Seeking Advice on Purchasing a Dog.

Hey K.
i know the feeling of wanting to have a dog for my kids but i have to say that i am sooooo glad i waited until my youngest was 4 ( i have 5 kids). dogs and puppies especially need a ton of attention (otherwise, without proper training you'll have a real mess).....and a puppy is a baby and will need a ton of attention!! i am so glad to have a dog now but i think i really would have been stressed if i had gotten a puppy when i had another baby and your baby really deserves your best attention!! a dog can come in a couple of years!! hang in there! best to you with your family!

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I think dogs are a wonderful pet for kids of all ages. BUT, I do not think getting a dog (or any other pet) for Christmas is a good idea. There is already a lot of stress in the houshold with the holidays and adding to that a new pet whose needs will make it really bad stress wise. I would make a gift certificate and take her to the local animal shelter after New Years to find her new pet. Almost all the dogs my family have had in the last 40 years have been from a shelter or were given to us by people who would have given them to a shelter if we didn't want them. They have all been awesome loving dogs.

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I am a huge supporter of breed rescue/adoption. We adopted our pug from a pug rescue when he was 4 years old. We met with a rescue coordinator and met the dogs in our home. Our dog literally jumped in my husbands lap and didn't budge the whole time, while the other 2 just ran around the house. We all knew that this dog had found his new family! He was completely housebroken and had no bad habits like chewing, barking or marking in the home. We were so fortunate, not all dogs are like that! He's now 10 years old and we have a 2.5 year old daughter. He adapted so well when she came home from the hospital. We set up the baby stuff well in advance and brought home a blanket for him to smell.

You can search on the internet for breed specific rescue groups and most have chapters all over the US so you can find a local group. Another resource is petfinder.com, they list local shelter and rescue adoptions. Be prepared to fill out paperwork, have a home inspection, give references and stuff like that. Most rescues take placement very seriously and some can turn you down for reasons like not having a fenced yard or having children under a certain age, so just be patient. It's a wonderful thing to do if it is right for you and your family.

Good luck!!!

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I have never read anything that would suggest not to get a dog/puppy for medical reasons...while you are pregnant. Only about the cat litter boxes being harmful. I have always been a firm believer though...from experience (live and learn)that Christmas is a very difficult time to bring a new puppy into the house. Also about housebreaking...and having to teach a puppy to walk on a leash....taking it out in the dead of winter! Otherwise, it will not be propperly trained, and you don't want a new baby...or a crawling baby on your floors if you have a dog who is doing its business around the house. With that said, if you would have help....maybe from your husband? it would be doable. Just make sure to have the dog trained well before you bring a baby into the house. I have four kids and we always have had labradors. I have had other breeds of dogs....but as far as being the best temperment, tolerating little kids climbing all over them or sitting on them as toddlers will do....I would never have a different breed of dog with small kids. Just my preference. Good luck with your decision!

K.,
Baby first then dog. Sometimes pets get jealous if they were there first. I have seen it happen. Also, if you get a puppy you have a lot of training to do. It is winter too. Do you really want to have to take a puppy/dog out every 2 hours until trained with a new baby? We wanted a dog and I said no until my son could walk and talk so I can concentrate on bringing up one person/animal at a time. A dog needs extra care in a new home.
C

For what it's worth...when we got our dog last year (this has nothing to do with pregnancy...just another thought to ponder) we got him for the kids "for Christmas" even though it was October. The breeder told us that it is better not to get a puppy right at Christmas time because so many things are different - and there are so many things they can get in to. They recommended either before or after - so they are used to the home and family before trees and gifts go out or after when things are calmer and the house is "back to normal" (that's a very loose phrase in my house). Sorry I can't help with the pregnancy part...HTH anyway...

Have you ever had a dog? its like having a baby. So you are going to take on the responsibility of a new baby a 4 legged baby and a child?

Thats alot to handle. I used to show dogs for years plus teach obedience classes at a local Pittsburgh school. I couldn't imagine taking on that kind of responsibility. I would hate to see your pup turned over to a rescue group or the pound because it didn't get the proper training and now its completely out of control.

There is nothing health wise, but Christmas is also a bad time to buy a pup because depending on what kind of dog you are looking for, most reputable breeders will not time to have pups at Christmas because they know most pups at Christmas are bought on impulse and returned when the family finds out they can't handle the dog.

Please think about it long and hard. A new baby, a puppy, a child and having to housenreak in the cold winter. Not saying you can't do it, but its alot to ask of anyone especially a new mom.

I volunteer at Animal Friends and 'Christmas Puppies' are the number one dogs turned in, its so sad. There are a number of reasons: you think you may have more time during the holiday with time off from work, but it gets pretty hectic - or - when things get back to normal after the holidays, folks no longer have enough time; there are many safety dangers around for puppies (wrapping paper, extra cords, poisonous plants); the cold weather makes it difficult to instill regular schedule for potty training (esp to those not used to doing it); some folks are so intent on getting a puppy just for the holiday, that they lose focus of which puppy best suits them and/or they take the puppy away from its mother too young.

Not saying that any of this applies to your family - but things to think about.

ETA - I just realized I forgot to address the pregnancy thing. I'm pretty sure the warning would've been about a dog that's too big, or doesn't walk well on a leash. With your balance already off during pregnancy, it can be an accident waiting to happen with a puller.

I have never heard anything other then don't change the cat litter when you are pregnant.
Almost two years ago we were trying to baby #2 and since that wasn't working we decided to get a dog to keep our minds off the issue and low and behold a month later I was preggo! LoL, that said. . .The worst part about getting a puppy is house training and its not so much while your pregnant its the first few weeks dealing with a newborn AND the training that gets you. Whatever you decide, good luck!

I think getting a dog is fine if you are up to the challenge of taking care of a puppy training ect and a new baby. I heard pregnant women couldn't be around a kitty litter box but i never heard anything regarding dogs and pregnancy.

I had gotten a new puppy when I was pregnant with my son and again when I was pregnant with my daughter(our 1st dog had passed away). As long as you think you can handle the puppy and a new baby Id say go for it. I have heard somethings about kids being more likely to become allergic but they have been going back and forth with that like eggs are bad for you. I myself grew up with a dog from day one and have no problems. My son shows no signs of anything either and he is almost 7 now. Good luck to you.

I have only read that about cats - I know that I read it when preg. but don't remember where. I have never heard that about dogs. I have read that you are not supposed to eat hot dogs :)

I'm sure you know about the horror of puppy mills??? So I just beg you to PLEASE PLEASE do not buy from a PET STORE!!!! Either go through a rescue, or buy from what you KNOW is a reputable breeder! I work in rescue, so PLEASE email me if you need any help or have any questions regarding pet shops, breeders, or rescues. Thanks and good luck!!!!

i've never heard anything about dogs in particular...I've only heard that pregnant women should not be exposed to cat litter (can have cats, but should not clean litter box).

On a side note, may I recommend a breed that is excellent with children....Boxers.....WONDERFUL DOGS!

Wow, I didn't expect to see so many NOs to your question! I am expecting my 3rd baby right now and the only reason I would not get a dog this time of year is because it's cold outside and I don't want to potty train! No other reason and that's just me. When Mandy (our yellow lab) was a baby, she used to cry at night and get up at 4:30am everyday to play, I think she was worse than a newborn, lol, but worth every excrutiating minute. My kids want another dog, too, but we are waiting until spring just so it's easier to go in and out, no snow, wind, etc. to deal with. I also think we might get a rescue this time who might be a little older and need less time to potty train, but more time to adjust to the family. Despite what everyone else said, if you really know what's involved and are ready for the messes, the cold weather, the chewing, etc. then go for it, there's no medical reason you shouldn't.

K., Many experts recommend that you do not get a dog for christmas...the reasons are many and varied. Mostly it is not good for the dog. You want your household to be normal and calm when you add a dog...many christmas decorations can be harmful to dogs, not to mention the confusion and stress of the season (dogs will pick up on and react to stress in the household). Why not purchase and give to your daughter all the things you will need for a dog with a promise of picking the dog out after the holidays? You also need to seriously consider what kind and size of dog that will best fit your life style and the age of your children. Not every dog is right for a growing family with very small children. We waited until our yougest was 4 before we adopted our dog, and it was the best decision we could have ever made! We have a great retired Greyhound that is the best dog in the world...and she was worth the wait! Best wishes

I agree with everyone else about waiting. I don't think you can know how much work your older child and baby are going to be until you get there-- what if (god forbid) the baby has to spend time in the NICU? What if you are on bed rest? Your daughter is going to need lots of extra love and attention after the baby comes-- and you are going to be exhausted. I work in dog rescue (english pointers) and 90% of dogs we get contacted about are people who got thier young kids a puppy for Christmas. The word literally send shivers through my heart.

Christmas is a terrible time to get a dog for all the reasons mentioned by others, plus the fact that it is the coldest time of the year when you are trying to housebreak. And I suppose I probably don't have to mention that 4 million dogs die a year in shelters-- mostly because breeders are breeding (and selling) more dogs then there are homes for.

So, since you asked, my advice would be to wait until the youngest is at least here (4-5 would be better. I know that isn't what you want to hear, but it would be the best for the kids and the dog.

We got our puppy when our daughter was 4 months old. There is no medical reason to not get your daughter her new pet. Cat litter - that's another story... but dogs are fine. If you are up to the challenge and lack of sleep - go for it!!

I did not see that article but I have two dogs and two children. The biggest thing i have heard is that dogs can become jealous of a baby because so much attention is given to a new baby. My dogs were and sometimes still are a littl jealous. When i brought both my children home from the hospital i put them in their carseat and sat them on the floor for the dogs to sniff. The other key is to get a family dog, one good with kids. I have two shepherds and have no problems.

I don't know what was written in that article you read. But, the only reason I could think of is that dogs can get jealous when a baby is brought home. The way to avoid this is to introduce the baby's smell to the dog before you bring the baby home. You can do this by bringing home something that the baby was wearing or wrapped in like a onesie or a blanket. Let the dog smell it so that it can accept that smell as part of the family, or the dog's pack.

I hope this helps.

We bought our Boxer and then found out we were pregnant. It worked out perfectly, the dog was well trained by the time the baby came and was so good with the baby. I did only work part time during my pregnancy which gave me plenty of time to spend with the dog. And when the baby got old enough they became best friends and the dog got plenty of playtime with the baby. I would absolutely do it the same way again.

I agree with the other mom about letting the dog smell the baby's things before you bring the baby home. And I think it depends on the breed you are getting, make sure you do your research. I've had a Boxer for years and then looked it up on the internet and found out that some of her quirks are actually quite normal for Boxers. Boxers are an excellent breed with children by the way...our dog is so well behaved and very protective of our son. But they are a little hyper and they need love and attention.

Congratulations on the new baby.

Like others I have never read anything bad about dogs/pregnancy. I have read, however, that is good for children to have pets in the home when they are younger because it helps them build up immunities to pet allergies - so I say go for it!

Try Petfinder dot com for you new four legged friend... I am a volunteer at an animal rescue and we are happy to place 'family friendly' dogs in homes with young children.

Good luck with your new baby and your new furry friend.

W.

Reputable and responsible breeders of dogs will NOT sell you a dog during the holidays.

PLEASE READ ALL THESE LINKS CAREFULLY and re-consider your timing for bringing a puppy into your home....

http://www.petrescue.com/library/no-pups.htm

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=29...

http://www.cyberpet.com/dogs/articles/lexi/cmgifts.htm

http://www.slate.com/id/2132035/

As for getting a dog while pregnant and also caring for another young child....it CAN be done....BUT, to give a dog any kind of proper care and attention at this time will take a lot of work. If you are up for that, so be it. more reading for you....

http://www.babylune.com/a-note-about-puppies-for-pregnant...

http://kennelkraze.com/2007/04/28/getting-a-puppy-with-a-...

I am NOT anti-dog.....I just KNOW personally from having had dogs all my life and also being a Mom with a toddler and 3 dogs.....it is NOT easy. When bringing ANY new pet into a home with young children or expecting a baby you must think very carefully before you jump at this.

Dogs are not born trained and calm.

As for breed?? This is a pretty personal choice. MOST breeds can be good with children if raised with them properly. Rescues CAN be good....but because you never truly know their background and history it can be tough to know for sure if a rescue will fit in with human babies.

Any, I hope you think long and hard about adding a puppy to the family. It CAN be a wonderfully rewarding experience but taking in a pet is NOT something to be taken lightly.

Oh, you might be interested in reading an article I recently wrote for an on-line magazine. There is a link within the article which has lots of useful information about kids and dogs.

http://www.thegreatdanegallery.com/obed_agil_etc.html

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Be careful of the source from which you purchase a puppy. There are a LOT of non-respectable dog breeders in PA. Back-yard breeders doing it for the buck (generally don't have a clue about proper dog breeding), puppy millers and commercial dog breeders...also making money off their dogs...and pet shops (who buy thier dogs from the puppy millers and commercial breeders). Anyone advertising 'Puppies Ready for Christmas' or posting signs on the side of the road with 'Puppies for Sale' is generally someone to stay away from. Shelters and rescues CAN be a great place to find a pet.....but not at Christmas.....and the dogs gotten from a shelter or rescue must be carefully screened to be good with babies and children.

I hope this post helped :)

The only thing that I can think of is the thing with cats where you shouldn't change the litter when you're pregnant. We had 2 dogs with each of my pregnancies and I never heard or read anything about limiting my activities around them. Hope you find your answer.

Hi K.,

Sorry to be responding to this so late, but I'm 8 months pregnant and have been busy! We just got a 2nd dog back in July (our 16-year old dog had to be put to sleep and we still had an 11-year old dog at the house along with a 3-year old son). We adopted an adult dog through a rescue group I found on Craig's List. The rescue group I volunteer with didn't have any dogs that fit our family, so I went on Petfinder.com only to be turned down because our son wasn't old enough or our other dog wasn't fixed. It was quite frustrating to be treated like an idiot by well-intentioned people when I've owned a dog all my life, volunteer with a rescue group, and worked for PetSmart for a year and a half. I can understand your frustration.

It's a shame you have gotten so much negative feedback, but I want to encourage you to go ahead and get your daughter a dog. You know better than anyone what your situation is, and as you said, medical issues would be the only reason you would consider not getting one, and there are no medical reasons for not getting a dog.

You may want to talk to your vet or a dog trainer (you can talk to a PetSmart trainer for free) to help figure out what breed is best for your daughter and the family. Good luck and send me a private message if you want to chat more about the dog or just want to vent.

C.

The only reason why I can think of as to why an article would say not to get a dog while pregnant is because of the extra work and stress. I have no idea why you shouldn't get a dog while pregnant. If you want a dog, I say, get a dog! Congrats on both new babies, lol!

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

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Never read anything about health issues concerning getting a pet while pregnant. I have read that you should not clean litter boxes while pregnant. We had a female golden retriever before my daughter was born. She was wonderful with my daughter. No jeaousy issues or anything. Then our female died and we got a male golden retriever when our daughter was 6 years old. He's also great with my daughter. I always had mutts growing up, then I had a lab, but I think the golden retrievers are more laid back and great with kids. I personally would not get a puppy around Christmas time because everything is chaotic that time of year. By the way, if you decide to go with a golden retriever, contact me and I can give you the name of the family where I got my male.

I don't think there are any "medical" reasons for not getting a dog. Perhaps you are thinking about not cleaning out a cat litter box while pregnant?