Expert Advice on Babies, Kids and Pets -
Andrew's Response

Mum Zone's resident Pet Expert Andrew of Hanrob is available to answer some of your questions.

Topics include: Preparing your dog for a new baby, introducing your children to a dog or cat, identifying dog or cat behaviours, what to do if a dog is aggressive towards you or your child, how to choose the right dog or cat for your family, dog training, how to deal with dog behavioural issues, sleeping arrangements for your pet, pet hygiene, desexing - when to do it, walking your dog with a pram, pet routine and exercise.

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Reader's Question

My husband and I are really keen to get a puppy and have been thinking about a cavoodle.
We have a 3 month old baby who spends a lot of time on the floor or on his rocker. Do you think that it would be realistic to bring the two up together or is there too much of a risk that the baby could get hurt due to the nature of puppies?

Andrew's Response

Yourself and your husband obviously have a lot of love to give, and growing up with a dog is very beneficial for children's development. So I can definitely understand your eagerness to adopt a new puppy. Your caution also shows a genuine desire for a happy family and pet lifestyle. There are a few factors to consider in your situation.

Of course, you will need to consider the demands of a 3 month old baby combined with a new puppy. Puppies require A LOT of training in their first six months or so of life, including toilet training, socialising and obedience training. This can be very demanding on both your time and patience! You also need to consider destructive puppy behaviours like chewing, toileting on floors and "puppy biting". It sounds like you have weighed up some of these issues, and it is important to realise the very demanding commitment of a puppy. In addition to the cost of your pet, there are vaccination costs, desexing fees, toys, bedding, council registration and puppy training costs. They can mount up, so ensure you have considered the financial cost.

Cavoodles are extremely good natured and loving, but they can also have an insanity streak that is truly remarkable! They are balls of energy and a terrific family pet. However, I would consider waiting until your baby is a little more developed before adopting a puppy. At this stage, your baby can do little to defend against a maniacal puppy, and depending on your pup's temperament, may end up developing a fear of dogs rather than loving them as you do.

You could consider a couple of options. Firstly, why not adopt a teenage dog, around 12 to 18 months old? Ask your local adoption centre to keep their eye out for a child friendly, gentle and loving puppy. You may have to wait a while for the right one, but it will be worth it. You could also wait your baby is a little more independent and thus able to fend off loving puppy excitement bursts.

If you really can't wait, then ensure you have plenty of boundaries. You should ALWAYS supervise your puppy and baby's interactions and ensure both have an area to retreat to of their own. Keep interactions positive and fun, as well as safe. Try to prevent any unwanted puppy behaviour, rather than berating it. Puppy's are naturally excitable, and explore with their mouths. If your puppy is constantly yelled at for rough play with baby, he may develop a negative association with the baby. He won't understand why he is in trouble, or he may develop bad habits of jumping up or face licking. Control early interactions and try to make the most out of periods when puppy is tired and less excited. Once you have worked hard on obedience training your puppy, and teaching him to control his emotions and look to you for guidance, you can increase interaction time with your child in a safer and more controlled way.

Good luck with your new family. And whatever your decision, a puppy is a wonderful addition to a family, when it is well planned and supported positively.

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