Ok so my wife brought home a new heeler Australian puppy while we currently have a six month old baby, and a 7 year old son.. I just don’t know how I feel about it. We’ve had him for almost a week and he seems like a good dog and trainable, the research I’ve done on this breed is they are loyal, family oriented but require training and a lot of activity…
My cons:
He’s biting a lot, not hard but it’s enough to where he made our baby cry and ripped up some of our couch and my wife’s night gown. (This is my biggest con as baby comes as #1)
Along with having what is practically a new born, I’ll now have to spend my time training this puppy for months/years.
Long trips are now difficult as we will need to secure either a dog sitter or spend hundreds on a dog hotel.
My wife despite bringing the dog home now has had a change of heart and wants the dog gone.
My Pro’s
My kids get a dog and that’s always awesome for kids and teaches responsibility.
If I could choose a dog years from now it would be this one as he’s already showing signs of being trainable and has already started going outside for restroom breaks. All around seems like a good dog but im not sure if that’s just the breed?
I’ve become attached as has my son.
We’ve found a friend that will take the dog, big yard nice people, I’m just a pet guy and have become attached and just want to know what some of you guys would do in this situation or you older guys what you did do. [Reply]
I can’t believe no one has yet pointed out the only reason she got that breed was because the main dog family in Bluey are heelers. The wife has some weird fantasy role play thing going on here. There is no other logical reason for her to choose that specific breed that she clearly had no knowledge about over any number of common family dog breeds. [Reply]
Go buy about 30 head of black angus, so the dog has something else to bite.
They can be ornery and are a dog that needs a job. At the very least, make sure it gets plenty of play and exercise. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bwana:
Go buy about 30 head of black angus, so the dog has something else to bite.
They can be ornery and are a dog that needs a job. At the very least, make sure it gets plenty of play and exercise.
Or maybe, and I’m just spitballing, don’t get a dog with a pathological need to bite things if you have a baby.
Originally Posted by mr. tegu:
I can’t believe no one has yet pointed out the only reason she got that breed was because the main dog family in Bluey are heelers. The wife has some weird fantasy role play thing going on here. There is no other logical reason for her to choose that specific breed that she clearly had no knowledge about over any number of common family dog breeds.
This is a likely scenario. No update from OP so I’m guessing he caved to the wife’s demands [Reply]
Originally Posted by Pablo:
Lots of people waiting to know the dog’s fate. Can’t just leave us hanging!
We decided not to keep the dog. There were a lot of factors that played into it. The constant nipping at the baby. Tearing clothes, peeing and pooing in the house. Albeit all of these things can be trained but I’ve never had a dog, nor did I want a dog, so once I noticed my son not giving much thought to the dog, the wife’s mood just worsening, why keep it, when a family who just lost their dog a year ago is ready for a new one with a toddler and no other kids on the way??
Seemed selfish for me and our family to keep him not being A ready, and B willing to do what it takes to give the dog a happy home. Nonetheless we have a 2 story home, limited backyard, he’s now at a big 1 story home, 2-3x our back yard, and from what I’m told is already loving life and has adjusted well.
My son definitely shed a few tears but was mature about the situation stating while he was sad, he is happy for the dog and says dogs are too much work. I stilll feel like a dick of a father but figured I’d give the update to those who deserved it. [Reply]
Originally Posted by TripleThreat:
We decided not to keep the dog. There were a lot of factors that played into it. The constant nipping at the baby. Tearing clothes, peeing and pooing in the house. Albeit all of these things can be trained but I’ve never had a dog, nor did I want a dog, so once I noticed my son not giving much thought to the dog, the wife’s mood just worsening, why keep it, when a family who just lost their dog a year ago is ready for a new one with a toddler and no other kids on the way??
Seemed selfish for me and our family to keep him not being A ready, and B willing to do what it takes to give the dog a happy home. Nonetheless we have a 2 story home, limited backyard, he’s now at a big 1 story home, 2-3x our back yard, and from what I’m told is already loving life and has adjusted well.
My son definitely shed a few tears but was mature about the situation stating while he was sad, he is happy for the dog and says dogs are too much work. I stilll feel like a dick of a father but figured I’d give the update to those who deserved it.
From someone who has fostered a bunch of dogs because they started life with shitbag people... thank you for both finding the pup a good home and for coming to the conclusion early that you just weren't able/willing to do what was needed to ensure this pup had a successful integration to the family instead of keeping it and having a contentious relationship with it where no one is happy.
You did the right thing and hopefully your wife learned a lesson about the weight of responsibility that comes with taking responsibility for the life of a creature. [Reply]
Sorry, you gave the dog up, may I ask why you gave it up? Dogs can be great, they know when you are having a bad day, they know when you are sick, they will give unconditional love. [Reply]
You did the right thing and hopefully your wife learned a lesson about the weight of responsibility that comes with taking responsibility for the life of a creature.
Wait, does bro have kids with this woman?... [Reply]