whattip of pet is good for a12year old?

Question

dogs

Answer 1

Well it would depend on your living environment. Dogs are wonderful for children, they teach them responsibility and are a companion that will grow with the child, creating a strong and loving bond.

My first answer would be a lab. Most labs are very even tempered and make loving family pets. My brother and his son have a lab, he is twelve years old now. Raised by them from a puppy he is very well manored, he is like a gentle giant as I call him because he is much larger than my pomeranian mix. He is very protective of the children and loyal beyond belief. He has not harmed a stranger but will bark and growl if one approaches without an ok from his owners.

They live in town with two lots worth of yard. Taking him for walks and playing in the yard has been enough to keep him healthy over the years. He does not get wonder lust and will stay in the yard when let out.

My Pomeranian Mix is much smaller and my place having a large area for her to rome is perfect. She stays in the yard and listens well. She is not, however, good for children. She likes her space and needs to be handled with care. she has never been mean with the kids but she will keep her distance and doesn't like the "rough housing" play that they can do with the Lab. So younger children do not seem to be good for her.

My suggestion is to contact a vet. Possibly the one you would have as a care taker of the dog. They would be able to give lots of advice as to the best type of dog for your family. the local animal shelter could probably help too!

i hope this helps!

Answer 2

Well, it all depends on the situation. Where do you live? Nice house with some room? Apartment? That often makes a difference. If you have a landlord, some have rules about pets--mine don't allow pets unless they're in a cage (IE fish, birds, hamsters, etc).

Also--since I've seen several answers saying dogs, and I'm sure there's at least one for cats. If you do get one of these animals, be sure to set up guidlines for behavior for both pet and child. Be sure your child knows kicking/hitting/abusing the pet in any way is unquestionably not allowed. Reinforcement is HIGHLY important. Also, be sure to talk about the responsibilities of a cat or dog, such as letting it out, feeding/watering it daily, grooming/bathing their pet, and if needed, walking them.

Now, if you're getting a small pet, these still apply. Hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and even mice/rats are often good first pets, as long as the kids know to treat them with respect. Being smaller animals, they can get hurt rather easily. Be sure to teach them how to handle the animals, and how to care for them. Nothing saddens me more than seeing an animal, that, while loved and doted upon, is ill from a poorly-cleaned cage. Most can be cleaned with soap and water, and for extra measure, sometimes you can even dip it in bleachwater, but that depends on the cage structure.

Whatever you choose, make sure your child likes it, and that they'll still like them in six months, and a year. Kids may think a puppy is cute, but when Hammy the Hamster tears up their homework paper, or Fido chews their new shoes to a mess, it can be a true test of patience, for anyone, at any age.

Now go, enjoy the pets! They are wonderful, and I grew up with several at any given time--being without pets for over a year and a half now, it's really taking a toll on me. I can't wait until I can get pets again--I miss my kitties...

Good luck!

Answer 3

dog wise i would say labrador or golden retriever, there is a reason they are the favorite dog in america. But just like every pet they will need general maintenance such as training, feeding, grooming and walking

Answer 4

take him or her to the local animal shelter or pound and let the child deside my personal opion is mutts are the best dogs but if u take him/her to the shelter and let them pick out there own dog it is the best way to go trust me
i have had my parents get me dogs with out letting my chouse it ended up becoming there dog and i end up getting a puppy from a friend or at an animal shetler

Answer 5

Beagles are a great bread of dog for children.They will not attack and are great company when you are lonely or feeling sad.They love to play and are good swimmers.But they do howl at night so if you live in a development,I would not suggest getting this bread of dog.

Answer 6

Boston Terriers

Answer 7

Umm, I think a dog. Oh and I think you answered your own question by saying dogs.

Answer 8

Any kind of shepard they are very good dogs, easy to train, and they are faithful

Answer 9

Australian shepherd,or any type of shepherds...all dogs are good,if they are raised right..