Should I get a puppy or (more added)?

[SarahBeth9394]

I like Atticus. When our three kids were young our first dog was a pointer that was between 1 and 2 years old. She had already had a litter of pups. We got her at the shelter and it was so nice to not have to mess with housebreaking or pup chewing. You do need to be able to go and see the dog, get it out of the kennel and walk around and pet it a bit before you'll know which one.

 

[phoenixmama]

Sheba is awfully pretty. We have an 8 year old Aussie, and he is so wonderful with our kids. He is also turning out to be a great foster dad to our new puppy.

One thing I wanted to add. The whole "if you have young kids you shouldn't adopt a puppy" thing is a gross overgeneralization. Yes, there are plenty of people out there that put too much on their plate and are unable to handle it. However, I have a 4 year old, a 3 year old, and a 14 month old. We now have 3 dogs (including our new puppy), 2 cats, lots of chickens, and I am a cancer patient. You do have to be honest with yourself about how much extra work a puppy is...I treat the time investment as though there was another baby in the house (cannot leave it unattended, requires frequent feedings and playtime, etc.). It can be done, it's just a matter of whether or not you really know how much time and energy it takes to turn a cute, fuzzy puppy into a well-behaved, well-socialized dog and whether or not you are willing to/can carve out that extra time in your day to devote to the new puppy.

 

[pardygwyn]

Well I'm biased towards herding dogs, but I think you should nix the puppy idea and go for either Atticus or Sheba if you still want a dog. Note emphasis.

Anyway... both Aussies and Cattle Dogs are known to be loyal to their families and great babysitters when raised right. If you've still got the dog bug, meet up with them!

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

I'm sorry, but I absolutely disagree with any Aussie in a home with small children. I have been terrorized by the breed more than once. I will never allow one in or near my home. Pit bull? Heck ya...Aussie? Never.

 

[Livinzoo]

I grew up with an Aussie. They are loyal but need an outlet for their energy. India would chase a ball till she dropped. The only thing that slowed her down was arthritis at age 10.

I would really look into the breed and if you want a couch potato dog, than look for a breed that fits that need. I know there are quizzes out there to see what breed fits your families need.

 

[pardygwyn]

Sad but true, selection to compete with the border collie has not been kind to the old there-when-you-need-them, laid-back-when-you-don't Aussie. While we're on the subject, though, there are also pockets of the cattle dog gene pool that I would never let near my home or family, and pit bull lines selected for their aggressiveness.

There are also dogs of all three breeds that are wonderful and responsive pets, and since you're dealing with adults I would encourage you to judge by the individual dog, not the breed. Out of curiosity, though, why are you not willing to consider a pittie?

 

[BirdMom]

Sheba and Atticus both sound good, but as others have said, I think before you make any decision you and your family need to meet the dogs and spend a little time with them to know which is the right fit for your family, or if neither is.

We have two blue heelers and absolutely love them. We had a fantastic blue heeler when I was growing up, and when it came time for us to get a dog, it was an easy decision. We skipped the first litter of heelers someone had available as they just didn't feel right, but the second and third litters, we took one from each after spending a couple of hours with them. They were only two and four weeks old when we picked them out, but we waited to bring them home till they were weaned, about six weeks or so. They are from long lines of working dogs specifically bred to NOT nip, and their parent dogs were extremely well behaved. They are actually half brothers, same dad.

Pics and someone else's description of the dog just won't really let you know how you'll bond with the dog and it with you. We were very quickly sure of which puppies we wanted, but spent a long time with each to be sure. Funny thing was, every single person who came after us to pick puppies always wanted the two we'd picked out!

It sounds like you're ready for a dog, now is the hard part of meeting a few and sometimes having to decide "no, that's not the right fit." With young children, it's especially important to find that right fit for your entire family.

All that said, I think Sheba or Atticus have a very good chance of being the right dog for your family. It sounds like they're more laid back, not as energetic as our full-blooded blue heelers!

The Australian in each of them should give them a lot of intelligence, which makes for better and easier training. Just make sure you always are the alpha. If you're not sure how, get some dog training books from the library. It's not difficult, but it does prevent your dog from ruling your house and family.

Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[MsMelvin]

I vote go with your heart on Sheba, she is beautiful. Look at the attentiveness in those eyes. Watching to see what is next : ) Very in tune to her surroundings. Bet she will be great with the boys!

Besides; her bio reveales many lonely hours of solitude....she has been waiting to be a true pack member for a very long time! She will not require the time, patients, and extra training of the developing mind of a pup. (Nothing against pups; but chaotic plus pup = trouble).

She's past due for a chance at a good life! I hope it's you and your family (pack)

Good luck!!!

 

[Chickenmaven]

Quote:
Why now? Sounds like you have your hands pretty full. I remember when my own kids were 6 mo. and 2 years. If someone got sick, the household came to a screaching halt.

 

[kittykorat]

Quote:
Why now? Sounds like you have your hands pretty full. I remember when my own kids were 6 mo. and 2 years. If someone got sick, the household came to a screaching halt.

I think it would be harder to get a dog once the baby is mobile... I wouldn't want to introduce a dog to the house once the baby is crawling.. I think 6 months-3 years. By the time they are 3 you can teach them "gentle".
We had dogs when the boys were babies and the dogs got used to them as they grew.