rescue dog and children (HELP!)

Having had a few conversations with breeders who have mastiff they have to rescue . My husband is very concerned that if we got arescue dog which i would prefer that it will be ok with the children. We are looking for a mastiff having owned one previously but we got this from a puppy and it died sadly.
We would like to get another but are in a debate as to what to do. Our 3 children are 4 and a half nearly 3 and 14 months all boys and the two little ones are boiusterious. My husband is concerened if we get a rescue mastiff we will never know its background and it will be a risk with children so small any suggestions or ideas welcome. :confused:

I have the same problem! I would like to adopt a rescue but I am concerned about my children also. We have been looking for a couple months now and I can't seem to make up my mind if I want to rescue or get a puppy that I know will grow up with my children and learn to be around them. My little ones are 6,4 and 2. I am sure all dogs are evaluated and are deemed either safe to be around children or not but you never really know since you don't know the back ground of these animals. It is a really tough decision to make. I wish you luck!

I don't know of any rescue who would adopt an animal to a family with 3 kids 6 and under.

I know you really want a dog or puppy, but is it possible to housetrain, socialize, obedience train, give attention to, and exercise a dog/puppy AND care for the three kids, plus surpervise all interactions with dogs/kids all the time?

This is only a suggestion, and please don't take it the wrong way, but it may be much better to wait til the kids are older.

I had a dog before i only had 2 children then and managed to walk it twice daily socialise it and take it trainning also.

I wanted a dog to walk and play with the children and give me some time off when my husbands in walking it training it etc.
I think it might be to much for a rescue dog to tolerate 3 young children and so does my husband this is why we are putting serious thought into it listening to all suggestions.

Hi this is a really tough one because you never know the entire history of rescues. I can only say that if I were you I would see if you could get a re-home who has been brought up with young children and if you can meet the family that would be best. Because a lot of people who give up their family pets lie about them, so if you meet people face to face you get a better idea if they are being honest with you and you also can see the interaction with the dog. I am all for rescue but with young children and these guys are so big and can knock them down or step on them (not the most agile breed) without meaning to can hurt them. If there are no re-homes than I would try and find a very young one or a puppy. But be aware the really reputable breeders have waiting lists since they do all the health testing and you don't want to go near any breeder who does not health test.

I am in the same situation. Although my boys are a bit older (5 and 6yrs old) I am having trouble deciding as well. I have been to the City pound a few times now and have difficulty making a decision. (they must be sick of me not adopting one). I want a medium sized dog as too small wouldn't work with the boys and too large I'm also skeptical of. I guess we just don't really know the temperment of a dog until we get it home. Alot of people suggest puppies but I thought the point was to rescue a dog in need? For me a purebred isn't an option, $800 for a Golden (good temperments) is alot which is too bad as we could provide a good home for a dog. So, we are left taking the chance on an unknown background from the pound. Best of luck in your search as well!

lilpaws, Calgary has a greyhound rescue. These dogs are in foster homes, so you can find out all about them and their temperaments.

Greys are generally gentle and tolerant of children, although of course kids must be taught to be respectful and kind to a dog as well.

Greyhounds are sweet and usually very quiet in the home, so their size isn't much of a consideration.

Here is one pretty girl you might want to look at:
Heidi (http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=3375427&adTarget=468doggeneral&SessionID=415af2cf31efc69e-app1&display=&preview=1&row=25&tmpl=&stat=)

I know it is a tough desicion I have been thinking about this for weeks. I want to find the right dog for our family...I would love to adopt one but I am nervous about how they will be with my children. If rescues don't adopt to people with children then why did I get asked to fill out an application for a rescue in quebec and they knew i had children...why would they let me know up front they don't adopt to people with children? Good luck on your search.

Good suggestion I have heard greyhounds are good with kids. There are a couple of greyhound rescues in my neighbourhood and they are very sweet and gentle dogs and even though they are tall they are not big heavy dogs. Remember each rescue is different and the rules are not always set in stone exceptions are made.

Once again I went to the City to look for our new friend and companion with no luck. I realize the City and SPCA want to find homes for these dogs but they also need to take into consideration who is looking at the dogs. I told them I have 2 young sons and the lady insisted last night that the dog I was looking at wasn't growling and was a nice dog (granted the pound doesn't show true colors) hmmm! thats a no brainer!
Thank you for the suggestion on greyhounds I am looking into it. I didn't know they were a good breed with kids. I looked at Heidi (picture and desc.), she sounds good however I do have a cat as well (they weren't sure on Heidi and cats). But the search continues...we are looking at another mixed breed tonight, a small yellow lab x (with everything lol) at the City, with fingers and paws crossed.

Good luck with your search i am still searching too! Its touch with kids as youve got to make sure this dog will be ok with them.