Dutch Shepherd Forum

My husband would like to get a DS puppy. We have 2 kids - ages 5 and 1 and frequently have other children in our home/yard to play. The DS would be a family pet - not a working dog. We could give him two walks a day plus quick trips out in between to do his business. He'd get longer walks and time at the dog park on weekends. We need a dog that is good with children and strangers and would be satisfied with the exercise we can provide. Is a DS right for our family?

Others may have different opinions, but I doubt a DS would be a good fit for you at this time in your young family's life. I think they need way more exercise and mental stimulation than you are expecting to provide.

Keep in mind, too, that no young puppy is going to be good with children! They're maniacs. I assume your husband works, so you are going to be providing the bulk of the management and training and such during the day time, as you also have to manage and care for your very young children.

Have you considered adopting an older pup, say around 18 months old, from a breed rescue? You'll be able to bypass the very young baby puppy stuff, and in dealing with a breed rescue, will be able to find a young dog that is well matched to your family and what you can provide for it. It's even possible that there would be a DS in rescue that would be a good fit...as an older dog, it's activity needs would be known, as well as it's temperament, behavior around children, etc.

Curious...why is your husband interested in a DS?

I agree with Leih. Most DS's I know need far more exercise/mental stimulation then 2x walks a day. My DS is good with children and strangers, but would go crazy destroying the house with only 2 walks per day. I think Koenig is also in the minority in how accepting he is of strangers, he's a very gregarious dog.

I have 2 kids, 3, and 6. My DS happens to be fantastic with them. I didn't have him as a pup though, I rescued him at a year old, so he was past many of the maniac behaviors (NOT ALL THOUGH!!)

To echo Leih, Why a DS?

Ill have to "third" the vote. My 4.5 month old is great with my kids 5 and 6 but the only reason I got a Ds pup was I have alot of background training with DS and Mals and I knew she could get the phyical and mental stimulation that DS's need. Not that its easy having two young kids and a pup. I would think about a breed that is a bit more sedentary, a basset maybe? ( i grew up with them so I have soft spots for them, plus my parents still have one)

I would tend to agree with others, that your lifestyle is not prepared for the "mental control" and training required of a working dog ... but having said that, an adult DS (rescue) could be a good fit - adults are more likely to be calm and not so mouthy, and can be thoroughly tested to see if it is a good fit for your situation. Many of the DS in rescue are there because they do not have enough drive to work, but this can make them more appropriate as pets.
Please check out the NADSR site for listing of dogs and contact info!

Welcome cavbaily.
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