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[Lunapup]

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Hello! My name is Catriona and I'm about to be a dog owner for the first time as an adult. Eek!

On Thursday I will be getting a rescue puppy. She is 4 months old and is a Labrador crossed with a Jack Russell we think. I have 4 kids, the youngest being just 2. Please tell me I haven't completely lost my mind and it will all be OK!

I am very nervous and so I have booked puppy classes to help. I know it is going to be very hard work initially but I am so excited about the kids growing up with a dog friend. I think it will be wonderful for them.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[JudyN]

Congratulations! Four children and a puppy - what fun you're going to have!

A few bits of advice off the top of my head (I'm not an expert, have just spent a lot of time reading up on dogs to try to get my head round my own little angel...):

1) Positive training is the way to go. Your aim should be to prevent 'naughty' behaviour, and work on what you do want to do. 'Telling a dog off' for unwanted behaviour doesn't tend to help much, if at all, but rewarding good behaviour works very well.

2) The children MUST respect the dog's feelings. If he doesn't want to play, or even to be petted, they must respect that and leave him alone. There are any number of videos on Youtube of what the parents think is a dog and child interacting well, when those who can read dog body language can see the dog thinking 'Get him a way from me, must not bite, must not bite, ugh, get him away from me....'

3) Never punish the dog from growling. If you do, he may suppress it till he feels he has to snap.

4) If your children don't want their toys to be chewed, they'll have to learn to be tidy!

5) Sometimes, gin and chocolate are the only solution But one day you'll look back and think 'Awww, wasn't he a cute full-of-fun pup. Maybe we should get another....'

 

[Josie]

Welcome @Lunapup and how exciting for you and your family!

I always grew up with dogs and really think it shaped who I am today. When I have children I want them to grow up with a family dog (as long as it’s done right of course)

@JudyN has said some great points!

I would just make sure you socialise her as much as you can. The better socialised she is the more places you can all go as a family! She will be your 5th child!!

Also don’t give up on training! It will be tough in the beginning but will be worth so much when she’s got it!

Keep her mind active and make sure she gets lots of walks (what’s allowed at her age)

Oh and of course enjoy!

Look forward to seeing photos

 

[arealhuman]

Welcome to the forum and the start of your new adventure! As you can see, there's lots of knowledgeable people on here. I'm new to dog ownership too, so will be interested in how you get on.