I would ask Widerkehnerabe that question because she is an expert on dogs.

You have kids and you're doing pretty good with them, right?
A dog would be another kid and pets bring a lot of joy to our lives. Your call.

Some of it for me would depend on the ages of the children. Any time a pet is brought into the house it needs to be understood by all that its everyones responsibility - even te smallest of kids (age 3) can help. An animal should be a commiotment for that animals entire life and not something you or the kids decide down the road you no longer want .

That decision needs to be made by all of you

If you decide to get a dog , I would suggest you adopt an adult dog who is already house broken. with 2 kids a puppy is a lot of work. It takes quite a while to get a puppy trained and can be quite frustrating. That being said a dog can bring a lot of joy into our lives.

I was gonna suggest an adult dog too, one that is trained. Puppoes can cause a lot of stress, I had three at once and was so fed up with them, but we made it thru. Maybe you could offer someone who is geting ride of their dog a trial period where you can keep the dog for 2-3 weeks as a trial rum for you and your family.

Yes, definitely an adult housebroken dog. I've never had a puppy and I did rescue for about 10 years. My dog gives me a real sense of purpose and the unconditional love can't be beat.

Besides, everyone wants puppies. Do an adult dog a favor!

I love my dog to bits.. he's my best friend as the saying goes but as many here have said he/she is one of the family and a life long commitment ...
Puppies are adorable but there is months of training involved...
If you and your family are dog lovers there's nothing better..
You can look online for the type of dog you want if there's a particular breed so you can see in advance how much exercise .. personality ..etc in advance... some need a lot more attention then other breeds.. I wish you well.. x

Thank's so much for your replies my son's friend has a small dog that is house broken and they want to give her to us so mabey we can do a trial and see how it goes.

Not trying to burst your bubble as I work rescue and always advocate for adoption but above that I advocate for the dog

Depending upon your childrens age a small dog may not be the best choice. Small dogs sometimes are skittish around wee ones and unlike most big dogs (that aren't human agressive) will nip and perhaps bite quicker than a big dog (by big I mean any breed or mixed breed that is +40 pounds. Just something to think about. Take your kids around the dog a few times have them interact with him/her. Kids are gonna pull tails and ears, stick fingers in mouth, sit on the dog ect until they are either told no enough times, the dog growls but doesn't bite (if that happens remove child away from the dog and perhaps dog outside with a stern no but remember the dog is only reacting to the situation - can probably be taught better behavior.Dog bites - my belief is to first take the dog to a trainer who has vast experience working with the breed and referals (always check) for reconditioning behavior issues that including biting. Not all dogs can be reconditioned but it is high percentage

I have worked with my pit from day one, she will allow me to stick my hand in her mouth, take bones, treats or toys, I have pulled her tail and her ears and made like I am gonna eat out of her bowl. I am 95% sure that if another adult did the same thing as long as wasnt complete stranger that she would not growl and 99.9% she would not bite. I am 70 percent sure where children are involved and we are working on that. I would never leave her or any dog alone with a small child but her being the way she is gives me more assurance that even with me in the room she knows the proper behavior.


This small dog needs to already be taught this or quickly taught it. Again smaller dogs tend to be yippy and tend to react faster than big ones so please put alot of consideration into which breed to get and again the ages of your children

A dog that is trained is a great choice if you decide to go for it!! Set house rules that everyone helps...My daughter knows to water our dogs right away when we get home and that my fiance will handle feeding them. My fiance and I take turns giving the baths to our 2 dogs. It really helps!! On the down side of any animal, When the have accidents as dogs do when they are sick, it becomes a huge stress for me. I normally get it all clean, but break in my emotions when doing so. It is important to know they are there to stay, even if I want to throw in the towel. I have to look at mine as kids and I wouldn't get rid of my daughter for being sick. :)
On a great note, when they are silly they are they only two that can get me to smile.

I'd say go for it!

if you can put the kids above your self get one but if it is going to make your relationship with your kids worse dont think your best health is in there best interest so the dog that make them happy and makes them worse make everyone life worse in the long run think of your needs for your kids sake

Please be as sure as you can that you really want a dog before you commit to one. It'll be rough if it doesn't work out.
That friend that wants to get rid of their dog -- would they let you move the dog into your house slowly? Come for visits and can of ease it in slowly? Then if it doesn't seem to be working out, it won't be so upsetting for the dog (if the original owners keep it) and for your kids, who surely won't want to give the dog up!!!
Oh, boy!!! I was three when we got a dog!!! I still remember everything about that day!!!! It was the best!!!!!

I guess I am lucky in that department, I have a dog who senses my moods. He seemed to be born to it.
If I am sad he is there for me. Same if I am happy.
He also senses when I have mild seizures.
We got him at the shelter because it was nearby and we liked the rescue part of it!
He is my best buddy!
I would suggest many trips to the shelter and make the decision later after the trips. There might be a dog who stands out for you but sleep on it and see where you are and what you really want.
Then go back and get it if you are still inclined to do that.
Just a thought.
ttfn AnnieEm