Dogs are great pets to welcome to the family, and will help you and your children make many lovely memories. These days, you hear many stories from people who have grown up with a loyal dog, and it’s really uplifting. You may have thought about the possibility of getting a dog to grow up with your baby if you have a kid on the way – or very young. But is that really a good idea? We’ve broken down the pros and cons if you’re on the fence so that you can make an educated decision about whether or not it’s the best time to get a dog.
If you have a dog already, then you should already be well aware of how your dog will behave when you introduce them to your babe. You took the time to train your dog, after all, and you know what their demeanor is like with kids, and people altogether. However, you may not have the same experience if you’re thinking about introducing a dog at the same time as having a kid. Let’s look at whether getting a dog right now is a good idea.
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They’re both very time consuming
You are well aware that babies consume your time. Whether it’s eating, changing their nappies, rocking them to sleep, or just enjoying those amazing moments together, new parents often don’t have much time for themselves, let alone anything else in their lives. The same thing happens with a new puppy, young or old. It will take time for a dog to adapt to its new living environment, not to mention new rules, expected behaviours, and a time-consuming training regime for you, the new owner. Think of the time implications it would have on you, your spouse, and your new baby before deciding to get a dog.
Some breeds of dog are harder than others
Like people, all dogs are different, and it will be very different to manage different dog breeds than others. You’ve got many things to worry about, such as:
- How much exercise they will need every day
- The breed’s overall temperament
- Are they boisterous?
- Are they susceptible to bark incessantly?
When you have a small baby, if you really want to get a dog, then you may want to choose a breed that would fit well with a baby, such as a Golden Retriever or a Labrador. That’s not to say other breeds wouldn’t fit, but these are known, particularly around children, for having lovely temperaments.
However, if you’re looking for a different breed of dog and you’re worried about how they’re going to be around a child, you can choose to send them to puppy training, where they’ll be disciplined by a professional. This web page explains more about why puppy training is a great idea, even before your dog is at home with you.
Are you financially capable to have a dog too?
Raising a baby in itself is a big financial responsibility and you will spend a lot more than you can afford when you throw a dog into the mix. They not only need daily meals, grooming, toys and bedding, but they also need health care much like people do. Dogs might become sick or wounded at any moment, and you could be faced with a significant veterinary bill when this happens. While there are many health care policies for pets out there, you may still have to pay fees. Take a look at your finances and ask yourself if you can afford both a dog and your new baby in a logical way.
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Will you have time to train your dog?
It is your duty, like with your baby, to ensure that your dog gets the right training so that it behaves in a desirable manner. This can take a lot of time, even if you’re sending your puppy to an obedience school. Among all the things you have to do as a parent, do you really have time to train your new puppy? If not, waiting until you have the time and patience to do it is only fair to you, your baby, and any potential dog.
Is your baby at risk of dog allergies?
This is a hard thing to predict, especially if your baby has not yet been born. Nevertheless, if your family has a line of dog or pet allergies, then there’s a risk your baby might as well. If this is the case, waiting until your child is born and introducing them to the breed of dog you are after (perhaps through a friend or family member) might be a better idea to see if your baby is allergic. Rehoming a dog too shortly after getting it would not be fair because a member of the family has allergies.
Babies can startle dogs
Just as humans do, dogs feel nervous, and a tiny crying baby can startle your dog and cause them to feel scared. Some dog breeds are more jumpy than others, may not be able to manage with a crying baby. Incontinence in your dog, aggressive behaviour and even cowering away in their own home may be caused by this. Be sure to check the dog’s background to see how they behave with babies and for any other warning signs if you’re rehoming a dog from a shelter.
Do you have the space for both?
Sure, a dog may only need a bed and a place for its bowls of food and water, but they need plenty of room to run around and burn off energy – no matter what size the puppy is! In contrast, though very small, babies take up a lot of room in your home with everything they need, such as their crib, toys, clothing, nappies, and everything else you’ll notice your baby needs. Do you have room to comfortably live with both a dog and a baby? Before making your decision, consider this.
As you can see, when thinking about buying a dog when you have a little baby, there are a lot of things to think about.