Jeaneet wrote - Oh, and Don, just how many puppies and children have you raised simultaneously??

My Reply
I've raised three children and at least 8 puppies to dogs during that time. My kids are 20,22& 28 years old, one still in college, the other left college to serve in Iraq and my step daughter owns her own business. So I think I know a little bit about raising and not spoiling kids and dogs. None of these kids or dogs ran wild and rapid through the Department/pet stores all were well disciplined and excuse me while I brag bright intelligent well adjusted adults. I've never had to shout or run after my kids in public due to a lack of discipline. And as babies they slept throughout the night most time.

None of my kids have ever been bitten by the family dog because they knew how to act around each other. Now they would wrestle and chew on each other but that was all in play laughing and licking. I must admitt we were the traditional Mom, Pop and kids family structure so having help and a plan makes it easier. But if you want to raise a puppy while you have a baby I know it can be done. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I raise kids almost like I raise dogs, there is a pack structure and you are to abide by the Alpha Mom&Dads rules, with the dog MoM&Dad&kids rules. This might sound callous but it has worked for me. I feel like I'm liberal my Dad would shout "stop" and I swear I would freeze in mid-air. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
You way works for you so I see no reason for debate. I will warn listen to Yippie Doctors that have BMWs instead of kids, makes me question the information in their best selling books. Nothing beat real life experinces, to find out what really works, timeout what a joke. Except for keeping parents in shape chasing infants in the dept stores. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I do agree that baby should be care for if it cries, but I was saying you shouldn't pick the baby up every moment of its life. Let it experince doing things on it own, interact but don't hamper its development.

I want to thank everyone for the time they have taken to write in reply to my original post. The comments have been very encouraging. We have no hesitation about getting a puppy.

I was concerned when I saw some of the first replies--that this was going to turn into a baby advice thread. I thought, "Based on what I've seen Ed write in other threads, he'll close this one if he catches wind of that." So I really appreciate everyone sticking closely to the subject.

Please, continue to share your advice in this area. The more we learn from your experience (good and bad), the better prepared we are going to be when the time comes.