2007-03-22 10:00:02 · 28 answers · asked by lbhatiany 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It really depends on his age. I would suggest that he helps earn some of the money by doing jobs around the house. Also set a timeline -for example if you earn a certain amount than we will get a puppy in 2 months. This will help you to make sure that he is truely understanding the responsibility and that it is not just a 'whim'. Also, if your child is of 4-h than I would strongly suggest that you have him take the dog in the 4-h obedience project. It is a wonderful way for them to bond and get the obedience training.
2007-03-30 06:55:05 · answer #1 · answered by lionjcly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well you can explain to your son about the responsibility of having a dog. also i have a Maltese and she loves attention so you also need to tell your son that the dog needs attention. i highly recommend a Maltese because they are a lap dog always wanting to be held. and the person who said a Maltese is a terrier they are not. they are guard dogs not rat hunters. rat hunters are Yorkie which i also have a Yorkie. Yorkie are very active while a Maltese has there playing moments but prefers to lay on your lap and sleep. if your son wants a dog i would say maybe a golden retriever, beagle,cockier spaniel, or a collie if your son is very active and loves to be outside. if your whole family wants a dog stick with a Maltese or a cavalier king charles.
good luck
2007-03-22 17:32:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you teach your son to care for, love, nurture and teach a puppy you bring home, and raise it into a healthy and happy dog, and he does learn this, and do it, this will carry on for the rest of his life, carry over into all of his relationships, and everyone he ever meets will benefit from his understanding and knowledge about helping another living creature to thrive in the world. You will have given the world a wonderful man.
And, since your floors will take abuse for awhile after the puppy comes into your lives, making him responsible for the vacuming and sweeping and mopping, that wouldn't be too high a price for him to pay, I wouldn't think.
PS. I love the Maltese breed and, while terriers are a little hyper, so are little boys, they can wear eachother out.
2007-03-22 17:13:39 · answer #3 · answered by Liligirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are talking about resposibility wise, we gave our daughter a plant. If the plant lived & thrived for a year, she could get a dog. She named the plant Corky & now Corky is a big beautiful plant. We stuck to our part of the bargain & got her a Jack Russel Terrier. She named her Shelby.
If you are talking money wise, my kids always did things like mow the yard, clean the garage, take out the garbage, do dishes , vacuum & sweep the floor or clean the yard. Each job had a set pay & they could decide what they wanted to do. Sometimes they would even get small jobs from the neighbors. Hope this helps!
2007-03-30 14:04:10 · answer #4 · answered by frankie182 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the question is do you want a Maltese? no matter how much a child swears on their life they will take care of it...the responsibility relies on you. have you both researched the breed, will it fit your family's energy level? it will be you who is paying for when the vaccines and the vet bills come. who will take care of Maltese when your son goes to college? please check out hsus.org for every dog question under the sun.
2007-03-30 00:18:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your not ready for the responsibility of a dog than you shouldn't adopt one for him. You know that if your son wont take care of the dog and depending on his age, which you didn't say, he wont do it very long. You have to be ready more than your son does. Hope that answers your question.
2007-03-29 13:17:36 · answer #6 · answered by Tamera 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure exactly what you are asking.. do you mean what should you have him do responsibility wise or to earn a dog? If that's the case, it depends on his age. Have him research the breed and make sure he shows a commitment to taking care of the dog. Also be aware that you are ultimately responsible for caring for the dog if your son doesn't.
2007-03-22 17:08:44 · answer #7 · answered by lickitysplit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off how old is your son? Does he realize the responsilbilities of owning a pet? If not you need to ask yourself what can you do for your son so he'll understand that a pet is more than just something for him to play with. He needs to understand that there is alot in owning a pet. Taking care of it, walking it, bathing it and feeding it. And giving it lots of love. Maltese are very nice dogs to own, but they demand alot of care and daily grooming so not to let their hair get knotted. We use to own two of them and they are a joy, but as I said they are alot to take care of.
2007-03-30 16:12:03 · answer #8 · answered by Vicky H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get your son a rat, if he can keep it alive and in good health for 6 months get him a dog. Try a gold fish for a real challenge. make SURE that if he can't handle it you or someone you know CAN. Don't subject an animal to neglect.
let someone who will raise it right do it. But if he can handle it, then great! maybe try an older pound dog as well before you consider a puppy.
2007-03-29 22:55:30 · answer #9 · answered by SeriousJoke 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not adopt him a Maltese. Malteses are terriers which mean that they are bred to be guard dogs (aggressive against strangers) and to hunt rats (hyperactive and excitable).
In fact do not get him a dog at all. If you want a dog, get one for yourself, and then establish with your son that it is your dog and if he is willing to take some responsibilities, such as feeding and walking the dog, then he will get priviledges with the dog, such as sleeping with the dog.
I'd recommend a toy poodle or a Shih-Tzu if you have children and you have never had dogs before.
2007-03-22 17:10:38 · answer #10 · answered by L 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋