Big Dogs and 4Mth Old Children... Do or Don't?

I have a three year old rottie. I got him in between my 2nd and 3rd child. My youngest is 1 and from when I brought her home until now so far they are best friends.

My husband's best friend and my beest friend are brother and sister, and they have these 2 large dogs that are Rotti, Husky, Shepherd mixes. When I was pregnant with both of my kids, they would put their heads on my stomach. After my kids were born, they would sit around the bouncy seats, and when the kids would cry, they would lick them and when they dropped a toy, they would pick it up. I also know another dog with this mix, the father to these puppes, that is mean! It doesn't matter what kind of dog it is, all that matters is how they were raised. In this case, the 2 dogs were around kids their whole life and knew how to act.

I have 3 pits (one pit & lab mix), and they are great to my 14 mt old. They protect & love her. It also made her balance almost perfect! lol. She's been around them from day 3 (couldn't very well bring them into the hospital!). Make sure you watch intently over how your son (as he gets older) treats the dog, he may think it a stuffy and hold it just like that lol. I kept reminding my daughter to be kind and gentile to our cats (she loves picking them up, they don't!)

I agree. Big dogs are great, especially for security. Just make sure you do A LOT of research on the breed/breeds and how they interact with people, specifically children.

After my cocker spaniel was put to sleep, my youngest was still a babe in arms, we had no more pets for maybe 15 years. My grass was greener; we were not tied down. Then my older daughter brought cats into our lives and then the yellow lab. There is no doubt that animals are work,and the are expensive when it comes to veterinary costs, and they leave bigger messes in the yard (and house, sometimes,) but they are the cohesiveness that made my kids more loving. Now all my five kids are out of the house, and I have their four cats,and the one yellow lab and my husband. I wish I had known how wonderful Labrador retrievers are or I would have gotten one sooner. Our Lab barks ferrousously at strangers yet she wouldn't hurt a flea (but one delivery guy didn't know that and ran furiously from my property on day when he thought the dog was after him. She was just being her usual friendly self!) She is wonderful around kids. I have learned to love the cats (much more than my husband does) but they really do not hold a candle to the dog. I highly recommend labs now especially if there are children in the house (of any age.) Labs are born with prozac personalities. No wonder they are such a popular dog. They do need to be walked and loved and to be part of the family.

I have a 4 yr old son and work with a groomer that I've known since I was 14. At her house, there is an English Mastiff, chihuahua, and there was also a bull mastiff (who recently passed), there are also numerous dogs that they housesit there, and all stay upstairs with my son while we work downstairs, we groom out of the basement, the mastiff and my son have grown up together and do everything together!! I trust her with my son more than I do most people! She would never let anyone hurt him, and has protected him when she has sensed something outside, wouldnt let him down the stairs. He knows how to be around dogs, and be respectful, BREED does not matter, its the temperment of the dog, which I am very good at recognizing...I would be able to let you know whether he would be a good candidate for a family, with young children...larger breeds are usually better than smaller dogs with young children, and I could help you have him, should his temperment be as such, work his way into your family, and into your hearts quite quickly!!

Dogs are a blessing in families! I've had dogs all my life and they have been another child to us. Yes, any dog is work but the rewards are priceless!

Just make sure you socialize your dog and take your dog to a puppy class. The dog will get the socialization it will need and learn basic obedience. A professional can help with any "baggage" it may have ( especially if you don't know the history of its past).

Good luck and enjoy the unconditional love you will recieve!
L.

I like dogs. If you raise your Dog to know that the child is above him or her in the pecking order, they are perfectly happy!

I adopted a rescue dog, a bull terrier, who had never been around children. She was suspicious of my baby, and i was very worried about her. At Mikhails favourite toy was a tickly me elmo doll. it would giggle and shake, and if you contined to tickle it, it would really giggle and shake.

Well Mikhail was sleeping with the doll, and i guess he must have moved and it giggled. I heard nothing, but Ozzie, the rescue dog, suddenly rushed up the stairs snarling. I ran as fast as i could up after her, scared to death.

When i got there she was in Mikhails crib standing over him,and this red thing was in her mouth. She shook it to death! She was protecting the poor baby from Elmo! the more Elmo giggled, the more protective she got! Mikhail did not even wake up! Still, I got her out, praised her for taking care of Elmo, and sneaked a toy stuffed turtle under Mikhails arm!

My emotions went for sheer terror that the dog was attacking my child, to realizing that she was going to be his best protector ever! I think a family dog is a huge deterrent to intruders, a good early warning system, and a joy to have around

good luck with your home and your dog!

Hi S.,
I have two young children, and I do have a dog. She is a pitbull. Some people say things that the fact that I have her. Yes some pitbulls are not the way to go but I have had her since she was a puppy. The point is that she is a great watch dog and great with the kids. When someone knocks on the door she goes nuts and is very protective. I am a single mother and I feel so safe with her. You might not need a big dog, maybe one that just sounds mean. Do you work? Balancing everything in my life with the dog hasn't been an issue. If you get one as a puppy it might be alittle rough but it's worth it to feel the extra security that you need. I think it would be great for you and your family to have this great new addition to your famil. Good Luck!

Hi S.,
I don't see the problem in getting a big dog as long as you know the dogs background. You want to make sure that the dog respects its owners. This is sometimes difficult to know from shelter dogs, but if you "shop" around enough the people that work there should help you. I was raised around big dogs (dobermans and other mutts) and loved it. My sister right now has a mutt that's about 60lbs and a newborn. Once you find your perfect dog, I would recommed taking a class so that you both will learn commands and rules. If all else fails, buy some pepper spray :) and keep looking for that perfect home!
Good luck,
D.

The sieze of the dog isn't the issue nearly as much asthe temperament is. I'd be a little concerned about rescuing and adult dog, because it is very difficult to know the dog's background, how it's been treated, etc.

The only thing to watch in a rotti or a rotti mix is that they are herding dogs, and that instinct very often comes through. They will attempt to "herd" their people by walking in front of you, curling their body around your legs, etc. Can be annoying for an adult, and can end in some inadvertent knockdowns in little ones.

My recommendation for a big dog with little kids would be a black lab. They've got good size, and for some reason, people are nervous about black dogs. The great thing about labs are they are babies. Absolutely no end of patience, especially with little kids. They aren't domineering, nervous, or difficult to train. I think they're the ideal family dog.

If you can walk the dog for 2 long walks a day you will be fine - however I dont know if I would rescue a dog, you dont have history of the dog and you have a baby - I would go with a dog that is in someone's home that need s to find a new home, or I would go with an older puppy to train.

Watch The DOG WHISPERER on National Geographio - I have learned alot. with Large powerful breed, you need to be sure that you are ALWAYS firm and in control...otherwise it could excite unwanted behavior.

So all in all - if you can walk the dog and be firm, you will have no problem at all - I have a boxer and he is GREAT with my daughter -and he is a really good watch dog.
By the way some dogs are considered high risk and home owners insurance may not cover you - so you may want ot consider the long term if you are looking for a house. I dont know where Rotties fit on that list - consider other stocky dogs as well - like the mastiffs.

Good luck!
Ali

I have 2 children- 11 yo and 5 mo. I run a breeding kennel full of big ole lovable labs, and have never had a problem. They love kids. But it's true that it's the individual dog that makes the difference. A rescue dog may be a gamble simply because of the history it may come with. Be sure you know that dog's background. And a high percentage of fatal dog bites occur with children under age one. Never leave your baby unsupervised with any dog. Otherwise- go for it. I wouldn't have my life any other way! My dogs are my companions, friends, and the best alarm a famiy could ask for!

S.~I know exactly how you feel. My husband is also a police officer, and he works nights in a rather bad town. Due to the residency requirement on his force, we had to live in that town for a year, and during that time, I was pg. We lived in an apartment, and got a dog that was SUPPOSED to be big, but ended up being all of 25 lbs, LOL. We have since moved out of the apartment and are living with the in-laws while we also search for the perfect home. Tilly, our dog, is a great guard dog even tho she is of small stature. I am all for having dogs and kids together, tho, as long as their temperments mesh. My parents have a large Doberman mix that they rescued, and she is Wonderful with our son. She thinks she's his personal protector. Ever since he was born she would follow whoever was holding him around the house to ensure his safety, LMAO. It's a matter of space also though I believe. I think it would've been rather hard living in an apartment with myself, my husband, my son, Tilly and a large dog. Let me know how everything turns out.
M.

Hi S.,
I have had big dogs all my life. I trust my bigger dogs 100%. However they are very protective of me, because I am a stay at home mom , even though all my kids are grown and in school, my dogs spend every day all day with me. So we are very close. I have a black lab mix, Matatta who has been with us since my oldest daughter was 2, and she is now 13, I have a male Siberian Husky, who has been with use for 4 years now. I also recently adopted the cutest little toy poodle.She is just a sweatheart. I didnt use to like little dogs, my husband always referred to them as "ankle biters" . But since I have owned her, she has just filled us with so much joy. We buy her winter coats, and sweaters of many colors, she has 2 dresses, a scarf, and a diamond studded color :) So anyway, my point is, my children absolutly enjoy having our animals, and I think our animals are more well manored due to being raised with kids. Now if you were bringing someone elses full grown dog in, thats when I would have to say, really think about it.Because you wouldnt know the full truth about this dog. Where bringing in a puppy, I think it will do just fine with your kids. Its all in the way you raise them :)
Anyhow I know this post is a few months old, but wanted to share my story with you.
Have a wonderful and happy new year!

Hi S.!

I hope that it isn't too late to respond. But, my husband, too, is a cop working many hours (overtime & details). We initally adopted an English Mastiff a couple of years back when my kids were 9 mos & 2 1/2 yrs old. The breed is a bit of a mush-personality wise, but it was comforting to have her around because she sure was intimidating to look at- and don't get me started on that deep barrel-like bark! Unfortunatley, we had to put her down a year ago due to illness, and I really miss her snoring & prescence, especially at night. I recently bought another 4 mos old pup for my husband's birthday! She's 54lbs now, and her expected adult weight will be 170lbs. So, you can say I have my hands full!!! They're a wonderful breed, especially with kids. And, I mean my friends kids, too! They're not quick to react, but will protect when their patience runs out- which is a VERY long time.I wouldn't get any other breed with kids around!I guess I'm a bit of a English mastiff snob! LOL!

I have 2 children, 18m and 4yrs. I have a golden retriever and he is 16m old. He is pushing 75 lbs and has a bark that scares everyone! However, he is the biggest baby in the world!! My daughter jumps on him, covers him with blankets, lays on him and takes his food right out of his mouth and we have never had a problem. When she was younger she constantly pulled his ears and he never once responded. Great temperment, but requires a lot of attention and love. Just hope you are prepared for the dog to eat everything the children drop (food). LOL. If you can handle the extra work...go for it, my children love that dog!

Good luck with the big dog thing, but maybe now that this happend your hubby will speed up the house hunting....lol

Hey!!! It is going to work don't worry. I have two dogs. Two mini schauzers and they love my 6 month old daughter.
Also, u can go onto livedeal.com and look under dogs. U might find a dog there that u would like. I found my second dog on there and he was a cheap price. I have had him for 2 years now. My other dog I had her for 3 years now. U should also get an alarm for piece of mind. Call Brinks it is cheap and it is reliable.

I agree with everyone's advice. We have a 75lb golden retriever and a 65lb beagle mix. I was worried about the beagle mix but everything is working out great. Like everyone says make sure you do your research. Good luck!

Hey..good luck! I have a 5 yr old Yorkie and a 2.5 yr old German Shepherd. You MUST train that puppy from day 1. When we decided to have a family we got the Shepherd first to train him and grow out of the puppy stage (approx 2 years) then we had our sweet boy.

A bit of advice, go to a trainer! You all must use the same commands so not to confuse the dog. EX..."off" means off the furniture, people, "down" mean lay down. This dog MUST sit, stay and lay down on command or you will be in big trouble when your baby is crawling around and walking...also grabbing at the dogs hair! My shepherd will not leave my side when I hold my 5 month old. He lays with us when we feed him, diaper changes and when he does tummy time. My shepherd LOVES him and is very gentle! You can try calling Pet Time in W. Babylon ###-###-####...tell her B. and Steve sent you.

Big dogs are great! I have a five month old daughter and an 85 pound white boxer. He intimidates people with his size and he'll bark when someone is at the door...little do they know that he'd just lick them to death. He is great with my daughter...very gentle...and tolerant of her constantly "patting" his head. Just make sure you get a good history of the dog you're going to rescue. I'm all for rescuing but sometimes they come with baggage. My sister-in-law rescued a dog that turned out to not be that great with children or other dogs, but the rescue agency did not inform her of that. Maybe they can let you do a trial run with him in your home for a few weeks. The bonus of rescuing is that the dog's likely already trained, so that will make it a bit easier for you!
Good luck