is 2 too young for a family pet?

[Anonymous]

DS is 24 months old, really active, sometimes rough, not to be malicious, I think, but to see the reaction. He understands and knows how to show gentle touch, but I do a fair amount of watching him like a hawk when he approaches animals. He LOVES dogs, and so do I, but I'm wondering if he's too young for us to get a family pet (puppy)?

[Anonymous]

Getting a new puppy is like having another baby.

The question isn't if your kid is ready (I'm sure he'd love it) but are YOU ready?

[Anonymous]

I have a 2 year old and a dog, but I had the dog first. It's doable, but I think puppy training and potty training at the same time could be rough...or actually, maybe that would work out great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 2 year old and a dog, but I had the dog first. It's doable, but I think puppy training and potty training at the same time could be rough...or actually, maybe that would work out great!

You'll wind up with a kid who will only pee outside

[Anonymous]

I'd consider a slightly older dog (1-2 years). You still get a playful dog but it's old enough that you have two "babies".

[Anonymous]

Not a puppy. You will end up rehoming the puppy when it nips him. No reputable breeder or rescue group will give you a puppy.

[Anonymous]

I'd consider a slightly older dog (1-2 years). You still get a playful dog but it's old enough that you have two "babies".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a 2 year old and a dog, but I had the dog first. It's doable, but I think puppy training and potty training at the same time could be rough...or actually, maybe that would work out great!

You'll wind up with a kid who will only pee outside

hah! There's a family story about me: I saw the dog pooping so often in the living room that when I was learning how to potty train I pooped in the living room like the dog.

I think 2 year olds can be around dogs. We have a dog and he's lovely to babies and small kids. He doesn't really want to play with them because he thinks they're rough, but he's getting there. We've always had a dog and can't imagine life without one.

[Anonymous]

We have a 2yo and 2 large breed dogs. Both the dogs were around before she was though so she has been raised since day 1 with them and knows how to be gentle, give hugs etc.
I think getting a dog is great but you should go with a young dog, past the puppy nipping uncontrollable stage but still young. ( 2 or 3)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd consider a slightly older dog (1-2 years). You still get a playful dog but it's old enough that you have two "babies".

+1

Also depends on what kind of dog. My small dog will be 4 by the time DS is born in December. When he gets really excited sometimes he'll jump on us or playfully bite (lightly, not a hard clamp-down) on our fingers. I'm not going to let DS be alone with the dog until DS is old enough to speak and give the dog commands, so that dog doesn't hurt him.

[Anonymous]

We got a puppy around the time our youngest was 1. It was awful at first, but now (a year later) it's great. DD and pup have bonded well and the dog very much knows he comes last. He is extremely tolerant and sweet and I imagine some of this comes from the fact that he's had a toddler yanking on him from day 1.

I'm not sure I would say it was worth it, it was much like having another baby. BUT, the dog slept through the night and was house trained very quickly.

[Anonymous]

My DD is the same age as OP's son and she would love to have a dog. But I can't deal with the idea of potty training her and puppy training at the same time. Have decided we're only getting a puppy after she's successfully completed potty training.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you should see how the "MY 2.5 yo is driving me crazy!" thread on this forum develops before you make a decision.

[Anonymous]

I have a 2yo and a 4yo and we have had dogs their whole lives. 2yo is fascinated by dogs eyes, always trying to "touch" them or stick finger in nose. Likes to "hug" dog meaning she ends up trying to lay on dog and dog lays less than she does. Sometimes hits dog really hard when petting. I dont think it is malicious she just gets REALLY excited.

3yos just get things a lot better than 2. Luckily our dog is patient. You can make any age work, but if you are flexible i think 3 is better age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not a puppy. You will end up rehoming the puppy when it nips him. No reputable breeder or rescue group will give you a puppy.

this. I would not want a puppy around a small child.