A Baby and two Dogs???

[The_King48]

We currently have a shorthair pointer/ridgeback mix and are considering getting a lab puppy but we are also considering starting a family in the next year. How will the dogs react to a baby especially if we have two instead of one? Any advice on waiting to get a second dog? I am already concerned about how the first one will react....Thanks in advance..

[eric29]

imo i dont think u will have a problem with the fact of having two dogs but i dont think u should wait to get a puppy tho. If u get it in the near future u will have time to get it past all the puppy stages, for example the jumping, scratching, and biting. These are all curiable but u know they are going to do it a couple of times while ur teaching it not to and the best time to do that is without a baby around. just my opinion

[CAJ]

I've raised my kids and now Grandkids. Get the new dog as soon as you can if you are thiking about getting another dog. You will have time to get used to the dogs being togehter and the kids will fall into line when they come. Your dog is like a kid, they need a lot of atention the first year. CAJ

[Eric Wettschreck]

Every kid should grow up with a dog and every dog should grow up with a kid. My lab mix raised 3 kids and unknown number of frogs, turtles, cats, snakes, etc.

The previous posters are correct. If you plan on a puppy, get it and get it out of it's puppy stage before you have a baby. Once out of the puppy stage you will be absolutely amazed how a dog warms up to a child. Treat them all as family.

Make sure you have plenty of film in the camera cuz there will be a LOT of kodak moments.

[gonefishin11]

Another benefit is that when you need to take care of the baby, the dogs can go entertain themselves. You won't have one dog always at your heels begging for attention. Throw a rope or ball out and let them wrestle for it.

[anyfishwilldo]

Definately get the dog long before you have a kid. I made the mistake of getting a puppy 2 mos after my second daughter was born. It was hard to give the puppy all the attention she deserved.

[caseymcq]

Get the dog. Have the kid. They will all be buds.

[gonefishin11]

Side Note: Casey, that is one of the cutest pictures I've seen.

[caseymcq]

Thanks, I can't take the credit for it though. My wife took the picture last fall.