Hi Shannon
Please note that I have been considering getting a dog for my two boys aged 18 months and 3 years. In my research and discussions with many people including breeders, pet shops, friends, etc, I have come across a variety of opinions. Some have suggested that it's good to raise such young kids with dogs and it's never been a problem for them and some would say that we should wait until at least the youngest is about 5 years old whereafter he will have some reasoning abilities in terms of how to treat a dog and also be able to partake in the feeding, paying, etc.
Initially, we were going to get a Labrador or Golden Retriever because of its temperament and being good with kids. Lately, we were considering a small breed like a Jack Russell.
Please note that I grew up with Dobermanns at home. We also had a number of litters. I had to clean and feed the dogs for years. However, I later on developed what I term "dog phobia" - not being able to face any other dog/being scared of any dog. It is for this reason that I thought getting a puppy would not only deal with my issue but ensure that the boys are not deprived of a companionship that a dog can provide.
Two Minds
Dear Two Minds
Let me start by congratulating you on your rational thought process and giving this important decision the gravity it deserves. You also have my admiration in dealing with your "dog phobia" in such an honest and forthright manner.
With regard to the age of your children it would perhaps be better to wait until the youngest child is older. Two toddlers are not for the fainthearted to start with and adding a busy pup to the mix could be quite daunting. Waiting until the youngest child is about five or six years old would indeed be the most sensible option, but it would not be a disaster if you decided to get a pup in the near future.
In terms of breed choice for your family I would suggest keeping away from terriers. Terriers are fantastic dogs, but they can be quite demanding in terms of the mental fortitude required to deal with their feisty temperaments. With a predisposition to being somewhat insecure around dogs, a terrier may reinforce your fears. Terriers and young boys are also not the best match as they tend to set one another off due to the vicious circle of the high activity of the children and the terrier's heightened prey drive.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are wonderful dogs but they do have high energy (particularly Labradors) and their size may also prove a bit intimidating.
I would suggest a medium small dog, which is easy going and fairly low maintenance. There are two breeds that spring to mind, a Beagle and a Pug. Beagles can make the most delightful family companions. On the down side they can be more challenging to train due to their inherent behaviour of scenting. Once they get a scent in their nostrils it can be hard to get their attention on anything else. In my experience I have found Beagles to be gentle pets and their "puppy like" morphology even when mature may make you feel more confident. Pugs can also be fabulous family pets. They are fairly hardy and not prone to barking. Their size may however be too small for two young boys.
I suggest you carry on with your research, go to some shows, visit breeders and spend some time with their dogs. Most breeders are happy to share their knowledge of their breed (once they start talking it's often hard to get them to stop!). A reputable breeder will give you advice on whether a particular breed would be suitable for your family, but they can sometimes give a slightly skewed opinion of their breed. So speak to trainers, vets and groomers as well for the "real scoop".
It goes without saying that your pup should only be obtained from a reputable breeder who breeds to "improve and not just increase numbers". Contact the relevant breed club for advice in this respect.
Best of luck!
