I have 3 kids, 6, 4 and almost 2. Our neighbor's dog just had puppies and my two oldest kids want one so badly but I'm having a hard time deciding whether this is the right time. I am home during the day so the puppy would get a lot of attention. My concern is really over the baby's age and if she's ready to learn how to treat a dog kindly. Thanks for any input.
2006-12-16 06:56:21 · 11 answers · asked by MerryKerry 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
No. Children of two years of age are far too young to realise a puppy is not a toy. Young children tend to chase and manhandle puppies,which is natural for the child to do. Puppies need lots of rest,as well as play. You will need to be prepared to supervise your two youngest children at ALL times. Do you have the time to spare? All puppies bite!! Do you have the time to spend training a puppy? Three children are a handful,a puppy is MORE than a handful!! It takes time,patience and dedication to raise a puppy into a trustworthy family pet,suitable to be around young children. There is also the cost involved. Cost of jabs to protect your pup,cost of vet fees, should your pup need treatment for illness, worming,flea treatment,cost of feeding, Spaying/Neutering It all mounts up. I urge you to take all these things into consideration before accepting the responsibility of owning a pup.Its a huge responsibility.
As its almost Christmas time,please remember," A pet is for life,not just Christmas"
2006-12-16 07:40:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please go back and reread what Reispins and Karen S wrote, You would need to be prepared to care for this puppy yourself, including housebreaking, vet trips every three weeks and training classes every week. It will chew up shoes, schoolbooks, your purse and your furniture, and will go to the bathroom in the house at first. Is your yard fenced? If not, who will wak the dog several times/day? Your kids probably want a puppy because they see them at the neighbors' house, just like they want toys when they see them at the store. After a few weeks, they will lose interest, and you will be stuck with all the chores. You will be stuck with all the costs, anyway, and there is no such thing as a "free puppy." The costs in raising a puppy properly can be considerable, and it will need as much or more time than your two year old. You should never leave a dog and kids the ages of yours together unsupervised, and sometimes they shouldn't be together even with supervision.
Think of it this way: would you have considered getting a puppy if the neighbors dog hadn't had them? If not, then don't get one. You will be tired of it in two weeks, and you will have to care for it for the next 15 years. Good Luck!!
2006-12-16 19:01:21 · answer #2 · answered by Annie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a ferm beleiver in teaching children how to act appropriate around animals, if you have set a good ground work for this already, and want to continue, then you are ready. you must also consider that your children are to young to take care of the puppy, so it will be your responsibilty, to socialize, train, feed and exersive the puppy, which will be a dog in one year. if you can handle the extra outings, trips to the veterinarian, dog training classes, cleaning up the yard and posible the neighbors yard, then you are ready, but if it is just because the neighbor's dog had cute little puppies and your kids are begging for one then you are not ready and should give a lot of time to consider all the reasons you want a dog.
2006-12-16 15:20:27 · answer #3 · answered by reispinscher 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Getting a puppy is a fun idea at this stage, but honestly can YOU MOM handle the added responsibility of caring for a baby and a puppy at the same time? Both are alot of work.
2006-12-16 15:31:18 · answer #4 · answered by ♨ Wisper ► 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should only have a dog if you are able to take care of it. Take it on its walks etc...
What type of dog is it? Some dogs do better with kids and others don't. But these are puppies so they this pup would grow up with your kids.
2006-12-16 15:09:32 · answer #5 · answered by fullofsunshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should because dogs relieve stress when your angry and make you always feel special but you have to be responsible and take care of it and if you think your kids can handle it then you should get a dog!
2006-12-16 15:08:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't see a problem as long as you work with your child in her/his understanding, also get a good dog breed for children,
dogbreedinfo.com or akc.com are good sites to determine that out, good luck I hope you get the dog there so good for companions and kids LOVE them
2006-12-16 15:03:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
well its going to be you taking care of it and kids when there tought there nice to pets but the problem is hose breaking it i just jot a pup shes now 10 weeks and oh my god its a lot of work they nip at hands and feet and think the house is her bathroom good luck
2006-12-16 15:01:57 · answer #8 · answered by msmaxima2 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i think you should because they very playful but you should be careful especially with the two year old and she might old enough to leran but maybe you should wait until she older before you teach her but if you think she ready but be careful and have all three leran about how to teach a dog. it will help them later in life.
good luck!
2006-12-16 15:09:00 · answer #9 · answered by mattie B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In answer to your question, yes, go to the spca nad get one or pick me pick me
2006-12-16 15:05:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋