a puppy and a one year old..good or bad idea?

Jaheim - posted on 01/03/2013

Yes your going to have to spend more time with the pup so the dogs are going to get jellous and that's going to cause the dogs to fight and the pup will run away or the dog will bite him and then your going to have to spend a lot of money or the pup will die of stress

Barbara - posted on 10/23/2012

I agree you will have to make sure that the puppy does not bite or claw your baby however just think you have twins instead of just having one baby. Go ahead if you really want the challenge and the puppy and baby can grow up together.

Stevie - posted on 10/22/2012

Hi we have or two year old son and just got a two month old chihuahua pomeranian mix. The only way i'm truly making this work is I got a potty trained puppy. When he chews on something I say no and replace it with a bone. not a treat bone but just something he can chew on. To show my son that hitting is not ok.. We also say when puppy lays down its his nap time so puppy gets a break. If puppy nips I say no biting and put him in his bed. Everything is working out great... So no its not a bad ideah

Sandra - posted on 10/06/2009

I'd wait to get her a puppy until she was at least 3 or 4 years old. She'll be able to interact better with the pup. Also, your little girl needs a lot of attention right now & so does a puppy. They're like hairy little kids. LOL

My first girl didn't get a puppy until her 8th birthday & helped with the responsiblities of having a dog. She helped train the pup, play & walk the puppy. My second girl was born when our dog was older. I just made sure that I included the dog whenever I could & she actually watched our daughter like she was her pup that she never had. Of course under my supervision.



My eldest now has a Gread Dane that is almost 3 yrs old & very obidient. The Dane loves her little newborn, who is now 6 months old. If she cries, the Dane gets a worried look on her face & goes to poke Mom or Dad to hurry up & help the baby. The baby gets the biggest kick out of the dog & giggles. She finds the dog very amusing. My daughter is so glad that she had a dog before bringing a baby into the world. Dogs/ puppies take time to train & settle down.

Jennifer - posted on 10/03/2009

Don't get the puppy. The other dogs will grow to tolerate then hopefully love your daughter...she is a little spastic and unpredictable at this age...she will get better the older she gets.

Susan - posted on 10/03/2009

A puppy for a 1 yr old ? Not the best idea.. the baby doesn't quiet know how to be gentle yet and the puppy will have sharp teeth and nails ouch!! Not to metion all the work for you . You will be changing diapers and also wipeing up puddles. I think that 3 is a much better age for a puppy. Good luck whatever you decide

Chantel - posted on 10/02/2009

thanks : )

Jessica - posted on 10/02/2009

I have to big dogs and they were the same with my son when he was younger. He was a yr old when we got our chihuahua. At first they didn't get along because my son would try to play a little rough with the puppy but after we explained to him that he couldn't do that he was fine. But the only problem I had in the beginning was juggiling a toddler and a puppy. I would go for it.

Kate CP - posted on 10/02/2009

Quoting nicky:

i have a 6 yr old son n a 21mth old daughter n x3 dogs the pup is only 4mths old he is fantastic with both the kids, like all the dogs are my dogs are a jack r x sringer,bullmastiff ,n the pup is a patterdale,and quess wot one is all for my daughter? the bullmastiff..its how YOU bring the dogs up.you have to teach them that you are higher then they are that you are TOP DOG excuse the pun.

You may have lucked out and got a puppy who has the personality to suit you and your family best. Not all dogs are good with children, not all children are good with dogs. 

Nicky - posted on 10/02/2009

i have a 6 yr old son n a 21mth old daughter n x3 dogs the pup is only 4mths old he is fantastic with both the kids, like all the dogs are my dogs are a jack r x sringer,bullmastiff ,n the pup is a patterdale,and quess wot one is all for my daughter? the bullmastiff..its how YOU bring the dogs up.you have to teach them that you are higher then they are that you are TOP DOG excuse the pun.

Wendy - posted on 10/01/2009

I think I would wait until the child can ask for a dog. I had a 10 1/2 year old dog I had to put down when my son was 9 months old. I would like another dog but am waiting for my son to tell me he would like one before going through the trouble.

Chantel - posted on 10/01/2009

Thanks everyone..

Kris - posted on 09/30/2009

Please do yourself and the puppy a favor. Wait until your darling daughter is five years old or older so that she can understand how to be gentle and kind to animals. She can also help care for the new puppy when she is older. As a one-year-old, she won't know how to treat a defenseless puppy. Your other dogs are trying to clue you in to how she is treating them now. They don't like having their ears pulled and being climbed on.
Please think long and hard about this one. Patience is a virtue. Have some.

Kate CP - posted on 09/30/2009

DO NOT GET A PUPPY FOR A BABY. If you want a dog, get a dog for you. Your one year old isn't old enough to feed, walk, bathe, train, or deal with a puppy. That message is for every one, not just the OP.

As a dog trainer and rescue worker I really never recommend getting a puppy when a baby is that young. Most adoption groups won't even adopt a dog out to a family with a child under the age of 5. This is not to say that children and dogs are a bad thing. However, when you have a new human who is trying to learn and you throw a new puppy in the mix, things tend to happen: babies get bit, puppies get hurt, and sometimes the puppy that was adopted/bought gets returned or sent to the shelter because people can't deal with the behavior problems that pop up with a baby and a puppy. In my professional opinion, I would say no, don't get a puppy (especially for a one year old baby). Wait until your daughter is old enough to know how to help you take care of an animal by feeding it every day and taking it to training classes. She's just too young.

Nancy - posted on 09/30/2009

I am an absolute animal lover, but having a one year old son right now, I can't imagine managing him and a puppy. We have an energetic 2 year old lab and a 16 year old crabby brown dog and when she passes I'd like to get another dog, but not until my son is 2-3 years old. He wants to chew on their toys, the dogs are not getting as much attention, several times, they've given him growling warnings when he has grabbed an ear or tail and the old dog is deaf and a little senile, so we keep them separate. Diapers, puppy potty training, crawling, chewing, training, attention.....too much at one time, besides, puppies have little needle teeth and bite for months until they learn not to. I'd wait if I were you.

Good luck.

Esther - posted on 09/30/2009

Bad, I'd wait till she is older and will be able to enjoy the dog being a puppy, She'd be able to bond with it more.

Cynthia - posted on 09/30/2009

I agree with Sharon. You are the one that has to be ready to care for another dog. over all, I think it is a bad idea. You can't force a dog to like someone and play with someone. Your daughter will not understand at this age about being "her" pet. I would wait until she is older and able to understand more about pets and is actually able to help care for the dog such as feeding, brushing, etc. The best way to get a dog to be loyal is the same person feeding it. Perhaps by the time she is older, the dogs may be more apt to play with her!

Yellane - posted on 09/30/2009

we just got 2 puppies and my son is a lil over a year ... i don't recommend it unless you really have the time! our son keeps getting knocked over by the dogs because they are playing around and not paying attention to him!

Cindy - posted on 09/30/2009

I agree - puppies like to chew and puppy teeth are very sharp. Training not to nip, esp. with a toddler, might be a challenge. And then there's the housebreaking thing... but it's been done many times! Good luck!

SHAMISO - posted on 09/30/2009

replied

SHAMISO - posted on 09/30/2009

replied earlier

SHAMISO - posted on 09/30/2009

i wouldnt encourage it as earlier advised,may be at 3 years

SHAMISO - posted on 09/30/2009

i am not much of an animal lover,but i got my son his 1st puppy at 4.One year i think it will be too early,will you monitor what he eats on the dog as in fur ,if the puppy brings in something from the yard ,wont baby eat.may at 3 when he can comprehend it may be a bit safer.
later

Hayley - posted on 09/30/2009

We are getting my son a pup for xmas :) He'll be 6 months old.

Michelle - posted on 09/30/2009

Bad idea. I am sorry but babys do not understand the concept of dogs and they are not toys.Two dogs already how much time do you spend with them each day walking,patting,playing ect ? I would think your hands are full with a one year old wait until they are 5 this is when they best understand and can communicate with the dog.Dont bite off more than you can chew what happens if you fell pregnant again how much time are the dogs going to get then ? food for thought

Nelia - posted on 09/30/2009

Chantel, we got a puppy (Cocker spaniel) a week after our baby was born. At the beginning it was a total nightmare, but they have turned one last month, and very much in love with each other. The dog is very caring about our daughter, and allows her to do just about anything - pulling her ears, discovering different parts of her, and even pulling hair. We also have a 2-year old ridgeback, who is extremele protective about the baby, but slightly aloof. When she starts pulling his ear, he would simply turn around. We experience no aggression from the dogs.

Beryl - posted on 09/30/2009

Nothing wrong with getting a puppy for baby. Its nice to have a pet that grows up with ur child. It teaches ur child that its not just mommy and daddy that she/he can love, but animals too. My brother has a dog that is so protective over the children that everytime the kids jump in the pool the dog jumps in too. He would swim to the child pushing her with his head trying to get her out of the pool. Unbelievable how animals have the sense of protection for humans.

Julie - posted on 09/29/2009

How do you train a puppy to like a toddler? Toddlers are still finding out about each other by having a taste of each other at local daycares. How are you going to go with a toddler that wants to cuddle the puppy so hard that she doesn't realise she's hurting it and it turns around and snaps at her. The older dogs aren't interested in her for a reason. Toddlers are fast. Do you really want the stress?It really depends on the puppies temperment. Can it handle a one year old? Maybe. What about a two year old that throws tantrums when you tell her to stop pulling the puppies ears to lead puppy around the yard. It won't just be the puppy you will be training. You will be training her as well. From my previous experience constantly trying to explain to a two year old everyday that puppy was not a toy was a very draining experience.

Diana - posted on 09/29/2009

I think that if you're getting the dog because you want another dog, and are willing to put in the time and effort to train it and to train your child about how to act around a puppy (as opposed to a dog) then go for it. Just make sure you're not getting it for her and only her, as (as I'm sure you know...lol) she's far too young for a pet of her own.

Chantel - posted on 09/29/2009

Thanks

Amy Jo - posted on 09/29/2009

I have two boys 3 1/2 and 2 months and we have 4 English Jack Russell Terriers. My dogs love my boys and my 3 year old always has one with him. They are great dogs and many people have them with kids. My dogs love kids!! Anyway the most important thing is to meet the puppies parents and bring your baby with you to see the interaction!! My dogs are really easy to train and so it is easy to handle!! I think you sound ready.

Ashley - posted on 09/29/2009

Quoting Karen :

I would be more wary of Terrier type dogs only that they can be more snappy, our jack Russell was a nightmare to train and chewed more than the labrador that is for sure

good luck again

I have a terrier, black  lab, and german shorthair pointer. All were a blast to train. My terrier was the best. He learned really fast and was house trained in two days. He has low energy and is great with kids. My black lab is a nightmare. She still has to be kenneled when we leave due to her anxiety causes her to dig in the garbage, pee and poop on the floors, and chew on the furniture. My german shorthair was great also. He was trained in two days. He also taught himself how to sit, shake, and give high fives. He is a smart dog. Each of my dogs takes very good caution with the baby, and best of all my terrier and son are so close my terrier sleeps under his crib at night.

Chantel - posted on 09/29/2009

thanks nichola, and everyone else. :)

Nichola - posted on 09/29/2009

then I say go for a puppy! good luck

Chantel - posted on 09/29/2009

unfortunately we can't get a kitten because I am allergic

Nichola - posted on 09/29/2009

I was goin to get a puppy for my son who is 14 months but ended up getting a kitten instead becuz I would be the one taking care of the animal and having to work would mean I just wouldnt have the time for a puppy...but if you have the time I think its a great idea!

Stina - posted on 09/29/2009

Quoting Chantel:

Sharon Grey,
I have trained both of the dogs that we have now. We have hard wood floors. And we already have to walk 2 dogs so why not a 3rd, it wont be an inconvience to walk because we already do this. We have thought about adopting an older puppy but our dogs now are only 2yrs and 1.5 yrs and they are completely unenteresed with her, and they refuse to play with her or let her very close to them. Therefore an older puppy is basicly out of the question. Plus we want to train the puppy our way, so that it behaves how we want it to. thanks for your reply though, it did get me thinking. :)
Chantel

Sounds to me like you are up for the added work of a puppy so it could be a good thing.  They are very energetic- but my dd adores puppies and all thier energy.  She is a fearless little girl so she's unphased by their overexuberance.  A puppy would be able to bond with your dd like she is another sibling. 

When I read the title to your post, my gut instinct said NO.  See, I wouldn't mind a dog myself, but with three children 5 and under, I know I don't have the time to train one right now, or to take it for the walks it would need.... but reading through the posts, it seems that you are a responsible sort of Dog owner who takes the time to care for all her family including the four legged ones.  So sure- why not? 

Chantel - posted on 09/29/2009

Karen Rima,
Both of our dogs now are corgi's and that is what we will get if we decide to get a puppy. They are a smaller dog, well small/medium. When my daughter stands up she is twice as tall as they are. She doesnt try to pull at them or jump on them actually she really does try to play with them. She will go and pick up their toys and try to give them to the dogs and enjoys crawling after them when they are outside. She surprisingly hasn't even really pulled their hair. We sometimes make them sit still for her to pet them and she does a really good job, after we showed her a few times that she had to "pet nice" she has ever since. I also believe that they shouldnt be left alone, out of sight. I believe this with my dogs as well. It only takes one time for there to be a devistating result. thank you for your reply, it was very helpful
Chantel

Jan - posted on 09/29/2009

whatever you decide, make sure you see the puppy's parents & check out their temperament. Good luck. x

Cindy - posted on 09/29/2009

We got a dog when my daughter was five and she has to get used to taking care of the dog so my son and my dog have grown up together. We recently got a kitten and it was a little rough because she was keeping me up all night and teaching my son how to be gentle but now the dog and cat are his best friends.

Karen - posted on 09/29/2009

I would be more wary of Terrier type dogs only that they can be more snappy, our jack Russell was a nightmare to train and chewed more than the labrador that is for sure

good luck again

Sharon - posted on 09/29/2009

Cool beans!!

I see way to many people who fall into the "Ohh a baby & a puppy!! so cute!!" then get all upset when the baby gets nipped during play or annoyed that the baby is napping and the puppy wants out. UGH drives me nuts.

You seem sensible - this will probably work out for you!

Chantel - posted on 09/29/2009

Ashley Miller,
I never thought about taking her with us when we go and pick out the puppy. That is a great idea. Thank you so much! The dogs we have now are protective of her but will not play with her. She wants to play with them and tries regularly.
Thanks again!
Chantel

Chantel - posted on 09/29/2009

Sharon Grey,
I have trained both of the dogs that we have now. We have hard wood floors. And we already have to walk 2 dogs so why not a 3rd, it wont be an inconvience to walk because we already do this. We have thought about adopting an older puppy but our dogs now are only 2yrs and 1.5 yrs and they are completely unenteresed with her, and they refuse to play with her or let her very close to them. Therefore an older puppy is basicly out of the question. Plus we want to train the puppy our way, so that it behaves how we want it to. thanks for your reply though, it did get me thinking. :)
Chantel

Andrea - posted on 09/29/2009

We did this when my 2nd was a baby fixing to turn 1. It was a huge mess for like the 1st 6 months or so, and then it was great. A puppy is going to chew on stuffed toys, and they mouth people too, no one is off limits, even your 1 yo. Also we had a problem with jumping up and pawing, ds had scratches on him for some time after we got the puppy. Those were our biggest problems. My advice and what I would have done differently if I could have, get a dog around 1-2 years, that is of a smaller breed (think terrier) that will be easily trained because of it's older age, still playful, and small enough not to tower over the baby. Good luck on whatever you decide!

Karen - posted on 09/29/2009

Hi Chantel



my kids have all grown up with animals of all shapes and sizes! My twins were 18 months old when we got our Labrador puppy.

I think you have to think of the breed of dog you are thinking of getting and how your daughter is with your dogs.

does she pull at them jump on them etc.

Puppies do nip and scratch and will bite if they get hurt, even if by accident.

our pup was caged until he was house trained and when I wasn't going to be with in eye shot of them, better safe than sorry I always thought.

But the dog is brill with them and always have been and now would look after them with his life.

As long as you are sensible I think animals are great with children.



hope this helps



karen

Ashley - posted on 09/29/2009

I have three dogs. All were gotten before my son but I think as long as you train the puppy well than it's not a bad idea. My dogs and my son love each other. The best idea is to take the child with you to pick out the puppy. That is what I did with my friends child. I let her pick out the dog she liked and seemed to like her. They are both 8 years old now and love each other. The dog protects her like she's her own puppy. My son and the dogs we have are the same way, whenever there is danger they run for the baby first. I have very protective dogs when it comes to my son.

Sharon - posted on 09/29/2009

We're used to training dogs and children. A small puppy will need to be taught to not bite, this may scare your daughter when she is bitten in the due course of the puppys play. And the nails, and the romping and the potty training...



Are YOU up to this? Who will train the puppy? who will clean the carpets? who will walk it?



have you thought about adopting a slightly older puppy that is already house & child trained but still playful?