I wanted to offer a perspective I didn't read in the other responses. My parents were divorced and my dog lived with my dad, I went to my dad's part of the time, so needed to leave them both when I was with my mom. Will it be difficult on your son to leave both you and his dog when he goes back to his mother's? Also, what does his mother think about this? One possible thought could be that you're trying to make your house more fun than hers by getting him a dog. Just a thought.
This seems like it would be a fine age to get a dog. I would tell you to really do your research to find the best kind of dog for your situation. With a toddler, I would stay away from herding breed dogs (I love herding breeds and own a cattle dog myself, but they are not great dogs to have around toddlers) as they frequently will try to herd your child and that can ultimately injure your child. I would also stay away from labs. They have a false reputation as great family dogs(Unfortunantly they were great family dogs until recently when they have been overbred by backyard breeders. This happens to many great breeds that become popular). The reality is that they bite more humans than any other breed nation wide. As a breed, they are far more aggressive towards humans than pits (who are very animal aggressive, but not human aggressive unless they are specifically trained to be so). My point being, there are many rumors out there that falsely tipify breeds and can mislead you. I would look into reputable resources like the AKC (american kennel club) to find breed info, or speak with your veterinarian for good local resources.
Ultimately, I would choose a dog between ages 2-3 years and make sure it is spayed or neutered. This means the dog will be young enough to adapt well to your home and your child will be older when the dog reaches its peak of aggression (peak aggression in dogs is around age 6-7 years. This is when the dog would strive to become leader of his pack, and will be most likely to attempt to assert himself over other family members). Spay/neuter will also reduce aggression and tendency to roam. I would also look for a dog with both a history of doing well with children AND with other dogs. What can start out as other dog agression can become child directed aggression as the dog matures. What ever breed you decide on, I would look for a mixed breed dog that your breed of choice is one of the parents. The reason is because mix breed dogs are healthier and have less tendency toward behavior issues than pure breed dogs regardsless of breed.
Good luck and happy dog searching!!!!
Lucy
PS - Just so you know, this is not just random advice. This is what vets that I work with recommend to parents asking the same questions you are asking
Sounds like you have good criteria for choosing a dog. Have you and your son spent any time with a dog? Was he afraid or confident? That is a question you need to ask.
I love that you are giving this so much thought, both for the well-being of your son, and of the dog. I think getting a dog is great idea, you have the space for a dog, time for a dog and your son will love the dog I am sure. At 2.5 years, your son might be a little wary of the dog at first, but this will pass and they will grow to be good friends. Make sure you teach the dog, that your son comes first...that you won't take any nipping, or jumping at all from the him or her! (and if you get a puppy it is highly likely that a nip or two will occur...so discipline for the dog is a must). Dogs are such wonderful friends, and children love them so much. We have two 100 pound chocolate labs, and they are the sweetest dogs - they put up with everything the kids do - and they are such friends to us all.
Good luck,
Stephanie
I have a 4 and 6 year old, and have had our dog for 2 years. The boys love the dog and the dog loves them! I have a small breed dog, a Jack Russel, and the small breeds do tend to be nippy, so if you go that route know it will be a discipline issue. My family back home has labs, and what one poster said is a lie. Labs are the best family pets because not only are they gentle, it is in their breeding never to bite down (it will damage the meat of the birds). Just be sure whatever animal you get you "kid test" it first. Play a little rough with it, gently tug his ears and tail to see what kind of reaction you get, and before you let your son around him "feed test" him. A child will sometimes reach at a dogs bowl not knowing any better, and well trained dog will not react and will respect the masters right to inspect his food.
If you're prepared to do ALL the care, go for it! We have a 75 lb siberian shepard mix who's great with our 2.5 year old and baby.
My suggestion is that you figure out what breed and a particular dog you think is right. Then let your son and the dog meet without other dogs around. Involve your son in any training that you plan to do so that the dog sees your son as higher in the heirarchy. It's really important that the dog see you and your son as it's "pack" but that the dog is at the bottom of the pack. Since your son is in and out of the house, that might be a challenge. Find a good trainer (not in a pet store) and work with them.
For breeds, labs and retrievers are great. Shepards sometimes nip at heels (it's how they herd). Poodles don't do well with kids. My grandma's sheltie bit me unprovoked so I wouldn't get a sheltie with kids.
Look into a Havanese. Great with kids. Can recommend a breeder if interested. We got a havanese for our girls, and it has worked out great, the dog is wonderful with our girls.
I appreciate all of the comments.
I plan to look into the Oregon Humane Society, or maybe petfinder. com.
The obedience class is a good idea.
Sorry, no pit bulls, despite the one recommendation. I do not trust those animals.
Thanks again.
best,
P.