Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here: yes, a big dog running down the stairs with a toddler the toddler needs to get out of the way or can get knocked down. then again, a big dog the kids can climb all over him etc. without as much risk - the dog can play more tug of war etc.

It's very unsafe to allow children to play tug of war with a dog. Teach the dog to drop the toy at the child's feet when playing fetch.

Not to mention climb on it! Please don’t get any dog, OP. At least until you learn more about safe dog behavior. I cringe when I see people letting toddlers climb on a dog, they always look stressed. It is asking for a bite.

We rehiomed our lab when we had a small child. I couldn’t control them both at the same time. If we ever get another dog, it’ll be a small one (less than 30 lbs) so that i can handle it.

Anonymous wrote:OP here: yes, a big dog running down the stairs with a toddler the toddler needs to get out of the way or can get knocked down. then again, a big dog the kids can climb all over him etc. without as much risk - the dog can play more tug of war etc.

Please don’t allow the kids to climb on the dog, regardless of size. Teach your children that the dog may approach them, but they may not approach the dog.

I have a 25 lb and a 10 lb shelter mixes, and a 5 year old son. I have trained dogs professionally for 10 years. The beat thing I ever did was make sure my son was not magnetized to the dogs. The 10 lb dog ADORES him and willingly engages him all the time, because she knows she can end it at any time without fuss.

Anonymous wrote:OP here: yes, a big dog running down the stairs with a toddler the toddler needs to get out of the way or can get knocked down. then again, a big dog the kids can climb all over him etc. without as much risk - the dog can play more tug of war etc.

It's very unsafe to allow children to play tug of war with a dog. Teach the dog to drop the toy at the child's feet when playing fetch.

Everyone and their neighbor seems to be getting golden doodles these days. Personally I’d rather have a straight up golden or lab though.

A cockapoo is a good size and personality. However, do not forget how intelligent poodles are. A relative's cockapoo is becoming destructive because she is bored, even with a companion. They need long walks, socialization with other dogs, and a job. Don't get one if you won't/can't provide this.

A book I liked was Training Your Dog the Navy Seal Way. It had a good discussion on training and temperament and matching dogs to households and personalities.

Also, train your kids young and asap. Too many people get dogs-even"bomb proof" breeds-and let their kids get in their face, etc., and then make excuses for why the dog then growls and snaps at their kids.

Anonymous wrote:We have a mix - when we adopted her, she was about 20 lbs and is now about 30. it's a pretty great size - I can still scoop her up if I need to lift her but she is big enough so smaller kids won't accidentally hurt her.

I like this size, too. Also, it was nice that the kids could walk him from the time they were young.

We have a mix - when we adopted her, she was about 20 lbs and is now about 30. it's a pretty great size - I can still scoop her up if I need to lift her but she is big enough so smaller kids won't accidentally hurt her.

OP here: yes, a big dog running down the stairs with a toddler the toddler needs to get out of the way or can get knocked down. then again, a big dog the kids can climb all over him etc. without as much risk - the dog can play more tug of war etc.