Cockerspaniel and kids?

[Aydensmommy]

Hello, I am new to this portion of the site.  I am usually in the maternal/child forum.  I have a six year old, a 18month old and one on the way.  My husband and I decided we are getting a cockerspaniel puppy for the kids as a surpirse from someone we work with who's dog had a litter.  I had two myself growing up and I loved them.  They both were about 2 when we got them and were great with me and my brother.  We were older than my children.  I'm reading alot of negative feedback on the internet about them with small children.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I'm thinking it may not be a good idea now.  I would never forgive myself if my children were bitten.  Thank you

[Ghilly]

Misfits4Me is correct.  There are actually quite a few rescues that will not adopt a dog or puppy out to a family that has children under the age of 10.  Depdending on the breed,  placing a dog or puppy in a household with very young children can be a recipe for disaster.

Young kids do need to learn responsibility, but they don't need to learn it at the expense of a dog's sanity.  The problem is, no matter how carefully you watch a child, it only takes a nanosecond for them to do something to anger or scare a dog, and it only takes another nanosecond for that dog to react and bite the child.  Cocker spaniels are beautiful dogs with wonderful temperaments, but they, and many other small breeds, traditionally do not do well in homes with small children.  

I also agree with Misfits4Me in that it does sound like you already have your hands full with the human family.  It's only natural that if things get to be too hectic, the one who isn't going to get what they need is going to be the puppy.  It might not seem like a big deal at the time, but if it happens enough times, eventually you can end up with a dog who is either not correctly trained because other things kept taking you away from spending the necessary amount of time with him, or you have a dog with psychological issues because he has been poked, pulled and prodded by small children who mean no harm, but still do damage.  

I don't agree with the rescue groups that only homes with children over the age of 10 should have pets, but I think it's a good idea for the youngest child to be about 5 years old before attempting to take on a pet like a dog or cat.  I think it was very wise of you to even consider this question before getting a puppy.  All puppies are adorable and hard to resist, but Cocker Spaniels, of all breeds, are not the best to have around small children.  Unless they have fantastic bloodlines behind them, Cocker Spaniels are also predisposed genetically to some 42 different diseases and problems, from epilepsy to dry eye to skin disorders.  When you're ready and the kids are a big older, even though it's a bigger dog, a better choice for your family would be a lab or a collie.  Both breeds get along famously with kids and they are wonderful family dogs.

Ghilly

[Misfits4Me]

Hello and welcome....I don't believe "Right Now" is a good idea, either. It sounds as if you already have your hands full and with another baby coming; adding a puppy (Of any kind) to the mix is a mistake, IMO. Puppies require alot of attention and direction. It wouldn't be fair to him/her or to you trying to attend to everyone and train a puppy. One rescue, that I'm familiar with, will NOT adopt to families with children under 10. There's a reason for this. It's not only for the safety of the children, but also the safety of the dog. I'd wait awhile till the kids are older and can help you raise the new puppy. I thank you for taking the time to inquire about this....So many people make this mistake and then the new dog is who suffers for it! Oh yes, Congratulations on your new baby...That's wonderful!     Karla