New puppy with small child?

In the last eight months, we had to put both of our cats to sleep and our dog. Cat #1 had hyperthyroidism and chronic heart failure. Cat #2 had bowel disease from cancer. The dog suddenly developed lymphoma. It has been a crazy year.

We have a 15 month and my husband and I are thinking about getting a new dog. This time I wanted a smaller dog that doesn't shed. I was thinking of something like a cocker spaniel or Havenese though I am also intrigued by a Teddy Bear (shitzuah/maltese mix). I am in no rush to get a new puppy but I would like one.

I am worried that a new puppy will be very nippy with the baby. At what age, do you think it is OK to introduce a puppy into the house.

Re: New puppy with small child?

I am sorry about the loss of your pets.

Just wanted to say, Cocker spaniels do shed. I would suggest a maltese or a havanese.

However, they are small breeds. You would have to be sure the child is responsible and follows directions, so that a small dog/puppy does not get stepped on and injured.

What age? Well a puppy will likely be nippy but I think the bigger issue is what age will your child listen to you and help you train the dog right? That age, to me, is about 2.5. But can it be done now? Yes, but like I said, you haveto make sure the dog isnt stepped on or that your child will cooperate and of course, make sure you have time to train the pup.

Also, if you plan on having other kids, either way, you will have a puppy with a young child possibly. Some dogs stay puppy like for years. My dog is still a nipper at age 6.

Message edited 7/15/2011 10:52:00 AM.

Re: New puppy with small child?

puppies do nip, they chew and i think they're a handful, but it could be a crap shoot with rescued older dogs too depending on their background.

Since your child is 15 months you have to worry about them getting into wee wee pads, puppies peeing and pooing every where (because they're not house broken). The occasional rough housing of the puppy, puppies chewing on toys left on the floor. So pretty much you will have two babies in the house.

I think it would be nice to have to grow up with a dog.

Re: New puppy with small child?

I'm a big advocate for kids to grow up with a dog. My mom got our Brutus 6 months before I was born ... and I've always had a dog and always will.

My younger brother had his dogs when the kids were small too (got a new puppy when my nephew was 18 months).

It takes work, (ita with the above poster - it will be like having 2 kids in the house)... but it will also be an awesome experience for you and your child...

You can teach the child to respect the dog, as well as the dog to respect the child.

Re: New puppy with small child?

Cocker Spaniels shed. They are also NOT the best of the spaniels with children.

I honestly would wait a bit longer.

I had my older dogs 1 year before I had DS. They were no longer puppies by the time he was born. I did not a newborn and a puppy like DH had mentioned. I said no.

We just got another puppy a few weeks ago. DS just turned 4.

A puppy involved obedience training and potty training too. I think that's too much work with a toddler.