We've got 4 dogs in the house now that were not reliably housebroken when they came--all of them were older than 18 months when they arrived, and one was 2. We've found that once you figure out their signals, older dogs are much easier to housebreak than pups. They already have the bladder capacity and can hold it till they get out the door. They just have to learn that you
want them to go outside and they'll be happy to do it for you.
Same goes for a lot of other training. We start basic stuff right away--come and stay. Those two commands can save a dog's life, so we do those first. Then sit, down, etc...whatever you want. Be gentle, be consistent and go slow if the dog overwhelms easily, and you'll soon have a loving well-behaved companion!
Still, you know your situation better than anyone else can. Do you think you have time to work with the dog? Was the dog gentle with your child? Is your child ready for a dog and does he know how to behave around a dog? Is the dog high-energy? Are you prepared to deal with that?
I think you'd be great for the dog, but you don't want to overwhelm yourself, either.
If you
do decide he's right for you, I don't think you'll be sorry.
Older dogs are
great!