back to this...

we have been going back and forth for over a year about a dog for the boys...they ask all the time and freak every time we see one....how do I decide when to get one? and then what age and breed???HELP

Cocker Spaniels are sweet. :) Max is really good with the kids. They like to chase each other around the house.

It's probably more if you're ready for one. hehe!

The kids like to take turn getting him food to put out at night and water in his bowl.

are they still too young to enjoy one?

I don't think so. :) They will enjoy it and have someone to grow up with. :)

AT LEAST, wait until you have moved and are settled in!

I wouldn't get a new dog while you are trying to sell your house (has it sold?) It is one more thing to move, to clean up after, to worry about feeding.

It's more when YOU are ready to take care of a dog. My son feeds the dogs every morning but it's really me that scoops poop 4x a day, gives fresh water every day, goes to Petsmart to buy dog food, takes them on walks, to the dog park etc....

We have Australian Shepherds and couldn't be happier. They were called the "baby sitting dogs" b/c back in the day, farmers would leave the kids at home with them b/c the dogs were good protectors and herded the kids back into the house :)

:yeah

THis is going to be YOUR project. I would wait until you have that third child and the baby is 3 years old before I considered adding another responsibility to my plate. :) Dogs can be lots of fun, but they can be a huge PITA too

I agree on YOU taking care of the dog.
Also, I wouldn't get a spaniel. they are VERY high strung and hyper. My brother had one when he was a kid and it bit off a chunk of his ear while "being playful"

I also agree I wouldn't get a dog right before moving. We've had duke through 2 BIG moves (cross country) and dozens of small moves (into new apts, etc) and it is SUCH a pain in the ***... and he's house trained/kennel trained, etc... so it's even less trouble with him than with a new puppy.
Also, consider how often you travel. Dogs make travelling more difficult and more expensive for boarding costs, etc. Everytime we travel I have to remind myself how much I love my dog b/c it's SUCH a hassle to get someone to watch him (there are no reputable dog boarding places around here that work well with his personality)

Research! Figure out what you're looking for in a dog... Long hair, short hair... Tall, short... Protective, playful, companion, babysitter... weight range prefference... then figure out which dog your prefference correspond with. Find a GOOD, REPUTABLE breeder... or check your local shelter..

We got our dogs before we had kids, so I can't really say WHEN, but I'd probably wait until after both kids are 3 or 4 to make sure there is not too much tail/ear pulling and the kids can deal with nippy puppies if you go that route.... If you do go for a puppy.. keep in mind how they play and explore their environment is with sharp puppy teeth. You might wanna buy books on training and interacting with dogs before you get one just to make sure everyone stays at the top of the pack order and future dog is at the bottom.

Don't get one if YOU don't want to have to take care of it. Cause ultimately, no matter what they say, YOU will be the one doing it all! :)

I agree with research it online. Main questions, do you want a big dog, medium dog small dog? Will they be indoors or outdoors? Do you care if they shed? I would get one 0-2 years old. If you get a puppy, have a good carpet cleaner on hand for pee stains.
We have black labs and I never want labs again. I grew up with a Cocka Poo and I would vote for one any day! Poodles too!

I agree with everyone before me.... research it, and make sure that YOU are ready for a dog because it will be your responsibility. Get one after you move, not before.

But, I am a dog lover. I grew up with dogs and can't imagine life without one or two in the house. We moved into an apartment (temporarily) in TX from CO & it has been a huge PITA, but my doggies are worth it. And seeing them with Gunnar is awesome. He is only 2 and they are his favorite. Granted, he does climb on them, he does pull their ears a little too hard, he puts them through heck. But, they love him anyways & seeing him love on them and hug them is the best thing ever. He imitates them, he plays with them, and knowing that he has that bond with them is just awesome.

As far as what type of dog, I'm very opinionated on the different breeds. I have boxers and I will never get a different breed. They are hyper and need space (a yard). Apartments aren't so good for them, but ultimately they are a house dog, so they are happy inside with you all day. They have short hair, not much shedding. They are protective, but not aggressive. (Of course, that's all in how you raise them). They are REALLY good with kids. They aren't big barkers, but will bark if someone pounds on the door. They are (for me) the perfect dog.

One other thing, that I know a lot of people won't agree with me on, so I'm sorry in advance.... I would only get a dog as a puppy from a reputable breeder ... if you adopt, you never know what the dog has been through before you. I know there are so many dogs out there who need their lives saved, but when it comes down to it.. my kid is more important. Growing up, we had a doberman was an adopted dobie. Turned out he was abused before us... never got over it even though he was supposed to be 'safe'. He ended up attacking me several times, we had to get rid of him. If you don't have kids, I think adopting is a great option.