We have always wanted our children to grow up with dogs from a young age, and have been thinking about this and researching breeds for a long time and have decided on a Labrador puppy. However, the more i have researched further all I seem to see is people saying 'puppies and young children don't mix', 'wait until the kids are older'. 'they will bite the children' etc etc. I'm fully aware of the training and time involved, as well as puppy and kids having to learn a mutual respect for each other. I guess what I'm really after is experience from parents who did have a puppy when the kiddies were young (mine are 2 and 4) and that either did work or didn't work our
Hi Megan. Just wanted to say welcome to the forum. My kids were teenagers when we got Lilly. Yep, crocopuppy phase isn't fun, but supervising your children at all times and good training will definitely help. Love labs. Wouldn't want to disuade you. Jac
Hi Megan and welcome! Just wanted to say hi. I don't have young children so can't advise you. I would say though that the pup needs its own space where the children can't disturb it and secondly, don't plan to leave a pup on its own for long (less than an hour). I did find having a puppy to be tiring, just like having another baby, in that you have to be watching them and planning around them and there's house training, night disturbances etc. just reminding you of the hard work and not wanting to be negative; I am really happy that I did get a puppy.
Hi and welcome to the forum. I haven't had a puppy with young children but many families have a puppy while they have young children. Crocopup isn't a happy phase but then some puppies are worse than others and young children can be taught what to do, and of course young children shouldn't be left alone with a puppy. My best advice would be lots of reading and research into having young children and a puppy, also perhaps get a copy of the Happy Puppy Handbook to give you some background on raising a puppy. Don't be fooled by the angelic looks of a Labrador puppy they are as much work as a baby but at least grow up quicker . Are your children used to dogs, if not I would consider introducing them before making any decision on having a puppy as some young children are nervous of dogs. Weigh the pros and cons, and that includes taking puppy out for pee and poo regardless of the weather, walks in the rain and wind, not to forget Labrador floor floating across your floors....... but I would not change a minute of Juno's puppy days or the lovely girl she has grown into
Hi there, we had 2 older dogs when my twins were born. That was easy the dogs coped with the toddler phase and early years very well. We waited until the boys were 6 to get a new pup despite me wanting to get a new dog since the boys were about 2. 6 was a great age they could understand her behaviour, avoid the croco phase and join in with the care of her. The 3 of them adore each other. Personally I would say 2 and 4 is too young, it will be a huge juggle to keep the kids safe from bumps and bites in the early days. Then attempting to train a dog with young kids about is a challenge. Then you end up with a big bouncy dig that does not fit in with the family. Of course all kids and dogs are different, so just my view . We found the wait worth it Meg is a dream and we have had no issues. Emma
I was thinking about this after I posted my reply, wondering if you would consider a rescue Lab, not one with "problems", just one that has lost its owner and is in need of a new family. All the difficult puppy stages have been sorted and you could have a truly wonderful dog. In 4/5 years you could consider a puppy as well.
We did think about this and was our original plan to get a rescue but after speaking to someone at a Labrador rescue, they actually said they thought maybe a puppy would be the better option rather than a rescue
Just thought I'd throw in my two penny worth as grandmother When Labrador puppies are teething they bite. When Molly was at that stage, between about 10 and 20weeks my hands were covered in bite marks and scabs. I certainly didn't let her munch on me deliberately, but young puppies do need a lot of handling. When they reach adolescence, although they have, largely, given up on the biting, they are a nightmare. Completely unpredictable, they will suddenly decided to dash around the house and it would be very easy for a young child to be bowled over. Be aware that Labradors can be very boisterious. I thought they were all lovely calm quiet creatures, after all they use them as Guide Dogs. WRONG. They are large dogs and do not grow up particularly quickly. You will have to endure what my trainer described as "adult sized dog, with a puppy brain". I think that is a very accurate way of describing a young adult Labrador. Molly is coming up for 2 now, I still don't trust her with my Grandchildren. I don't think would intentionally hurt them, but when young animals get together accidents do happen.
I have 2 children, aged 6 (nearly 7) and 2. And we got Murphy at 8 weeks. Well 7 weeks on, it is fabulous. We are geared up for leeping them separate when we need to with babygates, and then when they are together we supervise, supervise, supervise!! They are growing up together and love each other. BUT I am a qualified dog behaviorist so I know dogs, I know what I am doing and therefore and experienced enough to manage, We chose a puppy as with a rescue you never know what they have encountered and therefore cannot rely on them not getting spooked - fine, but not with young children. If you have the TIME (I do, I dont work), patience and knowledge and the absolute desire to have the dog (as much as the children - we planned our puppy like a third child!) then it CAN work - but it is a lot of work, management (my partner is elf employed so takes Murphy to work a few days a week) and effort but it is so rewarding. Also we chose Murphy very carefully - from the lines, temprement of the parents and even that the breeder had small children so he was around kids from day one. Also in the litter there were a couple of very dominant, loud and boisterous dogs - Murphy is not like that - he is an old head on young shoulders! I know we will have more obsticles ahead when puberty kicks in - but again with the use of baby gates, chew toys, kongs, obediance training and just 'being on the ball' with it I am sure it will be fine, and my boy will grow up to love his 2 big sisters - who also adore him. Oh and in terms of the biting I can honestly say that in the 7 weeks we have had him he has NEVER nipped, scratched or mouthed the children - because we have thaught THEM how to interact with him, taught them the be a tree, monitor and praise him for calmness around them.. It can work - but it is hard work, and that is the thing to consider.
Just one more thought, we had our first Labrador when I was 5 years old without any problems. My cousin used to visit every weekend with her family which grew from no children to 3 with 2 years between each of them. The children used to lay on Mitzi and fall asleep when they were tired and Mitzi would just lay there until the children were moved. Non of the children were ever harmed, in fact it was my cousins husband who was sent flying by Mitzi when he went to smack one of the children. We had our next Labrador when I was 18, so although no young cousins the family was gaining grand children. Although Donna had a very different temperament to Mitzi, she was always very protective of the babies and toddlers. My eldest used to order her around from the time he could first talk and Donna used to do as he told her. So I guess sometimes it's not so important what the ages of the children are but the temperament of the dog. My 3 Labradors have all been girls and none of them have been crocopups although Donna was more destructive, but then she was the one who spent more time alone. All have been gentle and affectionate.
In terms of the 'charging around the house' thing - this could happen out doors too - its down to training. If I didnt have children I still wouldnt let him hare around the house, and what if he decided to do that off lead in a park, he could easily bowl someone over there too! I am teaching him to have manners at all times, in the house, outside, whether the children are there or not. Id rather have a dog that LOVES children and is taught how to act around them, than one with limited interactions with them.
Same here when the 2 year old twins visit our house. Tatze is two years old and still very bouncy. She can't be in the same room as them without being on the lead, she's simply over-friendly and exuberant but could very easily injure them totally unintentionally. I tend to have her in her crate 'till we've had lunch, then let her out but on the lead. If you have read all this and still get a Lab puppy, at least you will know what to expect and prepare for.
Hi and welcome . I have a 20 year old daughter, but have lots of nieces, nephews and God children aged 2-10. I also take harley (nearly 2) to work with me sometimes and I work with children and young people aged 5-25. From day 1 we have never had any problems with harley around children at home. She follows the younger ones around and blocks them from going upstairs. She lets them play with her toys, they give her treats and has a very soft mouth. We didn't really have a big problem with biting, I think it only lasted about 2 weeks - but I think we got away with it lightly. I will say that when I have my nephew (now 5) overnight it is hard work as I am constantly supervising - if I need the loo I need to take one of them with me, if I make a drink they need to come with me (or at least 1 of them). I think it's harder as I haven't got kids here every day so don't have a routine as such. But it is so rewarding seeing the bond harley has made with all of the children. They all adore her Good luck whatever you decide
Welcome to the forum, I haven't got an awful lot extra to add, I have just read all the posts and you have been given superb advice. Mabel is my second puppy (the first one I had when I was a teenager) my children are all grown up. We don't have any small children in the family which worried me slightly but what I have found is any children Mabel encounters on the whole she is incredibly gentle. I've worked seriously hard on the socialising her, taking her for walks outside school gates, near swings etc. If you decide to go ahead with getting a puppy. Research, research and research again. Mabel was breed by a wonderful lady who handled the puppies appropriately, had loads of visitors at the correct time and exposed the puppies to household noises, even to the point of pulling Christmas crackers and playing with decorations. Perfect. Good luck in your search. X
We had a cocker spaniel puppy when my son was three (he's now 31) and I don't recall any problems. We did use stair gates in doorways so that my son could play with toys on the floor without the pup getting them. He was also used to dogs as when he was born we already had an adult Springer spaniel, who was delightful with him. I think it's lovely for children to grow up with a dog and I do think dogs often behave more excitably with visiting children than when they are used to children being around all the time. Puppies do need a lot of time and attention, but as long as you're prepared for that I'd say go for it.
Definitely agree with the comments about puppies being more excited about children who arent around all the time!! my pup is so used to children, they are boring to him now - but grey haired grand-parents, they are very exciting!!
We got our first lab when my children were 3 and 5. The second when they were 5 and 7. If I could go back in time I would have waited a few years. They could have been more involved with daily care and training. They were very bonded to the dogs but there were some very stressful times. Labs are loving but they have a long and enthusiastic puppy stage. My kids are now 18 and 20 and our new pup is 14 weeks old. We expose him to the young children in the neighborhood and I am reminded of the unintentional harm they can do to a young child. Children are very excitable and they young lab will respond. Children can't be expected to know exactly how to behave around a puppy any more than the puppy can be expected to be obedient in the early days. I was home full time with my children and canines and it was tough. Playtime can quickly turn into sharp puppy teeth and nails and ripped clothing. My six year old neighbor left my house in tears a few days ago after he and the pup got too excited. I truly believe labs are the best family dogs but there are some benefits to waiting until your children are just a bit older and can understand and consistently apply principals of interacting with a pup. Good luck with your decision.
Again though, this is about training - why did it get to the point that the 6 year old and puppy were getting worked up? Thats why I use baby gates when puppy is being hyper, and if we have a lot of visitors, Id put Murphy on a lead - yes its hard work, but its about constant management, which for means means that Murphys play time is not around the children - they do fetch and obediance with him, and walk him with us, but would never let him hurtle around and "play" with them in the same way me and my partner do, when they are not around. He comes in the lounge when he is in a calm state - if he is worked up he is taken for a little walk, or myself or partner would take it in turns to take him for a play in the garden. As a result he is fabulous with the girls, and very calm - but then again, he is a super chilled puppy in most respects so again this goies back to choosing the right puppy.
My parents are in their late 70's my nan is 96. Mabel always does a lovely sit when she sees old people, crutches or wheelchairs. I think she pretends to be a statute . I've found older people to be actually quite rough with Mabel. I've had to educate them the same as I would a small child. Or maybe that's just my family.
I don't have kids....I do have a complete hooligan of a chocolate Lab, who refuses to grow up and is definitely on the nutty end of the excitement scale. We have lots of kids come to visit. So long as they don't do anything too daft, he is pretty much fine. He is a nut case with my old Dad though. Mind, Dad (79 years young) rolls around with him on the floor in a fake wrestling match. Dad thinks that's the proper way to say hello to a young Labrador. Charlie agrees.
