Unruly kids & a puppy.

[rmci]

How do you suggest nicely to someone who's admitted that their kids are unruly that they shouldn't get a dog? A coworker of mine is thinking of getting a puppy. My feeling is that if they can't control their kids throwing a puppy in the mix won't help at all. I've mentioned during other conversations that raising a puppy is not as easy as some think and have given examples so I probably won't say anthing else on the subject. But, then again, I might....

[calgal]

Mention to them about how many dogs are in shelters and foster homes. Maybe they could get a larger dog from the shelter that has energy and loves to play. There are a lot like that.

[rmci]

Oh believe me, I have mentioned shelters since that's where I got my two. He's dead set on a GSD puppy and says his wife has run into someone who breeds them. I emailed him a 7mo old GSD from Petfinder and he stated that dog was too old, they want younger.

[Rivsky]

Have you mentioned to them that puppies are as much, if not more, hardwork than kids - particularly if you want a good mannered dog?

[trainingrixie]

Originally Posted by Rivsky

Have you mentioned to them that puppies are as much, if not more, hardwork than kids - particularly if you want a good mannered dog?

I think puppies are even more hard work! A kid isn't going to eat your shoes, pee on the floor (well maybe), or jump on people when they walk in to your house! hehehe....oh the joys of puppies. i LOVE it!

[Cassiepeia]

Good point. Perhaps if you be really helpful and give him a full list of all that is needed to raise a happy, healthy pup and also mention that if care isn't taken dogs can be dangerous around children...he might think twice.

I know it's not quite the same thing, but a friend of mine (who shouldn't own pets...and generally doesn't like them) wanted to get a goldfish just to decorate her house . She was set on getting one of those stupid little bowls and just dropping the fish in that.
I told her "Great! Gold fish make wonderful pets. Now you'll need an airator, a filter, proper food, an ager for the water, you'll have to set the tank/bowl up for a period of time before you even buy the fish and then the fish has to sit, in its bag, in the water for a while before putting it in the water. Then you have to feed it this often and change the water this often and blah blah blah..."
She decided it was way too much work for a decoration and dumped the idea. Hehehehe!

But hey...I was only being helpful.

Cass.

[Rivsky]

I like Cass's plan of attack - should sort them out quick smart!!

[roman]

hmm i don't trust that mix too much but i have seen some wild kids who had dogs/cats/horses who have been more..sane when they had the pet but after they left the house or what ever they returned back to their wild antics


mabey the dog will make the children more civilized?

but if they think 7 months is "too old" than i don't think they should get a dog at all i mean what will happen when they get a younger one and then it will be older will they still love and care for it?

[kalija]

How old are the kids? Its a lot of work having a puppy and young kids. If I had known I might have changed my mind! Ask them to imagine this senario........

About the same time you are changing your 18 month old childs diaper, your 12 week old puppy decides he REALLY has to go (Keep in mind your husband/wife is sure to be gone at this exact time). HMMM, big decision; either you let the puppy pee on the floor, or you rush the puppy outside to pee while your 18 month old runs buck naked out the door with you.
(Phew, am I ever glad I don't have many neighbors....!)
People don't think of these things. Older dogs are much less work. And if they are afraid of getting an older dog whose history they don't know, you could suggest they look for a rescue who places the dogs in foster care. The foster family can usually give suggestions like if the dog would be good with kids etc. When you get a puppy you never really know what its temperament will be like as an adult.
A lot depends on what "unruly" is too. Having a dog can help kids learn responsibility and compassion if its handled right, but it can also be a disaster if the kids are really out of control.

[Pondwader]

Unruly kids make for an unruly dog. They'lll get a puppy, it will grow up to be hyper, ill mannered, possibly aggressive, and it will be completely their fault. They'll blame the dog, and it will end up in a cage in a shelter or worse.
If they are set on it though, the best you can do is really emphasize to her that a puppy is a baby, needs to be treated gently, with tons of love, and taught with positive reinforcement. Her kids need to be trained how to behave with that puppy too, or else it will be a disaster...
Good luck.