Dog Recommendation

T J Hooker

Hi Folks,

Just looking for some experienced advice. I am looking for a dog, now I'm probably going to contradict myself in the criteria I am wanting but I'll give it a shot. We have our first baby due in 10 weeks, I sometimes need to work late nights and my fiance` is too nervous to sleep without me at home. Now we live in a fantasti neighbourhood where, touch wood, nothing bad ever happens, none the less. I would ideally like a dog that would be good with kids as it will be growing up along side a baby, but at the same time I would like a dog that would alert and if needs be protect us should the undoubted occasion arise.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

ISDW

This is going to sound harsh, and I'm sorry for that, but I wouldn't recommend getting a dog now, not with a baby due so soon. I understand what you're saying about working nights, so its for the feeling of security, but can your partner walk the dog while you're at work, and look after a baby? You're life is going to change so drastically, that I don't know if bringing a dog into the equation would be fair on the dog.

However, if you have decided this is what you are going to do, then a staffordshire bull terrier would be a great dog. They are known as the nanny dog because of how good they are with children. They are very misunderstood, so I'd say a staffie would be a good deterrent to any burglar, even though they'd probably lick the intruder to death, rather than bite them.

Obviously, as with any dog, never leave it alone with a baby or young child, but I think its great for children to grow up with dogs.

Bubs99

Heya,

Due to the fact your wife is due a newborn in 10 weeks, it is a tough choice to make whether to get a new puppy so they can both grow up together and be used to eachother.
Many people get them both at the same time for this reason to prevent territory jealousy but as everybody knows, a new baby is very stressful and would be tiring for your wife along with a new puppy in which you would have to also train from scratch.

If you are both willing to do this, then go ahead but make sure you choose the right breed that is fun and sociable and well behaved (which is your job to train)...or another even better idea, in my opinion is...to rescue a dog that is atleast a year old and fully house trained, crate trained and neutered, vaccinated etc.

There is a large number of rescue centres throughout Ireland that have dogs of every breed with a mixture of fun, loving personalities.
The rescue centres can recommend which dog is best for you and your wife.

Try...A Dogs Life
Dogs Trust
Paws
Madra
Dspca,
Ispca etc etc.

Check them all out on the internet, I beg you NOT to buy from a breeder. Theres plenty of good ones out there in rescue centres that need your love and care and provide the same to you and your family.
I hope you take my advice for everyones sake.

PS: A dog is not only to be used as a security dog, it also needs love and playtime, this can work if you socialise your child and dog together, the dog will become loyal to you all.

Good Luck.

Cherry Blossom

A new dog (especially a pup) is like having a new baby but is more work as it's a baby that runs around and doesn't have the benefit of wearing a nappy! I would suggest waiting at least 6 months and then see how feel about it. You're fiance is going to have her hands full as it is. Definately give yourselves time to adjust to the new baby before thinking about getting another new addition. It's also a lot easier for a dog to get used to a baby that was there before the dog. Again I would highly recommend a Staffie as a choice of breed. It would have to be mainly an indoor dog though as they wouldn't have much resistance to Irish weather.

Bubs99

I agree with the others, a staffie is a great choice. They have a bad reputation unfortunately but thats not the case. That is mainly due to them being "trained" to dog fight...many other breeds can be trained to fight too.

Staffies can be so loveable and friendly. A specific dog rescue that mainly has Staffies is East Galway Animal Rescue. They are great and fully train and monitor them for months to a year before they are adopted. I guarantee you, theres plenty of adorable ones to adopt of all ages.

T J Hooker

I should have been clearer in some parts of my original post. I will be looking for to get a dog around late january or february. I'd prefer baby before dog for the jealousy factor. I've had plenty dogs before, albeit back home in South Africa, mainly GSDs. But i'm looking for something different to what i've had. After realising today that Rhodesian Ridgebacks are in this country then I'll probably head down that route as I've always had a soft spot for them.

Thanks for your advice and suggestions thus far. Keep them coming!

ISDW

Ridgebacks are gorgeous dogs, have known a few. Best of luck in the search, wouldn't be a bad idea to start looking now, you never know when the reputable breeders may have a litter planned. Contact the IKC and ask for the Ridgeback club details,they'll be able to point you in the right direction.