I just met a woman from the local lab rescue and she was telling me how they are desperate for fosters right now. Dh and I have talked about fostering but my biggest concern is that I have a 4 and 6 year old. I know that most labs are very kid friendly but I still have that nagging concern that I might get one that has some aggression issues.

For those of you that have young children, what do you do?

TIA

we have a 5.5 and 7.5 yo (girl and boy respectively). We have had 2 dogs since they were born, and after losing our 9yo lab this summer, adopted a puppy and took in two fosters.

We've had a lot of conversations about dealing with dogs and I even took the kids to a trainer to learn about "speaking dog" (e.g., making yourself as big as you can to look authoritative, which we call "going robocop," not running away, how not to look like you're playing when you aren't, etc.)

I am actually THRILLED with how much they've learned, both in terms of dogs and leadership. They also are learning how to love and let go. We also take our pup and one of the fosters to the basic obedience class, so they're learning how to teach commands (well, sort of). :)

I am able to be home this year, so I am watching pups and kids always (and am barking commands myself much of the time. "slow down!" "can you let them in!" "don't ever touch a feeding dog!" etc.

We have also been VERY clear with our rescue group what our limitations are!
They are incredibly supportive (as most of them are parents, too) and we have the ability to swap out a pup ASAP if there are ANY problems. We've had none (we're on dogs 2&3). Dog 1 was a fox terrier (adopted); dog 2 is a 5-year old lab-shep; dog 3 is a 8 mo lab pup. ALL GREAT!

I'm so proud of all of us. :)

hope this helps--
feel free to contact me privately if you'd like!
kris

I agree 100% with what Kris says!! I'll add to it, a good rescue will be careful who they place in your home... I volunteer for a doberman rescue, and have for months but have yet to get a dog!! I also volunteer for an all breed and am finally getting my first dog this weekend (a lab:)) anyway... it's worth the wait:) It's also a great life lesson for the kids, good luck!!

Thanks so much for the responses! I am going to go and talk to some of the rescue representatives at an event this weekend. Hopefully all will go well and we can get the application process started. I'm nervous but excited too!

Thanks so much for the responses! I am going to go and talk to some of the rescue representatives at an event this weekend. Hopefully all will go well and we can get the application process started. I'm nervous but excited too!

Where do you live? Maybe you can get some suggestions on different groups in your area that other's have worked with in the past!!