My son is almost 7 years old and really wishes he had a sibling. Since that is not possible, do you think a dog might help him with feeling lonley and not having a playmate?
2007-01-22 08:44:33 · 28 answers · asked by Grianna 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He already has a cat, but it is not a playful companion, except occasionally. He is very responsible with her..I only need to remind him of her needs. He loves all animals as well as people. He is a very outgoing child and very loving.
2007-01-22 09:21:01 · update #1
We live in the rurals, so finding playmates close in age to go to the park or something is more challenging than some might think.
2007-01-22 09:26:52 · update #2
My parents got me a dog when I was 6, because I am an only child. Of course, they fed him and picked up all the poop, I didn't help at all.
I loved that dog more than anything. I had him until I was a junior in college and he died. If you realize that you are probably going to be doing most of the work, I would say go for it.
I really felt like that dog was my brother. He was the first to die out of anyone close to me so it was really hard for me when it happened. But, all the years that he was around were wonderful. He was my buddy. I told him all of my problems that I couldn't tell my parents and he didn't judge. He was always there for me.
2007-01-22 09:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by Monica T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The real question is...are you ready for the responsibility of a dog? Your child may want a dog and may like the companionship, but many children don't want to take care of the animal. They just want to play with the dog! Walks, feeding/watering, cleaning up poo...those are the reality of having a dog. It's not all companionship. Plus, he'll have to remember to pick his toys, shoes, etc. up, especially if you get a puppy! Otherwise, he'll lose them to a chewing dog.
Tread lightly buying a dog for a child. You don't want to end up having to surrender the animal due to lack of interest or time. I agree that a club or some other activity where he can play with kids is a better way to go unless you really want a family dog.
If you decide on getting a dog, try the humane society or another kind of shelter. They encourage getting all family members into the selection of an animal.
2007-01-22 08:59:48 · answer #2 · answered by Angela M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes!! It would help an only child feel happier!! They would have someone to play with, someone to love, and more importantly, they would have someone (or sumthing) to be there everyday when they get home from school so they can play with him and teach him tricks....I hope this helps!! (also here are some pet names)
A-C
Abang
Abby
Adek
AJ
Ammi
Angel
Antonio
Apple Pie
Baby
Bailey
Bailey
Bapu
Bashful
Bear
BeeBee
Bee-jay
Beenk
Billy
Bing
Biscuit
Blackberry
Blackie
Blondy
Bong
Bonnie
Boo-Boo
Brownie Bubblegum
Bubbles
Buddy
Bunny
Buster
Butch
Butterscotch
Buzz
Candy
Celeste
Cheeky
Chewey
Chidi
Chopper
Chu-Chu
Cleo
Cleópatra
Clinton
Clyde
Coby
Coffee
Cosmo
Crazy Bastard
Crystal
Cucumber
Cuddles
Cutie
D-H
Daisy
Dake
Day
Digger
Don
Donut
Doris
Dumpling
Duskie
Dust Chan
Eco
Edward
Electra
Elmo
Escobara
Fatso
Fenoky
Fi
Fluf
Fluffy
Fon
Fred
Frie
Frosty
Fudge
Funky Chicken
Furry
FUZZY Gadget
Gargamel
George
Gidget
Gigi
Gilly
Ginger
Ginger Baby
Gizmo
Goldie
Griffin Jr.
Gus
Ham
Hamish
Hamlet
Hamlish
Hammy
Hannah
Harry
Harvey
Heffa
Henrietta
Henry
Herculese
Herecules
Hoky
I-P
Ivory
Jake
Jerry
Jill
Jilly
Joey
JoJo
Kiara
Kikuya
Kinkie
Kismet
Koosh Ball
Laine
Lama
Leroy
Lobang
Lourdess
Maddy
Madison
Maggie
Maisy
Mary
Maya
Megan
Mew
Mi
Mickey
Minney
Missy
Moe
Mojo Mon
Mork
Murphy
Nala
Ned
Night
Ninny
Oliver
Oreo
Oscar
Owen Schroeder Blair
Pandora
Paperika
Patches
Pepper
Pickles
Piggy
Pikachu
Pingpon
Pinky
Pinto
Pipo
Pooky
Porty
Potchi
Precious
Princess
Pudding
Puff Daddy
Pumpkin
R-Z
Raul
Ricky
Rocky
Rox
Ruby
Runo
Sailor
Sally
Sammy
Sandwich
Sandy
Sargent
Sasquatch
Scooter
Secrète
Shadow
Shaggy
Simba
Skin Chan
Skippy
Sleepy
Smoky
Snicker-Doodle
Sniffles
Snow White
Snowflake
Snowy
Specs
Speedy
Spice
Spikey
Spunky
Squeaky Stacey
Stanley
Stur
Sugar
Sweetie
Taffy
Tatoom
Teddy
Tigger
Tiny Hammy
Todd
Tom
Tommy
Treat
Trukini
Twinkie
Twist
Valentina
Vanilla
Vappy
Waddles
Whitey
Wigger
Willy
Xuxa
Yayi
Yeya
Yoshi
Zhuzhu
Zipadee
Zippy
Zorro
2007-01-22 09:35:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does he love dogs? I was one of 5 kids and i always wanted a dog. I think dogs make great companions for kids, and help them with learning responsibility. If he loves dogs, then i think a dog would be a great companion. Just be sure to do research so you know what your getting into. Find out what kind of care they need, and how much they cost. And don't forget about yearly vaccines, and monthly heart worm prevention. And research the different breeds so you know what kind of dog will fit your lifestyle. You can look on dogbreedinfo.com to see all the different breeds. And when you are ready to get a dog your local animal shelters are the best place to go. Good Luck and have fun finding your new friend!
2007-01-22 08:50:48 · answer #4 · answered by Stark 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dog's do amazing things, and help alot of people for many different reasons. I think it's a great idea to get a puppy for him. It would help with the loneliness, and he would have a constant companion, that he can help take care of. I would however, make sure you research the different breeds, because some breeds are great with children, while others aren't. You can just do a Google search on whatever breeds you decide to look into . It will give you all the information on the particular breed your looking for. If you decide to get him a dog, I would have loved to see the expression on his face, when he finds out he's getting a new, and faithful friend. Hope this helps! Good Luck!
2007-01-22 09:06:46 · answer #5 · answered by Chihuahua Lover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pets can definately help people feel less lonesome as they provide a constant companion. However they provide a CONSTANT companion. Are you and your son ready to take care of a puppy, (they require daily attention, excercise, brushing etc.)? Futhermore, can your home and financial situation afford a puppy there will be potty training accidents and chewing on chair legs. Puppies and dogs are loyal, caring companions. If you can look at the list of things a dog will (pretty much guaranteed) do to your home and can accept them then a puppy is for you! Don't get me wrong I love dogs and have always had them in my home. However all too often it happens that people are not prepared for the responsibility and their companion ends up in a kennel at the local spca.
2007-01-22 08:54:39 · answer #6 · answered by bluearia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to ask him if he would like to have a dog first! Then, you need to decide if you are ready for all the work and committment invovled. A normal 7 year old would not do the work for very long. I got my first puppy at 7 years old. I did everything for it and loved him so very much. I will never forget the times we had together. I hate to see a dog come into the house for just that reason. You really need to want the dog. Maybe take him to a humane society and let a dog pick him out!!!
2007-01-22 09:14:57 · answer #7 · answered by rockyp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be a great idea! Children really bond with their pets and pets are emotionally very good for them.
I was always sorry I could not have a dog for my son. With working full-time and his needing to have after school care till I picked him up it wasn't a good option.
You must realise that the responsibility for meeting the puppy's health needs and training will fall on YOU and cannot be left to a 7 yr old. And after all the dog will be a wonderul companion for you too.
2007-01-22 08:52:07 · answer #8 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it would BUT I would get him a young and energetic puppy so that he has something to play with and would not be bored with and give him the responsibility of tending to the puppies needs so he has a companion yet also learns to be responsible and this will keep him busy so that he doesn't have as much time to feel sad about not having another sibling. P.S. adoption might be another choice if this does not work out for you and him.
2007-01-22 10:53:18 · answer #9 · answered by jjp #11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have trouble with the idea of getting animals to solve human problems. It sounds too much like a human treating a living, breathing being as a utensil.
Especially when there's a child involved.
It rarely works well for either human or dog.
If you persist, know ahead of time -- if you give your boy the responsibility of caring for the dog, you will have to constantly monitor the situation for the welfare of BOTH.
.
2007-01-22 08:54:31 · answer #10 · answered by Icteridae 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋