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when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
especially with kids?
my youngest is 9 months...wondering if I should wait it out a bit, if only so he won't get knocked over, potentially.
our yard isn't fenced in completely, althought I do have a doggie area with a fence that is closed in.
we DO have love to offer, and time and patience...the most the dog would be alone would be 1-7, roughly 3 or 4 days a week.
we also have a cat.
looking to adopt, of course.
just trying to get an idea.
Message edited 12/27/2011 10:53:24 PM.
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Posted 12/27/11 2:29 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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Kris
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 1051 total posts
Name:
Kristine
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog?
i think you have all the right qualifications, but the 9 month old baby could pose a challenge. you could get a puppy and they could grow up together. how much sleep are you getting, and are you willing to face a few weeks of sleepless nights again?
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| Posted 12/27/11 2:37 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog?
If you feel that you are ready to put in the time, effort, and expense of a new dog- I'd say go for it! There's never a perfect time for it- much like having a kid! The one thing you might want to consider is getting an older dog and not a puppy. My dogs were left home alone for about 6-7 hours each day when they were babies and they were just fine, but for other puppies it might be an adjustment. It also might be a good idea to get an older dog for your DS since an older dog might be a little calmer.
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| Posted 12/27/11 2:41 PM |
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog?
thank u for your responses! I get a good night's sleep generally, as both my kids are pretty good.
I wanted an older dog to begin with, but my friend (who always had dogsher whole life and has one now) advised to get a pup so the boys and the dog can all "grow together," and build a safe and trusting relationship with them.
I would get a traditional family dog, like a lab retriever.
I just don't want to be 100% because I know it's a big committment. 
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| Posted 12/27/11 2:46 PM |
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Goobster
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Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
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:)
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog?
I think you sound totally on the right track. I would personally wait until your DC is a steady walker, about 18 mths. That was when things got easier for us here. Now that DD is 3, things are great so obviously the older the child, the better generally speaking.
If you got a puppy, just make sure you are ready for cleaning up poo and pee, going out often for potty, waking up during the night to go outside, etc.
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| Posted 12/27/11 4:50 PM |
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog?
Posted by Goobster
I think you sound totally on the right track. I would personally wait until your DC is a steady walker, about 18 mths. That was when things got easier for us here. Now that DD is 3, things are great so obviously the older the child, the better generally speaking.
If you got a puppy, just make sure you are ready for cleaning up poo and pee, going out often for potty, waking up during the night to go outside, etc.
good point on waking up at night. I forgot about that part. 
my DH will be deployed this year, so I'd like to maybe get a dog now and have it trained and stuff before he leaves, and to kind of keep me company and for general protection.
We are going to see a lab retriever puppy this weekend and bring all of us, to see how we all interact:  '
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| Posted 12/27/11 8:42 PM |
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
bump with pic of doggie. I'm so excited to meet "Frisbee" Hope it works out and we can give him a good home. He was rescued from a high-kill shelter.
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| Posted 12/27/11 10:54 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
Such a cute dog! Puppies are wonderful but a lot of work. Just make sure you are ready for the frequent walks and accidents. Crate training often helps cut down on potty training time.
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| Posted 12/27/11 11:17 PM |
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
Posted by MrsG823
Such a cute dog! Puppies are wonderful but a lot of work. Just make sure you are ready for the frequent walks and accidents. Crate training often helps cut down on potty training time.
yeah, I have to gear myself up.  I feel I'm so used to thinks peeing and pooping (with kids) that maybe I won't be fazed as much? I don't have any carpeting in my house, so that's a good thing as far as cleaning up accidents, I guess.
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| Posted 12/27/11 11:34 PM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
GOREGOUS pup!!! Please just make sure you are ready for a NEW baby in your house all over again (esp with a 9 mth old).
I personally would not do it with a 9 mth old. Puppies are so so so much work. I used to cry when I had my male pup..he was a real handful that would exhaust me.
But only you know yourself and if you are up for it. Sounds like you have a great thought process about it all and are seeing all sides of it.
Message edited 12/27/2011 11:51:40 PM.
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| Posted 12/27/11 11:40 PM |
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
Posted by Goobster
GOREGOUS pup!!! Please just make sure you are ready for a NEW baby in your house all over again (esp with a 9 mth old).
I personally would not do it with a 9 mth old. Puppies are so so so much work. I used to cry when I had my male pup..he was a real handful that would exhaust me.
But only you know yourself and if you are up for it. Sounds like you have a great though process about it all and are seeing all sides of it.
so true! when I was a child, I had a puppy, and it was more work than a baby, I swear. I remember it being bruuuutal. I'm trying to be sensible and not being sold on just the cute looks.
The Bideawee ( where he is at currently ) offers training classes, which I think is really great. Still going through all the pros and cons. My baby is pretty easygoing and seems to have gotten over his attachment issues, but we will see.
I just found this on their website, in case anyone ever wants to adopt from them:
All of Bideawee's Adoption Center dogs receive basic obedience training and all cats and dogs receive daily enrichment to prepare them for life in a home. Dog and puppy adopters should take advantage of one free group or one-on-one training session with Bideawee's Training and Enrichment Coordinator (group vs. one-on-one session option varies according to age and temperament of dog) within 90 days of adoption.
Every adoption includes one free training session within the first six months after you take your pet home, and we recommend to all our adopters that they take advantage of this opportunity.
Message edited 12/27/2011 11:47:14 PM.
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| Posted 12/27/11 11:45 PM |
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jilliibabii
Mrs. O'Connor
Member since 6/10 12821 total posts
Name:
Jillian
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
He's absolutely beautiful.  Good luck!
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| Posted 12/28/11 8:33 AM |
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LoveMyHubby605
Our April Baby is here!
Member since 4/11 2418 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
oh man...he has the SWEETEST face!!! Good luck!!!
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| Posted 12/28/11 11:10 AM |
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drwifettc
LIF Adult
Member since 6/10 2348 total posts
Name:
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
I sent you some FM, but we have an 8 month old and 2 year old lab and they are a match made in heaven. Having a puppy is a ton of work, but our lab was easy to house train, she got it in 2 weeks. Never had a poop accident in the house. We did crate train her and she still uses her crate and it really helped! Even now if the baby is crawling around too much and she wants to rest she'll head to her crate. Good luck!
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| Posted 1/2/12 3:59 PM |
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Mushesgirl
Too blessed to be stressed
Member since 4/09 6691 total posts
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
Best of luck!!
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| Posted 1/2/12 4:41 PM |
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Mushesgirl
Too blessed to be stressed
Member since 4/09 6691 total posts
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Re: when do you know you are ready for a dog? update with pic of potential puppy.
Posted by LadyBugN2Buggies
bump with pic of doggie. I'm so excited to meet "Frisbee" Hope it works out and we can give him a good home. He was rescued from a high-kill shelter.
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| Posted 1/2/12 4:42 PM |
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