Hi all ...

I've been thinking of getting my son a puppy but i'm in 2minds as to whether he is to young (just turned 3)

I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a breed or advice etc etc

thanks.

why would your son at 3 want a puppy he cannot look after it.

The question is do you want a puppy and can you look after one provide for all it's needs whilst looking after your home and toddler?

Well he's very bright and has been asking for a while,

I would look after the puppy myself obviously but I was just wondering if anyone had toddler with a dog and is it a good idea or not?

Dogs are not toys....

and especially coming up to Xmas your son may get easily bored with all his other new toys as well and you will have a lot on to deal with...

A puppy is a lot of serious hard work and attention and it goes on for a long time it isn't something to be taken lightly, and I would consider every aspect before going out and taking on the big responsibility.

between the socialisation and hte potty training you will spend most of the winter outside with your dog, is that fair on your son.

You will have to attend training classes or spend lots of time at home training your pup.

To raise a healthy balanced dog from a puppy is blooming hard work i would not want to do it whilst having a youngster.

Thank you for all the advice.

I think you're right in what you're saying, I think i'd be better off waiting a while before going ahead with it.

When he is old enough to feed, clean and walk it himself then get him one. Otherwise you'll be the one to do it yourself.

You can't get a three year old a dog. I even wonder whether it is a good idea for me to pay for my son's pup after he turns 21

However, if YOU want a dog, then it is possible with a youngster, though I would tend to wait until the child is about 5 and can be reasoned with unless the child has grown up with a dog in the house.

Children can mither dogs. If your three year old decides to constantly bother the dog, it isn't going to be ideal for the poor dog. At around five, they can learn basic training and how to act around dogs and understand why rules around the dogs are important.

And remember puppies 'mouth'. It is normal and natural for the pup, but needs to be taught out. Tiny, sharp little teeth, no bite inhibition and a three year old mad keen on puppies probably isn't a good mix.

That said - if you really want a puppy, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel generally has a good temperament and is good for the first time owner. But ensure you buy from a good breeder who fully health tests their dogs and knows their lines - they are prone to a painful and distressing brain disorder in addition to patella and eye disorders.
Alternatively, a well bred Staffordshire Bull Terrier - again from health tested stock and breed for temperament - is generally a good choice around children. Though may be too bouncy for a three year old.

And think of the cost - between £500 and £800 for a well bred dog, £100-£200 for equipment, £200 for a year's insurance, £50 jabs, £100-£250 for spay/neuter - that is £1500 in the first year!!!

And do you have time to go to training/socialisation classes? As a first time owner, they are essential.

Another option is an adult rescue dog that has come from a family with young children. Many child friendly dogs end up in rescue due to relationship break down, financial difficulties or having to move into rented accommodation where dogs aren't allowed. A good rescue will assess the dog's temperament - preferably in foster care - and match suitable dogs to owners. However, most (but not all) rescues won't home to a family with a child under five.

A good post!

I think it's an excellent idea. I was brought up with dogs and have an affinity with them. It saddens me to see children screaming in terror at friendly dogs or worse grabbing and twisting fur and flesh because they're not used to dogs and haven't been taught how to interact with them. It's situations like that that can often lead to bites. I'm very much for children being brought up with dogs.


You will not need to spend most of the winter outside. Walking your puppy and your son in the park for exercise and socialization on a daily basis will be a pleasure for you, your son and the pup.

You will not have to attend training classes to raise a healthy balanced dog. My most recent pup had got the general gist of housetraining and what "No" meant within a week - dogs learn faster than kids. Depending on your viewpoint (and of course the personality of your pup because they're as individual as we are), interacting with and teaching your puppy can be very rewarding fun rather than "hard work". Familiarize yourself with a few basic training techniques, be prepared for chewing and occasional toilet accidents and enjoy your pup as much as your son will.

We have a three year old girl, and a three year old Cocker Spaniel that we've had from a puppy.

As our little one has grown up with the dog they are fine together, and understand each other. The dog is infinitely patient of her, and our child has grown up knowing how to habdle and behave around animals.

Obviously safety of your child should always come first, and choosing a docile breed is importnat. As is not leaving them alone as no matter how docile an animal may seem, it is still an animal.

Our experience is so good that we recently aquired our second puppy, (a much smaller breed than the Spaniel) that again is very patient with the little one.

So long as you are sensible I am sure you will be fine. Millions of kids grow up woth dogs and animals, and wouldn't have it any other way.

A Cavalier would be an excellent choice. I currently have my third. They are good with all age groups, they are gentle and kind, they generally love interacting with people and are confident little dogs.

As for being prone to Syringomyella, the brain disorder you mention, it is rare! However it is important to buy from a breeder who has had both parents 'heart tested' as Cavaliers are prone to heart murmurs.