First Dog? Prepare Your Child!
Studies have shown that children who own pets are generally more well-rounded and compassionate than children who do not own pets.
When my children came to me begging for a dog, and being a former dog owner myself, I began searching for the right dog for my children.
It was during that time that I realized there is so much more to owning a dog than just picking the one with the pretty eyes and floppy ears.
If you are searching for the perfect dog for your child or children, there are several factors you should consider before making that long-term commitment.
First, you should determine if it is the right time for your family to own a pet.
A dog, just like a baby, requires a great deal of love, training, time, and attention.
If you are a family who participates in a multitude of extra-curricular activities or travels a lot, perhaps it is not the right time to bring a dog into the household.
Second, check your children's medical history.
If your child has asthma or allergies, consult their pediatrician prior to looking for a dog.
If your child is cleared to have a dog in the home, the pediatrician may recommend a type of dog that is less likely to trigger allergies in children.
Third, research a number of different types of dogs.
Read books, visit pet stores, talk to friends and neighbors, and get their recommendations.
Pet store staff will gladly tell you which dogs are compatible with children and which ones are not.
Fourth, determine where you will purchase your dog.
Some people prefer to buy AKC registered dogs only, while others wish to purchase a shelter dog.
Buying a dog from a shelter is a cheaper option and you can save a dog from possible death.
Fifth, enroll your child in an animal safety class.
Animal safety classes teach the children how to approach a dog, how to handle the animal, how to care for the animal, and what actions to avoid.
Every child wants a pet at some time in their life.
Although having a pet may provide hours of fun, companionship, and love, it may not be the right time for everyone to own one.
If you are getting ready to buy a dog, or any pet for your child, make sure to do your research before you commit.
When my children came to me begging for a dog, and being a former dog owner myself, I began searching for the right dog for my children.
It was during that time that I realized there is so much more to owning a dog than just picking the one with the pretty eyes and floppy ears.
If you are searching for the perfect dog for your child or children, there are several factors you should consider before making that long-term commitment.
First, you should determine if it is the right time for your family to own a pet.
A dog, just like a baby, requires a great deal of love, training, time, and attention.
If you are a family who participates in a multitude of extra-curricular activities or travels a lot, perhaps it is not the right time to bring a dog into the household.
Second, check your children's medical history.
If your child has asthma or allergies, consult their pediatrician prior to looking for a dog.
If your child is cleared to have a dog in the home, the pediatrician may recommend a type of dog that is less likely to trigger allergies in children.
Third, research a number of different types of dogs.
Read books, visit pet stores, talk to friends and neighbors, and get their recommendations.
Pet store staff will gladly tell you which dogs are compatible with children and which ones are not.
Fourth, determine where you will purchase your dog.
Some people prefer to buy AKC registered dogs only, while others wish to purchase a shelter dog.
Buying a dog from a shelter is a cheaper option and you can save a dog from possible death.
Fifth, enroll your child in an animal safety class.
Animal safety classes teach the children how to approach a dog, how to handle the animal, how to care for the animal, and what actions to avoid.
Every child wants a pet at some time in their life.
Although having a pet may provide hours of fun, companionship, and love, it may not be the right time for everyone to own one.
If you are getting ready to buy a dog, or any pet for your child, make sure to do your research before you commit.
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