New puppy with 2,9 and 11 year olds

[amiradavis]

Hi:

I just joined last week and I'm excited about all of the advice I can get from you guys. Our new baby is 3/4 boxer and 1/4 mastiff (dad is full boxer, mom is 1/2 boxer and 1/2 mastiff)

We'll be bringing her home in about 7 weeks (they were born Dec 12) and I'm wodering if anyone has any advice as to how to deal with my kids with her. I want this to be an easy transition for the puppy. I know the kids are really excited and I don't want the puppy to get overstimulated with all of them. Should I just bring her home and set aside certain times for the kids to spend time with her individually or let them all play with her at once?

Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Amira

 

[Kerry Jane]

For one I would definately recommend a crate for your new puppy. I am sure that if you search you will find lots of good advice on how to crate train your new puppy. None of your children should be allowed in the crate. Then if your puppy needs some alone time it can always go into the crate to get away. Also, if things are getting too crazy with all of the kids and the puppy, you can always put the puppy in the crate.

 

[neraknna]

Hello and congrats on you new puppy. I have 3 kids ages 2,6 and 10 and 2 dogs 1 year fawn male and 13 week brindle female. When we first brought home our new puppy Meadow last month, there were plenty of arguments over whose turn it was to play with her. I would definately give each child one on one time with the dog to avoid problems. After the first week or so the newness wore off and there are less problems sharing her now.

 

[amiradavis]

Thanks for the advice.

Thanks for the advice. She comes home in about 4 weeks so I'm reading all we can (The boxer Handbook) and talking with the older kids about their responsibilities. Thanks again. I'm sure I'll be asking for more advice as we get closer.