I can’t argue with the classes thing, but I’m not sure that having a dog that needs more effort is a good idea with a two year old in the house.

My mother-in-law used to babysit neighbor kids and I’d laugh when we’d come into a room and my then girlfriend’s mutt would be sprawled out on the floor with some little tike on top of her, holding onto both ears, and steering them around. She was dead still, but it was easy to read the look in her eyes “Dad, will you please get this little bastard off me.” Once I’d distract the kid, she’d boogie out of the room. She was a terrible kid training dog.

The Aussie we added after getting married was much better. She’d tolerate a bit, but if any ear pulling or other nonsense started she would snap with a little “back off” bark thrown in. Never connected with anyone, but let them know where the limits were.

Thanks gents. Time was part of the consideration. With both of us working full-time, having the time to really dedicate to training wasn't in excess.
We've been lucky with our Catahoula & our current Border in that they both took to the kids & home life really easily.

quote:

Originally posted by slosig:
I can’t argue with the classes thing, but I’m not sure that having a dog that needs more effort is a good idea with a two year old in the house.

Gotta choose your hound's breed carefully.
Obviously there's some individuality within certain breeds but, if time is in short supply, having breeds which require large amounts of attention and activity, while raising a family at the same time....gotta choose carefully. Good friend liked to point out, if you get a dog, you're pretty raising a 4-8yr old child for about 10-12 years.