Is It OK To Get A Dog If I Have A Newborn?
If you’re feeling a dog-shaped hole in your life, you might be desperate to fill it with a faithful friend. However, if you’ve recently welcomed a new baby into your home, you might wonder whether now is the best time to introduce a canine family member.
Dogs with newborns? Is it a good mix?
In truth, although you might not want to hear it, it’s not ideal to get a new dog when you have a baby in the house. Both dog and baby require a lot of care and it would be impossible to keep everybody happy while retaining your sanity.
Dog owners often tell you that having a puppy in the house is much like having a newborn. When you already have a newborn baby, you don’t need another creature in the house, causing you sleepless nights with its nocturnal wakings.
To give a dog the very best home possible, it’s best to wait until your baby is well past the toddler stage. It might not be what you want to hear, but you’ll probably end up with a much happier (and better-behaved) dog if you get one when you have the time to care for it properly.
Is it better to adopt a dog?
Yes! So many dogs are unwanted and in desperate need of homes. Unfortunately, too many people buy dogs from breeders only to discover dog ownership is not for them. These dogs are then dumped at shelters and have to wait until a suitable home is found.
Most shelters will have a ‘minimum age’ rule applying to families with kids. For example, they might want your youngest child to be three years old before they’ll let you adopt a dog. This isn’t an arbitrary rule; it’s because they’re looking out for the welfare of the dogs. Dogs need plenty of care and attention, so they must be placed in homes that offer this.
For certain breeds, shelters might want your kids to be even older. It’s always worth ringing the shelter for a chat. Your experience and circumstances may mean you can adopt sooner, so definitely give them a call.
Rescue dogs: the pros
- Most rescue dogs will have had a thorough veterinary examination at the shelter. This means it’s less likely there will be any nasty health surprises waiting around the corner
- Rescue dogs are vaccinated and neutered at the shelter, so that’s less for you to worry about
- The shelter will be able to tell you all about the dog’s personality, so you can find a dog that fits into your family
- Rescuing a dog is usually cheaper than buying from a breeder
- By rescuing, you’re giving a dog a second chance at a happy home.
Rescue dogs: the cons
- You might not get the specific breed you want. Although there are breed-specific shelters, you might not find an available dog that’s suitable for your family
- You might not get a puppy. Shelters get puppies from time to time but most shelter dogs will be past the puppy stage
- You might not be allowed to adopt a dog. If a shelter rejects your application, there’s likely to be an excellent reason. For example, they might prefer you to wait until your kids are slightly older, or perhaps your flat is unsuitable for a big dog who needs a garden to roam in. Speak to the shelter to find out how to improve your chances.
Should I get a puppy or an older dog?
If your family is adopting a dog, you must carefully consider the dog’s needs before making a commitment. There are many arguments about whether or not to get an aged dog, so you’ll have to pick the one you feel is suitable for your family.
Although puppies generally have the ‘cute factor’, they are also a bigger commitment, initially. Puppies require a lot more training than older dogs and this is something you can’t skip. A poorly trained dog makes a problematic pet in the long run, so you’ll need plenty of time to commit to training your dog. Puppies also struggle with being left alone for long periods, whereas an older dog might be better able to cope when left alone.
There are negatives for older dogs, too. For example, insurance costs and vets fees might be higher for an older dog who might already have health conditions. Also, if you rescue an elderly dog, it might not have many years left, and its death will be upsetting. However, one of the benefits of adopting an older dog is knowing you’ve given the dog a good home, even if only for a short while.
Should I buy a puppy from a breeder?
This is a personal choice and one you will need to make for yourself. Many people buy from breeders because they want a puppy and a specific breed of dog.
The main downside to buying from a breeder is that not all breeders are alike. Although you might be happy with the conditions some breeders provide, others might not give their breeding dogs such a happy life.
It’s not always possible to tell whether you’re buying from a good breeder, so it’s important to do proper checks.
Things to consider when choosing a family dog
Exercise needs
Some dogs need more exercise than others. While some small breeds will be happy with short walks, other dogs need plenty of exercise each day. If you fail to meet the exercise requirements for your dog, you could end up with an unhappy (and unhealthy) po0ch.
Cost
It’s essential to sit down and determine whether you can afford a dog before committing. It can cost a lot to purchase a dog, especially if you’re buying from a reputable breeder. You’ll also need to factor in the fees for a certified professional dog trainer to assist you in training your new dog.
It’s not just the purchase costs; you must also consider the lifelong costs. Look into pet insurance, annual vaccination costs and dog walker fees; these things soon add up. Dog food alone can add up to quite a sum each month.
The commitment
A dog is not a pet that slots into family life; you’ll need to organize your life around your dog. Dogs need company and exercise, which might sometimes stop you from doing things you want. Before you commit, you should speak to friends who have dogs and find out how it affects family life and whether they have any advice.
Kid-friendly dog breeds
If you’re adding a dog to your family, it’s essential to choose a dog that will be happy as a family dog.
Here are some breeds to consider for your new companion animal:
- Labradors are fantastic family dogs. They are generally happy around children and other animals and are known for their playful temperament. Labrador puppies, in particular, are very playful and energetic, so you might want to adopt an older lab if you have young children at home
- Golden retrievers are lovely family pets. This happy, affectionate breed is excellent with kids and as loyal as they come
- Collies are best known as farming dogs and are loyal and obedient family pets. Having spent generations zooming around the countryside, collies are best suited to active families who will regularly take them on a long walk
- Beagles are lovely dogs, known for their tolerance of children. These playful and energetic dogs love family walks and playing with their owners
- Bernese Mountain Dogs. These gorgeous big dogs are calm and sweet, making them the ideal family dog. You’ll need plenty of space for these gentle giants, but they’ll pay you back in affection.
Dogs around newborn babies
If you already have a dog and you’re looking for advice on how to prepare your dog for when you bring your baby home, here are some top tips:
- Don’t underestimate the impact of your new baby on your dog. A new baby brings many changes for your dog to get used to. Your dog will experience your baby’s scent, the sound of a crying newborn and other baby sounds, and a massive change in routine. Prepare for an adjustment period, especially during the first few days, to get your dog accustomed to the new arrival
- If your dog requires additional training, do this before the baby arrives. For example, if your dog pulls at the lead during walks or jumps up at people when excited, you’ll want to deal with these issues before your new baby arrives
- Speak to a dog trainer for advice about any problems that might arise when introducing baby to your dog
- If there are to be any changes to the way your dog is cared for, it might help to prepare for this in advance. For example, if the baby’s room will be off limits to your dog, introduce this rule before your baby’s arrival, to give your dog time to get used to the change
- When you bring your new family member home for the first time, greet your dog without your baby in your arms. If your dog has missed you during your hospital stay, you don’t want it to jump up at you when you have your newborn in your arms.Then, introduce your dog to the new baby, holding the baby in your arms for this first encounter. Most likely, after a dog sniff, your dog will lose interest. Be sure to use lots of praise and treats to encourage good behavior.
