Puppy For A 6 Year Old?!?

Question

It is coming up to my 6 year old sons 7th birthday and i was thinking of getting him a puppy. Is this a good idea? We also have 3 other children aged 3 and 6month old twins. Do yo think it is safe especially with the babies?

Answer 1

Dogs are perfectly fine. If trained properly they won't pose a hazard to children if anything they are more tolerant than other animals. I haven't even had my child yet, and she has a puppy. But my family also breeds dogs, so I was brought up since infancy around dogs, and no, nothing bad happened to me. And as long as you and your children don't have any allergies, it's fine to get a dog with any type of hair. I would recommend to stay away from the really small breeds like Min Pins, Chihuahuas, toy poodles, really any kind of toy breed. Kids can be rough, and it is shown in studies that little dogs and kids don't always get along. I had a Min Pin who would go into epileptic shock each time a child was around due to him just not liking it. He was around my nieces and nephews since I got him at 8 wks old, and I had to find a new home for him because of the problems. The smaller breeds also will be more prone to be aggressive towards the kids than larger dogs. I suggest a beagle or basset hound. They are fairly low maintenance dogs since they don't need groomers, are smart, and their temperaments are very docile. They also don't shed as much as most other breeds that have medium hair. And if raised in a house where they are taught when not to bark, won't be a nuisance to neighbors or you. They also don't get large, and can be managed easier by a 6 year old.

Answer 2

We got a puppy when our children were aged 6, 3 and 6 months. It was great for the older 2, they loved him, but I regret it for the babies sake. He was just learning to sit up, and the puppy would get very excited and lick him, jump all over him and scare him. He was only being friendly, but bubs didn't see it this way. He would also steal the babies toys and pacifiers and chew them, not very hygenic.
It is better now, bubs is now 9 months old and crawling around, and puppy is now 5 months old and has settled down a lot.
If I had my time again, I would have waited until the baby was a bit older, or considered getting an older puppy or mature aged dog out of the puppy stage.
Having said that, puppies are very rewarding little members of the family, and no doubt yours will benefit from the new family member. It is a big decision, especially with such little ones. Good luck either way in your decision!

Answer 3

Pets are a great way to teach children about compassion, responsibility and nurture. Dogs especially are fantastic companions for little boys, as they generally keep up with their energy and spend a lot of time playing with the children.
Just ensure you choose wisely. As a general rule of thumb, any dog that has the word 'terrier' in it bites much more readily than others. And smaller may not necessarily be better, either. A lot of small dogs can be quite aggressive and children are more likely to try and pick them up which can result in bites also.
In my experience, female dogs are much gentler, calmer and less inclined to bite than males. Males can become dominant over small children, a situation you want to avoid.
Research dog breeds carefully. Generally, Labradors and Golden Retrievers make excellent kids dogs, but contact the association to buy from a reputable dealer to avoid problems. Also consider the size of your yard, and the amount of time you can give to your dog.
With such young children I personally would avoid getting an older dog, such as from the shelter, as you just never know what experiences that dog has had and how that dog has been raised.
Also worm your dog regularly and apply flea products such as 'Advantage' which keeps all fleas at bay for a month at a time, then you won't have any worries with your family. Also you will need to remove their poo frequently, as little kids may just go crawling through!
Definitely think about a dog though, my children grew up with two from the time they were born which has resulted in a loving, trusting relationship and a great friendship between the children and the dogs. The dogs follow them wherever they are and try to protect them. Its a beautiful thing.

Answer 4

of course it is safe..it is a very good idea to have a pet at home, especially if you have children. I know of a person who had a baby that was saved by their pet dog when the baby stopped breathing. Dogs are very keen, and very friendly, especially when you treat them with tender loving care :))...Dogs observe your every move, and they spend hours everyday to observe you and your family members. It is a proven fact that people who have dogs as pets are more likely to live longer...
Go on with your plan of getting a puppy for your 6-year old. The puppy wouldn't do any harm, and it would be an excellent guard in your house... :))

Answer 5

In my not so humble opinion you'd have to be nuts. The puppy will be knocking those little ones down and using them for a chew toy. It could actually do a lot of damage just playing. A rambunctious dog can really do a lot of damage just knocking a kid into something. I'm sorry for the seven year old but he needs a hamster or something that can be kept away from the little ones. Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 6

As long as you arre ready for the work involved - housetraining etc as well as caring for your small children.
Obviously your 7 year old will not be able to do everything with the dog but you should make sure he does some of it.
Bear in mind that a puppy will teethe and childrens toys make good teethers so you will need to keep them out of the way.
It is a big decision and you need to think carefully about it - as I said you will be letting yourself in for a lot of work.

Answer 7

As long as you get a breed of dog that is known for for being good around kids. You could take precautions, like training it well, and teaching the younger kids how to treat a dog. A gate to your twin's room woulds prevent a dog from going in and possibly jumping in the beds.

Here is a link to a site with recommended breeds: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm

Answer 8

Having a puppy could be a good experience for your child. Just make sure you get one that will be good with your kids, and have little chance of being mean to them. You need a very good natured dog, since little ones will always be pulling thier tail, stepping on them, ect.

Answer 9

um do you have time to take care of a puppy
your son is too young to take on all the responsibility so you and/or your significant other will be doing most of the work so you should ask your self if you have the time and energy to do it?!!
you son can feed it and clean some of it's messes but the ultimate responsibility will be yours

Answer 10

yes, it's safe but a lot of work. as long as you will be able to afford a puppy and care for a puppy, then go ahead! it will make his day!!