families with 2 or more children + dogs

lovemyterriers26 · August 2013

Hi ladies,

DD is 16 months and we have 2 more on the way in Feb. We also have 2 dogs. DH is starting to freak out about how we'll be able to take care of 3 kids and still have time for the dogs.We have a fenced in yard so they get plenty of exercise, but they also like their walks. I feel like we'll be fine once we get into a routine with the new babies. Does anyone have any advice that I can tell DH to calm him down? TIA!!

allardr · August 2013

I love our dog park, look to see if you have one near you. We go lots and I walk laps within the fenced area with the stroller but don't have to fight the dog on the lease since she can run free. LO's older now too so she walks around with the dog at the park.

Mrs MoJoRisin · August 2013

We have a 16 month old, 5 month old, and two crazy boxers. You are right about things settling once you get in a routine. Having the fenced in yard is the best bc I just open the door and they go. If they needed to go out on a leash it would be a real hassle. What kind of the dogs are they? Big?

lovemyterriers26 · August 2013

One is an airedale terrier so she is our big girl at 85 pounds. The other is a welsh terrier so he is easier to handle. I agree that the fence is a God send. I keep telling my husband that they are fine with just being in the back yard but the airedale does tend to be "demanding" about her walks.

Cherryblossoms07 · August 2013

I have a lab and two kids and we walk our dog every day, unless it is raining and that is because our dog will not go outside if it is raining. When the kids were younger I would have them sit in the wagon or push them in the double stroller. Now, I let DD ride her bike or walk the dog and have DS ride in the wagon.

stgn01 · August 2013

I have 2 kids and 2 pugs. Not exactly physically demanding dogs, but emotionally demanding. And one is incontienet (sp) so I pick up poop all the time. Feels like I have 3 kids. I'll be honest, out dogs have fallen lower on the totem pole since DS arrived. But they still get walks when we can and let them up in bed with us at night so we can pet them. They still sleep in their beds. You'll figure out what works for you. Just give it time. GL!

skibunny59 · August 2013

I only have one LO and one dog but I still find it challenging to give my dog all of the attention he needs. I don't always have time to play with him everyday but I do make sure he gets his daily walk. DD (17 months) LOVES walking the dog. We make it part of our daily routine and she always knows when it's time to walk the dog and gets all excited about getting his leash and getting a baggie, etc. Usually I have her in the stroller but sometimes I let her walk and hold her hand while I have the dog's leash in the other hand.

I think this would be more challenging with two dogs though. Could you split up their walks maybe and take turns? Another thing I do sometimes is wait until after LO goes to bed and then I walk him while DH stays home.

EMOmamma · August 2013

We have 2 kids and 2 dogs and I cannot handle the double stroller + 2 leashes (even though they are both good walkers).

The best time I've found to walk the dogs is if I get up early and take them for a run while H & the kids sleep (but sometimes H has to be at work at 4am so it doesn't work out that often)

You're 16mo will be so much more independent by next Feb. It'll help but still be crazy. My 2.5yo now throws the ball for the dogs in the yard (I'm right next to him but he wants to help) He also helps us feed them now.

So yes, everyone, including the dogs, are going to lose some quality time in the short run but it'll get better.

zbeesma86 · August 2013

we have a one year old and another on the way

we also have a lab and a shepherd.

DD loves the dogs and helps feed them and give them water.

I was starting to freak a little as well. 2 ginormous dogs and a toddler and a baby...uhhh. But DH helped assure me that we walk every am and pm for the pups and take DD to toddle with us. Like others have said- babies will grow up and be able to help! And the fenced in yard has to be nice! We don't have that! They go on walks and run around on the days we go to the park.

Oasismomma · August 2013

Are there kids in your neighbor that you can hire to help walk the dogs after school? Just for the first month or two, while you're getting your routine in place?

ebp913 · August 2013

I walk most everyday with the kids in the double stroller and I just take the dogs with me. They are easy on leash and it's really no different for me than walking just with the kids. Your dogs won't get as much attention initially and if you can swing it, maybe you can hire a dog walker a couple days a week for the first couple months til you are getting out and about more.

My daughter loves to feed the dogs now too and she's becoming more of a helper which is great too.

badbridey · August 2013

Hey congrats on the twins! We're almost in the same boat as you. We have a 17 month old with 2 on the way due in February too! We only have 1 dog right now, though DH is trying to convince me to get a 2nd (not happening). We will usually either go together on a family walk after dinner, or he'll walk the dog once DD is sleeping. After the babies are born, DH will probably just go sometime in the evening to walk the dog. We're not really concerned about it - we'll just need to readjust a bit.

KaylaC0514 · August 2013

We have our DS, another on the way and 2 big pups. I've had to remind myself that although they are a huge part of the family, they are animals and most things that concern us don't even concern them. We used to let them sleep in bed with us. But now they sleep in the kennel. They actually prefer it now. I've heard dogs feel safer at night when kenneled. U said u have a yard so exercise really isn't a problem. U will want to make sure they're getting brain exercise too. Just include the whole family during this time as much as possible and do a few tricks with them throughout the day. Its hard to fit it in sometimes but in the end, if you love your pups they will know it. They will be taken care of and everyone will be fine.

LenMont · August 2013

You can do it! We have a saint bernard, a newly retired police K9 (shephard) and an active K9 (belgian malinois). They are all incredibly big, incredibly active dogs. I often walk the saint and the shephard with the baby in a sling or stroller and my son on his bike or walking with me. When DD was first born and DS couldn't walk on his own for long or ride his bike (just turned 3), I'd put him in the stroller and her in the sling. The neighbors have commented that we look like a parade going by!! As long as your dogs walk well on leashes, you'll be 100% fine. This is temporary. now that my son rides a bike well, it is so easy to take everyone for a walk at once. No big deal at all.

jf198400 · August 2013

I have 2 kids (18months apart) and a labrador. For me, the key was learning to manage walking the dog with the double stroller. It's even easier if you can have DH go with you. I wouldn't stress about it too much.

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