Puppies can be a lot of fun. They’re sweet, cute, and lovable. They are often the incarnation of joy for a child.
They can also be little howling, poop-filled annoyances that gnaw your furniture.
So, when is a good time to get one for your child?
Gauge the items in this list to determine where you and your children fit in. Only you know what your children are capable of, so you need to decide what your kids are ready for and what type of dog you and they need.
Responsibility
Having a pet is a great way to teach responsibility. Pets have to be fed, walked, played with, and cleaned up after. You, as a parent, know when your kids are ready to take on these tasks. Beware the false promises of irresponsible children. You know when they aren’t going to keep their word to help with the dog!
Remember, even when the kids are helping, you aren’t getting out scot-free. They can’t do it all. You’ll still have to drive to the vet, do some of the cleaning, feeding, and walking.
Having a pet is a commitment that will hopefully last between 10-15 years.
Costs
Puppies aren’t cheap. First you have to, well, buy the puppy. You can go with a breeder and pay crazy amounts of money. You can also adopt a puppy or dog from a shelter. Rescue animals cost money too, though.
The costs don’t stop there. You have to remember vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and supplies such as leashes, collars, and crates. Oh, and food. Lots of food. According to research by David Weliver, a personal finance expert, the average first year cost of a dog is over $1000, with each additional year with the dog costing another $500.
Having your children participate in some of these costs is potentially a way to get them on the responsibility train as well. Those six-year-olds aren't too young to learn that nothing in life is free!
Know Your Breed
Different dog breeds are known for different things. Do a little research on your potential new canine friend to see what breed best suits your family and lifestyle. Go study them on https://www.akc.org/ before you get your heart set on a particular breed. The site gives information on which are best with kids, which are high energy and will be in need of a lot of activity, which are territorial, which bark a lot, and which are known for having quick tempers.
-Beagles are high energy. I can’t stress that enough. So, I’ll say it again. Beagles are high energy. Our beagle had more energy as a puppy than my twins combined! Some dog breeds are more compatible with children than others.
-Dalmations? Supposedly not good with kids. This surprised me because they are the classic fire dog that kids love. However, they are notorious for quick tempers.
-Schnauzers? These dogs are supposed to be somewhat or fairly good with kids. Be cautious with those words. We had a schnauzer for a while that someone else couldn’t take care of. “It’s good with kids,” they said. Maybe it was in short visits, but not while living with them. She developed an anxiety problem and started chewing her foot. No, no, not her toenails like a nervous person does with their fingernails. She chewed her foot! Sadly, she couldn’t stay.
-Pit bulls? I believe they get a bad rap. So many are trained to be mean that people think they are all mean. They aren’t. That being said, though, the breed is known for quick tempers and being territorial. Understand that.
The best dogs for kids, of course, are labs. They’re friendly, playful, and active. That’s according to AKC. Personally, I think they’re the best pet overall. I’m biased, though, because I love labs.
Beagles are supposedly a close second. Again, though, those things are nuts.
Know Your Child
This is similar to knowing your dog breed. You want to find dogs that are compatible with children, but you also need to make sure your children are compatible with the breed you pick. I know that sounds redundant, but it isn’t.
Dogs can be good with kids. However, little dogs are fragile. If your kid treats animals like Lenny from Of Mice and Men…maybe don’t get them a chihuahua.
I feel like, no matter what breed you get, if your lovable little angel is being mean to them or even playfully constantly pulling their tail, they may get nipped. Kids sometimes have trouble dealing with anger and may aim that anger towards their pet. So, regardless of breed, make sure your children are treating your dog well.
Maybe your child is in need of exercise. They are on the couch playing video games or watching too much TV. You could aim for a dog that needs activity. Your little couch potato could begin a daily dog walking regimen.
If your kid is the kind that will constantly be pulling and prodding on the dog, you’ll want to focus only on dogs known for no temperament issues at all. My lab, for instance, will let our twins roll all over him. He doesn’t care at all and, instead, seems to see it as a challenge to return the favor.
It’s up to you to know what your kids are capable of. If they and you are willing, getting a new pet can work wonders on teaching children responsibility. Just know, you will be involved too.
There’ll be costs, but there’ll be rewards as well.
Be sure to check out our other parenting advice.
* Also published on FamiliesofMultiples.com