Anonymous wrote:what about the ages of my kids? any real difference a year will make in how they will take on the responsibility?

I waited until my kids were 12 and 13. However by doing so, I realized that the dog would be mine once they left for college so I wanted to make sure that I got a dog that I would like to have on my own as well. I love dogs so it was not too difficult for me, however I also needed to get a dog that my husband would fall in love with as well.

We adopted a smaller breed so both my daughter or son can walk him whenever I ask, no risk of being pulled or not being able to control the dog on a walk.

We take our dog to the beach with us on our summer vacations there. However, again mostly due to his small size and the fact that he’s well-trained, we can take him to a family member’s house to dog sit if we go anywhere where we cannot bring him. It’s worked out very well for us.

Suggest thinking through why you want a dog and even dog sitting for a friend to get a real sense of what having a dog entails. Getting a puppy is quite intense and involves a lot of time and effort for at least the first few weeks. After that remember you have another living creature who will be totally dependent on you for meals, walks, grooming, medical care, etc. We waited until our youngest was 11 so kids could share the responsibility (mainly feeding and walking). Consider, too, what dog best fits your family. A large dog (e.g. labrador) is too strong for a child to handle on a leash no matter how well trained the dog is. We all love our 4-footed friend but are also grateful we waited. As far as separation - find a kennel or dogsitter (check rover.com) that you trust. Makes going away much easier. Good luck!

If you’re this anxious about stuff like this don’t get a dog, ever.

Get him now.

what about the ages of my kids? any real difference a year will make in how they will take on the responsibility?

I don't think it really matters for you or the dog, assuming you board him in a friendly doggy daycare type of place, but three weeks of boarding is really expensive! If you have a relative taking the dog in while you are gone, etc, I think it's just totally up to you. I board my dogs regularly for vacation and honestly don't miss them while I'm away. It's a joy to reunite with them, of course - but it doesn't negatively impact my enjoyment of travel when I'm away whatsoever.

kids are 4.5 and 8 years old. we are taking a major overseas trip next spring (2020). wondering if we should get a puppy this spring or wait until AFTER the trip when kids will be 5.5 and 9 years old. my concern is how difficult it will be for the kids (and me I'm sure) to leave our baby who would be a year old at that point for almost 3 weeks.
thanks.