dog and a 16 month old

So recently my husband and I had been talking about adopting a dog from Labs4Rescue. We found a 4 year old dog that is reported to be wonderful around children and currently lives in a foster home, so he has been socialized. Then I stumbled across a breeder (GaetaCreek labs) who has a 1 1/2 year old. So my question.... we want a dog who is good with kids. What have people's experiences been with young (over a year) and middle aged labs (over 2)? Are we crazy for getting a dog right now (lol)?

Message edited 9/27/2012 3:51:21 PM.

Re: dog and a 16 month old

i think its all in how you train the dog. a dog that is 1 does have the potential to be a little more high energy than the older one, although not always the case but its a possibility.
im sure at first there might be a few incidents where you may have to put your foot down with both baby and dog crossing lines you are comfortable with.

my dog was about 2 when my DS was born and his breed is considered a puppy until 2. he's super hyper...very bouncy and very fast. my DS is 15 months now and sometimes my dog will run past him too fast and knock him over but nothing awful ever came of it. DS loves my dog. he lays on him and smushes his face into his tail. its really cute.

i dont think you are crazy for wanting a dog. i think the adjustment would be fine

Re: dog and a 16 month old

We have a lab and a 17 month old. I could not be happier, they are best friends. My lab is really really energetic when outside, but when we are in the house she is so mellow. The dog has her moments, she's knocked DD down before when she was running to greet my husband. We just make sure the dog is always well exercised. We've had out lab since she was a puppy. DD will snuggle with her and play without a problem. It's a ton of work, but I would not have it any other way. It's really been a positive experience for everyone. Good luck with the adoption!

Re: dog and a 16 month old

I have a 16 month old son, and a 2.5 year old lab (from Labs4Rescue!) and an 8 year old pit bull. They're all best friends - and I've never regretted it. We got the lab when I was 2 months pregnant, 6 days after my 14-yeard old lab died....couldn't imagine my child growing up without a lab as his best friend.

dog and a 16 month old

My lab from Gaeta creek was a "puppy" for 2-3years in the sense of energy, but was the perfect dog with kids. He was 5 when I had DS and he's perfect! So I guess I would say if you're prepared to walk the puppy every day then you could go with the puppy

Re: dog and a 16 month old

As a dog owner, I actually don't think it's a good idea to get a dog now. Especially if you plan on having more children.If you plan on having another child and soon, then I say no way, absolutely a bad idea. Sadly many people get dogs and then have another baby and worry the baby will get knocked over, etc, or they just don't have time for their pet anymore. The pet gets neglected, acts out and the owners want to get rid of him. It creates a vicious cycle.

Sorry to be a downer, but you did ask if you were crazy and I have to say it's probably best to wait until you are done having children. Dogs are a LOT LOT LOT of work. They are like having another child, for sure.

Unless you are 100 million percent committed to giving the dog what he needs (training, exercise, attention, vet care which can cost alot, etc), just think how you feel about owning that pet for what could be 15 years. Are you ready for a 15 year committment to an animal who will mess up your home, need to be trained, need love, attention, exercise, care, etc? KWIM?

I think alot of people have good intentions but quiet often we see on the pet board that once another child comes along, the dogs take the back seat and there is no longer any time left, energy left, money left or love left for the dog. Again, unless you are 100% sure you are up for the lifetime committment.

I mean this with nothing but good intentions. BTW, I have 2 dogs that I had before my DD and I love them like I do my children. But DH and I do say we can see so many people who would have given up on our dogs (or dogs in general) once kids come along b/c it's a LOT LOT LOT of work. Especially when people see them as "just a pet", then quite often their needs go neglected when time and money and patience run thin (especially due to caring for children, which we all know is exhausting in itself). So if you think you can love your pet forever, care for it forever, don't plan on having a baby soon again, etc, then and only then do I think it's a good idea now.

Message edited 9/29/2012 4:59:49 PM.