What age is good for kids to have a puppy?

Question

My kids are 11, 9, 3 and a 6mth baby. Should I wait until the baby is walking before getting a puppy? Does anyone have any good advice or personal experience of kids and pets... also the type of dog... we have a decent yard and are active. I've had dogs before but not as a child.

Answer 1

We've had dogs since my children were babies...but I found that around the ages 8 - 10 they began to really enjoy the dogs and to take more responsibility for walking and feeding their pets. Of course I had to make a chart that they got into the habit of checking everyday telling them who's turn it was to feed and who's turn it was to walk.

As far as what breed to get...go to the library and get a book on dogs. Look at the pictures of different breeds with your children and see which animals interest them the most. Once you choose a breed...research research research. Talk to your local vet....the folks at the local animal shelter...breeders....family and friends. Make sure the breed fits into your living conditions and your lifestyle...if you have any doubts, go back to your book and choose another breed and once again....research research research! Choosing to add a dog to your family is very similar to choosing to add a child. It's a long-term commitment and a long term responsibility.

I currently have an American Bulldog, but I'm not sure that would have been my choice when my children were smaller, due to her size. We had a beagle for years that was just awesome, but he required a LOT of exercise. So...just take your time and decide what type of puppy you want before you even look at the actual puppies. It's entirely too easy to fall in love with a pup in your arms and then finding out as it grows up that it's not a good match for your family.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

yes it is fine for you to get a puppy even with the little one. you can do this and it would be a great responsibility for your 9 and 11 year old. they are all at a great age for a dog and a responsibility. and the baby will be fine around the puppy kids babies and puppy are great for one another. If you do get a puppy I would suggest a lab or a Airedale terrier or a mixed breed of this kind these kind of breeds are great family dogs they are very smart and well mannered dogs. I have had nothing but good experiences with this breeds and my 2 kids. as the dog grows older it will also look out for your kids and it my be hard to believe but the dog will let you know if something is wrong with one of your little ones.

Answer 4

For everyone's safety, it would be best to wait until the baby is walking, yes. But you can use the wait to check out different breeds, to visit local shelters, and checkout shelter dog websites -- looking for the kind of dog you want.

Good websites to checkout include:

petfinder.com
1-800-save-a-pet.com
pets911.com
nextdaypets.com
petharbor.com

You can search these sites by breed and/or byt your city name/ zip code to find dogs close to where you live.

Puppies are darling, but they're a lot of work. An older dog that is already used to children and trained in basic obedience commands, will be best to start with if you haven't had a dog in your home for a while.(Less stress on everyone - and older dogs often get unfairly overlooked for adoption, so you'd be saving a life by adopting an older dog.)

As a reminder: never leave any child unattended with a dog.

Answer 5

Either way you will be taking care of the dog so I dont really think it matters. You can have a baby and have a dog. Just do a little research on good family dogs. I dont think a small dog is a good idea cause they are snappy and have bad attitudes. Almost all dogs are good family dogs if they are brought in as puppies and are given the right dicipline and love

Answer 6

Go to a shelter and meet each dog. See how they interact with your older children, and request info about their past family. Many dogs at shelters are great with kids, having grown up with them for many years. An animal is an individual. There's no better way to select the perfect dog for your family that to meet them, one on one, and see how their temperament meshes with your needs. You'll find a dog with a personality that fits your lifestyle and wins your heart.

As for kids' ages - I have lived with a dog literally every day of my life. Older dogs tend to be best for younger children.

Answer 7

I've heard great things about getting a puppy at the same time as having an infant since the dog treats the infants as one of its litter. May sound weird but its also a protective thing. Just remember big dogs don't realize how big they actually are which could be harmful in some situations. Jack Russell Terriers and medium sized dogs would probably be best unless you like the small lap dogs.

Answer 8

The dog will be your responsibility, not the kids, so if you think you can take care of it, give it 2 hours a day of exercise for an inside dog, then you will be good. One person said get a lab, bad idea, most labs you will come across are the larger breed labs that will smack your kids very hard with their tail wags. Very bad! If you need more time to work with your children, or you think your husband/wife or 11 year old are going to help then any size dog you like will work. If it's all up to you, get a smaller dog so it will be easier to take care of.

Answer 9

when they are responsible enough to take care of them and do everything they have to
who's going to pick up the dog waste?
dont forget about that
make sure you get a dog that's really good with kids so theres no trouble

Answer 10

It would be best if you will buy a puppy for your children when your youngest child starts walking. For safety. And also when your other children knows how to clean a dogs dirt. unless you have a maid...