kinda OT, but not really

[vacuumprincess]

about 2 weeks ago we lost our family pet.  She was a dog.   beagle, fox terrier mix.  She got sick about 2 weeks prior & seemed like she had a stroke of sorts.  The weekend she died, she went downhill fast.  couldn't walk, stopped eating & drinking, then had seizures.  She was about 11 yrs old.

We have a 5.5 yr old daughter.  I am having another baby on June 2nd 2011.  
The house seems really empty without her.  however, it has been a little nice, not having to deal with potty trips & all the dog hair.  Oh my all the dog hair was an understatement!  I like things really crean & vacuumed. (note the forum name)  Anyway, I'm the one home having to deal with the dog all day in the first place.  I loved her immensley & it has been hard without her.

We are now talking about getting another dog.  I have mixed feelings on the subject, but I know my husband really wants one.  everyone also keeps calling the house asking if we are looking at dogs yet.

My question is....  With the baby comming, do we get a dog now, or AFTER the baby is here?  Which is easier on a dog?  We have about 4 months to train it, if the dog comes first.

What dogs are recommended as good house dogs & good with children???  It doesn't have to play with the kids, just tolerate them.  I wan't something medium sized (15-30 lbs)  something that won't tear up the house & jump all over furniture & everything.  Also NON SHEDDING!!!!

We have looked a bit at the english greyhounds.  They are supposed to be non shedding & very active outdoors, but once inside, a bit more calm.  does anyone know this to be true?

What about whippets?  They seem hard to find though.  Polish sheepdogs?

we have also been thinking of one between 1 - 3 yrs old to be past all the puppy stages.  I understand that any dog new to our house will have accidents, but the fewer the better.  less chewing too.

I guess our last dor was completely perfect, except the massive shedding.  & I'm still not sure with the baby comming & all.

[littlelady2010_kaitlyn]

Wow, I was shocked when I started reading your post! Just because we lost our family dog about 6months ago, he was a cocker spaniel/poodle/terrier mix(weird mix I know) anyways, he was 13years old, and when he started to get sick he seemed to have a stroke, then stopped eating, seizures, and couldn't walk, especially difficult controlling one side. Its just weird, how similar they died. This is just what I would prefer if I were in the same situation, if you want to get a new dog soon, I would do it before the baby is born, especially if you would end up getting one a month or two after baby is born, like you said you have 4months to train and get adjusted. Also getting a new dog might give your daughter a sense of responsibility and confidence with learning to take care of a new family member, before the baby comes. But there are going to be adjustments with adding a new baby and a new dog all within a short period of time. So ultimately its what your most comfortable with! Don't overwhelm yourself, also with you will soon be feeling all the normal discomfort of pregnancy if they already haven't begun. Ask yourself this, your the one that will be taking care of the new dog. Will you have the energy later in pregnancy to keep up with a younger dog? Especially if training became difficult? Its all about what you can handle! And I don't have any recommendations about different breeds. However I did have quite a bad experience with a border collie, beautiful dog, medium sized. My parents had wanted to get a dog, they very much loved my husbands and I's dog, they took care of him often for us. Well they decided to adopt a collie from the local pound, dog seemed great, was great with my daughter when we visited,  until she would run around, he nipped her ankles several times. Then they left the dog alone for the first time, well turns out it had separation anxiety, it chewed apart a 5000dollar drum set! So just be very careful about different breeds, and adopting, sometimes the dog just has its own issues not specific to the breed! Good luck!

[ketona31479]

I agree with 5n1, getting a dog before the baby is born is the best idea. When I had my DD, my DH and I where homeless, we stayed with fam and my mom every once in a while. my mom has a dog who was never around any kids, so we got the dog used to us, then when DD was born, the nurse told us if we where going to be staying where there was a house dog to BEFORE we even brought the baby inside to, bring in the recieving blanket that the nurses FIRST wrapped her in and give it to the dog. They explained that the dog will get the scent pf the baby and know that the baby isnt threatening to the dog. Well after we did that, we brought DD inside and wouldnt you know it the dog stay RIGHT beside my baby the WHOLE time we where staying with my mom and she even carried aroubd the recieving blanket every where. the Dog was VERY protective of my baby, and remember this was a dog who had never been around a child.  Sorry I had to add this because no one had added that, so if you get another dog, you might want to do this...I think it creates a bond between the baby and the dog.

[5n1]

we got one dog before DS was born and one right after..Both of them are german shepherds, they were inside, but they got way too big, so now they are mainly outside dogs...but, getting one before or after honestly didnt affect anything with the baby...the both love my kids so much and are so protective...but before DD(5 months) was born I went and got yet another dog, this time indoor chihuahua(3lbs) and I was nervous at first, but now I am so thankful I did...she lets my kids pull her ears chase her, and she has not snapped at any of them..she is extremely calm and all in all a great dog...

so it is really up to you and the mannerism of the dog...i would get one before the baby comes that way it is comfortable with you and your house, that way when baby gets here, you can teach the dog how to behave around the baby...

[Mazdagirlfc]

I would wait until you had the baby, that way the dog comes in next so there is no jealously issues.

I do agree with Pit bulls though, I have three dogs, one of which is a pit bull. He is the best dog that I have ever had.

But I would wait just to let your child come first and not add on the other stress of another dog. =)

[julianovak]

Well, my sister has a puppy, he was around 8 wk when she got him.... LET me tell you, the dog is just like a BABY. EXACTLY. He loves to be held, cuddled, talked with, played with, and literally takes up so much time....  It reminded me of what ill be going thru shortly.

He doesnt shed at all, which amazed me. For now hes an indoor dog, bc its SO COLD outside.Poor thing shivers everytime he goes out to potty. He is a sweet gentle cuddle-bug, I love watching how he reacts to seeing my DD, he licks the life out of her, lol. Also, he is a pure-bred pittbull, bought from reputable breeders, not "rescued" or off the street. I saved the "breed" name for last bc of how much ppl think this type of dog is awful, and whatnot.  It depends on the dogs parents and what enviorment he is in.... not on the "breed".... They have as much temperment as a golden retriever, go figure. =O) Hes a sweetie, and i am amzed at how great he is with my 2.8 yr old, who tends to annoy the kahooties out of him.

Much luck to you.... I think its best you wait until your baby is born, and you become a well adjusted family before introducing a pup.