Hi, new to the forum! I'm looking to get a dog for our family, but due to an unfortunate experience, have become a bit leery.

We attempted to adopt an 8 mth old male (unneutered) from a shelter. It quickly became clear that he wasn't suitable for our family, as he growled and snapped at our youngest children, despite our constant vigilance. Now we've decided that when the time comes to get a dog, we'll be looking to a breeder, rather than chance another dog with an unknown history. All my research tells us that a Lab or Golden would be best suited for our family.

That being said, I'm wondering how to choose the right puppy...and about the right timing. My youngest 2 children are 3 yrs, and 19 mths. Perhaps it would be better to wait a year, so that our youngest is better able to understand the rules when it comes to a puppy?

Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

Hi, Melissa, and welcome.

What's your dog-training experience?

My dog training experience, looking through this site, seems to be mostly wrong, lol! So, count me down as little to none, since it seems that I need to relearn, adjust, and alter all of my previous experience.

Most recently, we had a Pug that passed away last Hallowe'en. We've been dog-less since.

Oh, and to add, I'll be purchasing the dvd 8wks-8 mths soon...I'm only debating if I should go with the single dvd or invest in a package.

 Quote: melissa charles

My dog training experience, looking through this site, seems to be mostly wrong, lol! So, count me down as little to none, since it seems that I need to relearn, adjust, and alter all of my previous experience.

Most recently, we had a Pug that passed away last Hallowe'en. We've been dog-less since.

You have come to the right place for re-learning.

I wouldn't view rescue through the lens of that one experience, by the way. Adopting carefully (including going to look without children and having an experienced dog person with you) can work out great, and that's from someone with all pre-owned dogs.

Not everyone agrees with this, but I personally would not have the stamina to train a puppy while I also had human babies of those ages, and to keep everyone safe from everyone else.

But people do it!

There are lots of factors; commitment from other adults in the house is a big one.

What I'd probably do would be to start listening to podcasts on Leerburg and reading crate-training articles (let me know if you want links to both) to help me decide if I could take on puppy-training with kids this young. Ideally, in fact, I'd order the Basic Obedience and the Pack Structure videos and really get an idea of the work (and fun). Both are videos that you will want, anyway, no matter when you end up acquiring your dog.

I'd remember that few breeds (and NO puppies) are going to be as low-energy as most senior Pugs (and I am not Pug-less; I know whereof I speak ). If your Pug is most of your experience, then figure that the exercise requirement alone on a "real" dog will be ten times that of a senior Pug.

Basically, I'd do exactly what you're doing: Learn what's involved before taking a living creature who needs a permanent home into your family. I absolutely applaud your approach.

 Quote: Melissa Charles

Oh, and to add, I'll be purchasing the dvd 8wks-8 mths soon...I'm only debating if I should go with the single dvd or invest in a package.

Ah! You posted this while I was typing. That's a great video if you do decide to go puppy; the two I mentioned are great for any age, including puppy. The three would give you a *terrific* groundwork before acquiring the dog.

Actually, our pug was a nut. Raced around...low energy my butt, lol! We adored him, but reading through this site makes me see very clearly how many mistakes we (read: mainly I) made in his training.

We've decided to get either a Lab or a Golden based on typical temperment, size, energy levels and needs...figure it will be a good fit for us. The timing and actual picking of puppy...whole other issue, lol

Oh, and before our pug, I had akitas as a non Mom.

Edited by Melissa Charles (05/09/2008 06:14 PM)
Edit reason: adding info

Hello Melissa,

I too, am new to the forum. I have two kids (8 and 7) and STRONGLY recommend that you try to wait until your kids are older before adopting a puppy.

We had a mature, wonderfully obedient and well trained GSD when our kids were born 19 mos. apart. In spite of all my instructions, my son would stick his fingers in the dogs eyes, nose, ears. While I was always supervising and would intervene immediately, it only takes a split second for a curious toddler to menace a dog. Thankfully, our dog was wonderfully patient and knew her place in the pack. She would just look at me as if to say, "Could you call off the kid, please?" A puppy wouldn't be as likely not to nip in defense. Now that our kids are older, they are able to watch the videos with us and are learning, in advance, how to handle and behave with a new pup.

Maybe you could find a friend who successfully raised an obedient pup while raising small kids and ask how she did it and would she do it over again. Too many people have the idea of kids and puppies together as a Hallmark ideal and don't take into consideration the considerable needs of the puppy.

I agree completely with Connie Sutherland that few puppies are "mellow" and labs and goldens are no exception. And finally, don't overlook the German Shepherd Dog as a family pet (I'm biased).

My deceased Rott was 12 years old when he died last year. My son was 5 years old at the time. We also added a Lab when my boy was a year old.

My son grew up with that wonderful Rott. We still have the Lab and added 2 Dutchies.

It takes a combination of the right dog, the right child and very vigilant parents that can teach them all boundaries.

It's a substantial commitment that should not be taken lightly.

I realize its a huge commitment...thats why I'm here, and planning on purchasing the dvds before we attempt to get a puppy, so that both my husband and I are fully aware of training, time, etc that we need to ensure the best possible situation for all of us, future puppy included.

As to the GSD...unfortunately, my husband was attacked by one in his 20s, and since then, he doesn't trust the breed. Yes, we've talked about one dog not being the entire breed, etc...but he's still distrustful, so I have to respect that, lol