Hi,
I found this website in my research of dog training and to clear my head. I have a lot of questions and want so much advice. We are in the process of adopting a Poodle. I have mild allergies but get along find after acclimation. Poodles are suppose to be hypoallergenic also so that's one of reasons we are going that route.
My husband and I have 4 children. Ages 6, almost 4, 2 and 5 months. We want a dog now as our human family expansion is O-V-E-R (with all caps!!) and I really have wanted a dog for 3+ years but it always seemed to get interrupted by a pregnancy before anything could pan out. Now that pregnancy is 100% off the table, we are ready! I have so many questions and would love advice. My #1 priority is to make sure the kids respect the dog and the dog respects the kids. I have raised my children with healthy boundaries concerning dogs. Especially ones they see out and about. They always ASK before approaching a dog. They always extend a hand and let the dog sniff. They always pet gently. IF i suspect a dog is not friendly, I simply tell the kids to keep walking and leave the dog alone and they do. If the dog is a working dog (therapy) I tell them they are working and cannot be bothered. Unless the trainer/owner initiates it is allowed. I'm not just stating this to toot my horn or anything. I never want to put my kids or a dog in a position where a bite will happen. I know even the most aware owners can end up with a bite accidents, because accidents happen, but being able to avoid them at all possible is my goal.
With that said - I know four kids and a puppy will be a challenge, so I joined to give myself head space and advice from people who are like minded and have likely been in my situation.
thank you
Ashley.
I found this website in my research of dog training and to clear my head. I have a lot of questions and want so much advice. We are in the process of adopting a Poodle. I have mild allergies but get along find after acclimation. Poodles are suppose to be hypoallergenic also so that's one of reasons we are going that route.
My husband and I have 4 children. Ages 6, almost 4, 2 and 5 months. We want a dog now as our human family expansion is O-V-E-R (with all caps!!) and I really have wanted a dog for 3+ years but it always seemed to get interrupted by a pregnancy before anything could pan out. Now that pregnancy is 100% off the table, we are ready! I have so many questions and would love advice. My #1 priority is to make sure the kids respect the dog and the dog respects the kids. I have raised my children with healthy boundaries concerning dogs. Especially ones they see out and about. They always ASK before approaching a dog. They always extend a hand and let the dog sniff. They always pet gently. IF i suspect a dog is not friendly, I simply tell the kids to keep walking and leave the dog alone and they do. If the dog is a working dog (therapy) I tell them they are working and cannot be bothered. Unless the trainer/owner initiates it is allowed. I'm not just stating this to toot my horn or anything. I never want to put my kids or a dog in a position where a bite will happen. I know even the most aware owners can end up with a bite accidents, because accidents happen, but being able to avoid them at all possible is my goal.
With that said - I know four kids and a puppy will be a challenge, so I joined to give myself head space and advice from people who are like minded and have likely been in my situation.
thank you
Ashley.