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How to Choose a Kid-Friendly Family Dog
In
the age-old “cat people versus dog people” debate, the votes have been
tabulated and the results show that your household is a “dog family.”
The only problem is that you don’t actually have a family dog. Remedying
the situation provides everyone in the household with companionship and
entertainment, helps to
teach kids
about the responsibility of caring for another living thing and puts a
stop to the endless begging, cajoling and whining for a dog. The only
thing left to do is choose your dog, but how do you make such a big
decision?
Do Your Research
Before you make a selection, you’ll need to have a bit of basic
knowledge at your disposal. Purebred dogs purchased from a breeder may
have a genetic disposition for certain health problems, but their
personalities can be predicted more precisely when they’re still
puppies.
Mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than their purebred counterparts,
but may be a bit more difficult in terms of personality and
predictability.
Visit a Shelter or Breeder
Choosing to adopt from a shelter rescues a dog that may otherwise be
euthanized, allows you to brag about making a socially-conscious choice
and gives you the option of adopting an adult animal, rather than a
rambunctious youngster in need of training. Purchasing a puppy from a
reputable breeder allows you to select a particular breed and bring home
a young animal that you can train to suit the needs of your family.
Whichever route you choose, you should make a few kid-free visits before
making a decision so you can observe the environment the dog is
accustomed to, learn more about their individual personalities and make
an informed decision before the younger members of your family become
attached to a dog that’s ultimately a bad fit with your collective
lifestyle.
Think About Your Family Routine
Choosing the right dog for your family will require you to carefully
examine the routine of your household. If everyone is away from the
house for hours on end, you may want to select a more independent animal
that requires less affection and dedicated play time. If you
homeschool, have kids that haven’t yet reached school age and one parent
stays home, you can comfortably select a dog that requires more
attention.
Consider the Age of Your Youngest Child
If you have a toddler or infant that doesn’t yet respond well to
verbal direction, you’ll need to make sure that the dog you bring into
your home is patient and mature. In these situations, an adult dog may
be more suitable than a puppy. Breeds that are known to be anxious, like
Chihuahuas, will almost certainly be too nervous when the boisterous
attention of a very young child is focused on the dog.
Realize That Babies and Puppies Don’t “Grow Up Together”
The idea that your baby and your puppy will “grow up together” is a
charming one, but it’s just not feasible most of the time. Juggling the
demands of an infant with those of an untrained, excitable puppy can
easily prove to be overwhelming, which is why so many great dogs find
themselves in a shelter. An adult dog may be a better choice for
families with very young children, while a charming puppy is fine for
households with older kids that can understand the proper handling and
treatment of a fragile, high-energy puppy.
Keep Size in Mind
The adorable pup that fits in the palm of your hand will one day grow
up, and its size will have an impact on how you care for it. Remember
that even Saint Bernards start off relatively small, but they grow
quickly and can be too much for a small household with young children.
Before you fall in love with a puppy at the shelter, try to determine
how big it will be when it reaches adulthood. A Great Dane-sized animal
simply won’t fit in a small
apartment.
Choosing a dog is an exciting milestone, but it’s not a
trial-and-error situation. Surrendering a dog because he isn’t right for
your family will almost always endanger his life, a situation that
simply isn’t fair to the defenseless dog in your care. Rather than
making an impulsive choice that you later discover was a bad one, take
your time and determine exactly what sort of dog will be best for your
family. When you’re patient and committed to making the right choice the
first time, you’re making a wonderful addition to your family and are
not risking the life of an innocent animal.
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