Im a single mom and I have a son who is an only child He wants a dog really bad I suppose he gets lonely at times and wants someone to play with but I really dont want a dog its only another mouth to feed. What should I do?
2006-09-11 07:07:21 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
First, how old is your child? Second, what type of dog are you thinking of getting?
If you do decide to get a dog, then a rescue or shelter is the way to go. You will be giving a second chance at a happy home for a homeless pet.
Are you prepared to take 100% care and responsibility? Food, vet care, exercise, training? You may need to housebreak a dog, especially a puppy, and that is a round the clock job.
Also, dogs are social animals, and want to be with their people, not banished to the back yard and left alone all day and night, which happens a lot when people aren't "prepared" for the care involved or when the novelty of the new dog wears off.
Unless YOU, as the adult, really want a dog, then I do not suggest getting one. It is a commit that can last 18+ years....
2006-09-11 07:15:24 · answer #1 · answered by moni 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are wise to consider this decision carefully.
It is not only another mouth to feed but one that requires care and medical attention.
You will have to train the dog and feed the dog and clean up after the dog and provide medical care for the dog.
If you do not want a dog do not get one as you will be the main car giver of the dog not your son. Children will promise the world to get the pet but very soon tire of the work of having a pet.
They are not for everybody and I know many people who should not have them as they are not willing to spend the time required to train them and it does take a fair amount of time.
I have two right now and spend about 7-14 hours per week training with them and that is just the traiing not to mention walking and exercising and clean up after them and all the rest.
2006-09-11 14:18:56 · answer #2 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you basically answered your own question honey! IF the child isnt old enough to take on the responsibility of an animal dont do it! You already have enough responsibility with the child! A dog also needs attention, just like a child does. I consider both my dogs as my kids! They need the love and attention too. If he wants someone to play with, maybe a school friend or friends from the neighborhood is better then an animal.
2006-09-11 14:17:21 · answer #3 · answered by country_cowgirl2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends a lot on the age of your child. will he be able to help care for the dog? will he be able to clean up after it? if you don't want a dog, you need to maybe think of other things for your son-clubs, sports, activities where he can meet friends.
if you do decide to get a dog look for one that' a little more low maintanence- one that does not need a professional groomer, can be left alone without destroying the house, etc. also will this be an indoor or an outdoor dog? plus, you should start investigating good obedience schools now so that your dog will be well trained and easier to care for. it's a big decision, maybe talk to freinds with dogs and let your son spend some alone time with their pets (depending on his age- under 6 don't leave him alone). this may make your decision a little easier
2006-09-11 14:14:58 · answer #4 · answered by hezan1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to a shelter or rescue and adopt a calm adult dog that is proven to be excellent with kids. That way you know exactly what you are getting and their will be no heartbreak later.
But if you can't be responsible and won't give vet care etc... (just another mouth to feed?!) then you probably shouldn't. A dog is a lifetime decision and you need to give proper care. You are going to be the one caring for it so don't expect your son to.
2006-09-11 14:15:02 · answer #5 · answered by Em 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell your son he can have a virtual dog. I would only have a cat because you dont have them peeing or pooping on the floor. You have to teach it where to go and it just poops anywhere. If you have time for a dog that is cleaning up one is hard work. My step daughter loves the computer. Why dont you invest in a computer. Also try this website http://www.neopets.com he can have a pet and play games at the same time. If he doesn't have anyone to play with maybe you could take him over to his friends house. There are also places like http://www.vmk.com he could interact with kids the same age as him. Also http://www.puzzlepirates.com he could interact with kids the same age as him also. So there are some cool sites that kids like and they can talk to other kids and not be lonely.
2006-09-11 14:14:36 · answer #6 · answered by girl176a1 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get your son out more and around other children so he isn't lonely. I hated being an only child!! Let him have sleep overs. You aren't home enough to have a dog. They get lonely too!
2006-09-11 14:14:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you decide to get a dog, please remember that it is a life long commitment not to be taken lightly, so if you think that there is even a small chance that you would get rid of it after a while, then don't get one at all, but if you do decide to get a dog, get a Boston Terrier, these are kid friendly dogs and very trainable and were bred for no other reason but to be a companion animal.
2006-09-11 14:17:12 · answer #8 · answered by Axe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him a dog. Dogs are cool. You'll learn to love the new mouth to feed.
2006-09-11 14:09:58 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If that is your attitude then NO!. I f you are not fully prepared to welcome a dog as a family member ,you should not. If both you and the boy don't love and care for the dog there will certainly be friction. I love my dogs more than most people a believe them to be a wonderful addition to most families. But not yours.
2006-09-11 14:23:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋