Anonymous
Post 09/16/2014 18:11     Subject: is 2 too young for a family pet?
Anonymous wrote:My two year old cousin accidentally broke a rabbit's neck not that long ago. Granted the parents weren't watching that carefully but I'd wait a bit.


Or, you know, watch your damn kids.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2014 13:28     Subject: is 2 too young for a family pet?
My two year old cousin accidentally broke a rabbit's neck not that long ago. Granted the parents weren't watching that carefully but I'd wait a bit.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2014 13:21     Subject: is 2 too young for a family pet?
I think it's a lot easier (and wiser) to wait another couple of years than it would be to get a dog before you are ready for one.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2014 10:39     Subject: Re:is 2 too young for a family pet?
Anonymous wrote:I also have never understood why people on this forum seem so anti kids + dogs. A puppy is a lot of work, and I wouldn't recommend it to frazzled parents of small children unless they know what they are getting themselves into, but dogs and babies can have such a totally sweet bond.

I can't imagine a childhood without my beloved dogs. We had a particularly lovely golden retriever who was around from when I was born until I was in middle school, and I was devastated when he died.


+1

I grew up with multiple cats and dogs (as did my husband) and it taught me about unconditional love as well as how to take care of another living being. We chose to get a dog before we had kids because we knew it would feel too hard afterward and wanted the dog to be settled with us before we brought a baby home. Watching my son come home from school and race over to our dog and cats to hug them and tell them he loves them brings me such joy.
Anonymous
Post 09/16/2014 10:37     Subject: is 2 too young for a family pet?
Anonymous wrote: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?


+1

I don't think any age is too young for a child to interact with a pet but a puppy is like having a newborn. Make sure you're ready before you make this huge decision, especially if you haven't had a puppy before.

You should consider an older rescue dog but understand they also come with challenges because you may have no idea where they came from. We got lucky with our rescue that she's sweet as can be and loves our toddler but that's not always the case.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2014 22:43     Subject: Re:is 2 too young for a family pet?
Anonymous wrote:I also have never understood why people on this forum seem so anti kids + dogs. A puppy is a lot of work, and I wouldn't recommend it to frazzled parents of small children unless they know what they are getting themselves into, but dogs and babies can have such a totally sweet bond.

I can't imagine a childhood without my beloved dogs. We had a particularly lovely golden retriever who was around from when I was born until I was in middle school, and I was devastated when he died.


I'm glad that I'm not the only one that noticed. Perhaps a few people repeatedly post the negative kids + dog comments.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2014 22:34     Subject: Re:is 2 too young for a family pet?
I also have never understood why people on this forum seem so anti kids + dogs. A puppy is a lot of work, and I wouldn't recommend it to frazzled parents of small children unless they know what they are getting themselves into, but dogs and babies can have such a totally sweet bond.

I can't imagine a childhood without my beloved dogs. We had a particularly lovely golden retriever who was around from when I was born until I was in middle school, and I was devastated when he died.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2014 18:10     Subject: Re:is 2 too young for a family pet?
Anonymous wrote:No, it's not at all too young, provided you're willing to do the work. Do some reading and research and really know what you're getting into.

The trolls on this thread talking about how no reputable breeder or rescue would place a puppy in a home with children are full of the same nonsense as folks who say all Pit Bulls are violent, evil dogs. It's a stupid bias. You are a parent. You know your kid. If your kid is the zoom through the room, yell and party type, you'll probably want to hold off on a puppy. If your kid is the "look at that!" sit on the floor and observe type, a puppy can be a fine companion. You probably don't want a huge breed, nor a tiny, teacup, purse pet. But a mid-size shelter mutt could be a great friend, if you're willing to supervise, crate train, and raise your pet (and child) responsibly.

A reputable breeder or rescue would know their dog(s) well enough to help you find a suitable match for your family.



I would trust a reputable breeder more than a rescue unless it was a good breed specific organization. Rescues and shelters have a goal of reducing euthanasia rates and rehoming dogs. There are differences in behavior and henceforth temperment based on breed. My children all were born and raised while I and relatives owned dogs.

Pit bulls are terriers but more powerful than jack russells. It is recommended by pit bull organizations that owners obtain and know how to use break sticks.
Anonymous
Post 09/10/2014 10:37     Subject: is 2 too young for a family pet?
Anonymous wrote:
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.


I call BS. I have a 6 month old DS and a very reputable breeder sold us a 3 month old black lab a couple weeks ago. All is going smoothly. But the dog is already potty trained and knows most basic commands. She is very gentle with DS and licks his toes. Dog and boy will be good friends.

Yes a dog and a baby is a lot of work, but it's not hell or impossible.


Thank you for your post. I generally try to stay away from this forum because it seems so anti-dog, so I appreciate your pro-dog stance.

Signed, a mom of 2 boys (ages 2 and 4) that plans to get a dog within the next year