinking about getting a dog.   In fact, I would go one stage further and say "Go to Blue Cross" because all of their dogs are checked for their rehoming suitability and if a dog can't be trusted with small children, with other dogs or other pets, they will tell you.   If you don't know much about dog ownership, or any pet ownership for that matter, they will help you.   There are a range of free publications available a their centres and lots of friendly advice.   In fact, if you wanted to volunteer to help for a few hours a week, I'm sure they would be delighted to have an extra dog walker or groomer!

 

All of the Blue Cross rescues come with free behaviourist training and advice (although the centre for their behaviourist is in the Midlands) and the love and loyalty that you get from a rescued dog is so rewarding!   Eughie has been with us nearly four years now and he has a heart condition!   As part of the perks that go with my job, I get a free flight ticket for my family to go anywhere in the world on holiday - where are we going this year?   By car to the South of France with Eughie because we can't stand the thought of leaving him behind!   If anything happened to him when we were away, we would feel terrible because we love him so much!

 

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos?pid=6011360085411938994&oid=103250916754932355731

 

 

 

 

Unashamed Plus for Blue Cross web site:

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/1710/rehome-a-pet.html

Edited 6 August, 2014 by bealine

[ILOVEMYSUPERB]

I couldn't be trusted to go to a rehoming centre and only come home with one......

Sent from my XT890 using Tapatalk

[VWD]

+1 FOR RESCUES. lot of years ago we  re homed a Lab/GS cross who was terrified of females with teapots. Took lots of love to cure that, but then came son no 1. She doted on him, and when he was old enough to sit on the sofa - she got up outside him to ensure son could not fall off. My daughter had similar with a similar cross, only the she (dog)slept on the landing, and every time GS cried, she went into daughters bedroom and woke them up .

Even the trauma of being put into kennels because loving owners can't take it to care home is bad enough. That was rescue no 2. No 3 is a suspect puppy farm breed bitch, thrown out as she's reached KC limit of litters. No2 came into the house a week after youngest  GS was born and we babysat from six months on. Once GS could walk, they went daft in park . After No2's short life with us, No3 arrived. She was not sure of kids, and I suspect bad history, but of late, we go in park and the two( her & GS) go daft, racing about al over the place. She loves it, with tail high and all other signs of having a doggy good time.

Sad thing about a rescue is that to get a decent home, they first have to have a bad one. But as the song goes- all they need is love .If you want a dog of any breed, places like Blue cross/Dogs trust /RSPCA will have something to suit. If you want a specific breed , then google the "breed" rescue. personally I'd go for a breed rescue every time as the folks who check the dogs have intimate knowledge of the breed.

Then again ,you're rehoming a dog in need, IMHO- it's better to give a donation to the breed rescue to help other rescues, than line the pockets of a breeder. Only difference is that there's no registration papers, and little history, except a dog that is confused and just needs love to be yours.  But hey, it's a pet, unless you want a dog to show.

[tweenster]

-1 for rescues, we had a VERY bad experience and would not do it again. We chose a 7 week old puppy for our latest dog and have not regretted it.

 

Dogs are almost as big a commitment as children and should not be taken on lightly. We have 3 children, a dog, 9 chickens, 2 beehives (and Mrs T has just ordered a 3rd!) and we grow a large amount of our own vegetables. As such, we don't take holidays and just about manage to go away for an occasional weekend. But that is our choice and we love it!