toddlers and dogs?

Whenever I take my 3 year old daughter for a walk or to the park or anywhere outside and we see a dog she gets quite excited and always wants to go up and see it and pet it. So we're thinking about getting a dog of our own.

Is it a good idea to get a dog when she's still only 3 or would it be better to wait a few more years? And what are some breeds of dog that are known for being good dogs to have if there are young children in the house.

Any input from dog owners who also have young ones would be appreciated.

thanks :)

Answers:
I have two kids. We got a puppy when they were 3 and 1. He's a golden retriever, and he is the best dog. He lets them poke his eyes, roll over him, pull his ears, anything--he doesn't mind. Growing up I always had a golden, they are the best tempermented dogs. The ONLY drawback is their long fur. People say labs are just as good, but I find them to be hyper. Do not get a small dog, they tend to be intimidated by little kids, and tend to bite. Between my parents, friends, and our own golden there are 7 golden retrievers. It's a great playdate when they all get together. They all are wonderful with the kids. Good luck, I would have no worries, and she'll have a companion for quite a while. (My dog follows the youngest around everywhere.)

Also, very important, do not get a dog at the dog store. Go to a breeder who has the parents on the premises. Good breeding this way, and you can look for hip problems in the parents.

PS I would NEVER get a rotweiler for kids, they tend to be one person dogs, and have been known to attack. Horrible dog for little kids!! I'm reading some of these answers, oh boy. When training a puppy, let him start to eat, and then you get down in his face and push him out of the way. This teaches them not to be territorial with their food. My girls feed my dog treats out of their mouths(the end of a sandwich, etc.) we taught him this when he was a puppy so he would be easy. Dogs are in pounds for a reason, be sure to do lots of research on the dog before you take them home. Those are my thoughts.

It can be done, but you have to make sure your child is taught to be very respectful, many children that young like to pull at the dog, poke it's eyes or just jump on it, a good dog will tolerate this but should not have to.

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toddlers and dogs?

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