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doggy debate (long)
Am I crazy for wanting to adopt this dog?
I don't know if it's because we made this decision before I was pregnant or what, but I'm suddenly stressing. Our friend who found him and has been holding on to him is really, really good with animals. She's definitely the most educated pet owner I know. Last week she emailed us in a panic that he had growled at her when she went to take his rawhide. She did clarify that the other dogs were around and he had taken it to be alone in his crate. She has tried a dozen times a day to get him to growl again and he hasn't. She's taken his bowl while eating, reached into his mouth while eating, etc. I grew up with dogs and didn't think this was a big deal, but she was very worried that we wouldn't want him anymore around Cassidy.
So, we've been going back and forth now for over a week and I'm totally dwelling on all of the negatives. Our life has finally slowed down lately and we're all getting more sleep than we have in the past two years. Our house is situated the way we like and I'm totally nervous that he's going to ruin all of that. It doesn't help that Brian wasn't 100% on board in the first place.
BUT, I love dogs and so does Cassidy. I think her life will be enriched by having a dog and up until this little incident, he seemed to be the most ideal dog ever.
Help? Do I just have cold feet?
Re: doggy debate (long)
Resource guarding is a big deal but can be worked on. My youngest dog had issues with it at first, but she's a million times better now. I recommend the book Mine! by Jean Donaldson. Also, working with the dog on "Nothing in Life is Free" is a great way to establish the pack order with your family on top and the dog beneath. Google it or use the FAQs on the Pets board.
Also know that no matter the dog, dogs and kids always need to be supervised.
I think kids having pets is a wonderful thing and worth the work.
It took 5 failed IUIs and a failed IVF, but our FET worked!
My pregnancy after Infertility Blog
Our baby girl was born on April 27, 2011!
Sounds to me that the issue was probably more about the other dogs in the room as opposed to the "human". One of the first things we (growing up and now) always did with a new dog was get in the dog's face when they're eating. Show them we're the boss. However, you could have the most docile dog in the world and you cannot guarantee that nothing will happen. They're animals first, pets second. Bottom line, like Jill said, is you can never leave them unsupervised.
Our dog has bit all 3 of our kids. Even supervised. She's just a crotchety old dog and only does it when provoked. Believe me, I'm not happy about it and if I had my druthers she would have been gone years ago, but Dan refuses to give up on her. Even though she's pushing 11.
Well, you might be able to guess what I'm going to say... but I think it is definitely worth it.
Jill mentioned a few great resources- as you can tell this is not an uncommon issue and is very trainable. Nellie is a great dog with people and kids but gets rather snarly when other dogs are around. I never worry about her with Clara but I don't leave them unsupervised. I also will be sure to make it a rule for Clara and any other visiting children to never try to take anything out of a dog's mouth, nor try to ride her, pull on her, etc.. Here's a great blog post (from the pets board) regarding this issue that says it better than I can:
The MOST IMPORTANT post in here (2)
And I agree- having an older dog will definitely cut down on sleepless nights, chewing, etc. We got Nellie at age 1(ish) and only had a few issues with chewing, and none with getting up in the night.
I believe having animals in the house helps children develop not only responsibility but compassion and confidence.