My boys want a dog?

Question

My sons 7 and 10 really want a dog. I love dogs too but not sure if i should get one. Everyone says that they are a tie. I think it would be great for my youngest especially. I don't mind the walking even in bad weather. I just don't want to rush into it. What do you think. And if I do, what type of dog shall I get? Thanks in advance.

A bit more info. I have a biggish house with a garden. And if we went on holiday my mum said that she would look after it at hers. Some said that my kids might get bored eventually. My eldest might I'm sure that my youngest wont. He loves animals more than people. He'd even cleen up its poo.

Answer 1

Just know that if you get a dog, you will have to take care of it simply because your boys are so young. Don't rush into it, do some research. Decide if you want a pure-bred or a mutt. Decide if you want a puppy or an older dog. Do you or any of your kids have allergies? What is your work schedule like? Are you home a lot or not so much? How much energy do you have? Do you have a backyard? How big? Questions like these need ot be answered.

I would recommend getting a dog from a shelter or a rescue. Also I would recommend mixed breeds. They tend to have less health problems that pure-breds. If you do decide to get a pure-bred, make sure you research the breed so that you can give it proper care. Not all dogs are made the same. Different breeds need different care regimens. Another thing to think about is the size of your home. You don't want a Mastiff in a studio apartment.

Keep in mind that dogs are big investments. To start out with all the supplies at a reasonably priced pet store comes out to about $150 above and beyond the fee to get the dog in the first place. Then there is vet bills, vaccines, registration, etc. Make sure you are prepared for this.

That being said, so long as you accept the responsibility for proper pet care, I think a dog would be good for your family. Your boys could help with the feeding and walking of the dog and that way they can learn responsibilty, not to mention the hours of fun they (and you) will have playing with the dog.

Answer 2

Good that you're thinking about it long and hard before you get one. Dog's are a tie, they're like children but they're not accepted everywhere. If you were to get a puppy you'd have a few years of training, cleaning, damage and other things to consider. An older dog might be a better option for you, but of course you'd have to get a breed that likes to be around children and the problem with older dogs is that you don't know what their last masters were like (if you get from a shelter). Either way it's a tough job raising a dog so I'd recommend doing some research on this site and some other forums like seefido.com to find out everything that's involved, it's not just walking you know ;)

Answer 3

Have you ever owned a dog before? If not, start by volunteering, you and/or your boys, at your local animal shelter; many have junior volunteer programs. You could also foster a dog from your local shelter, although you would not want a dog with social issues if you have little experience with dogs.
There are many great dogs at your local shelter, especially older dogs whose owner's had to surrender them due to the owner's health issues, moving, etc. Getting an older dog would be a good start as the shelter usually has more background information about the dog than a stray. You can provide an older dog with happy times and companionship in their final years.

As for a specific breed, analyze your life style: are you active (hiking, camping, biking, jogging, etc.), do you have a large or small yard, is it fenced, how long will the dog be left alone each day, do you have time to house train a puppy, ready to put up with chewing, are you able to take the dog with you on vacations, who would look after the dog if not able to go with you, etc. Depending on the breed, dogs live for 8 to 20 years. Are you and your sons ready for this long commitment?
I agree, having the responsibility of a pet is good for kids and your sons are at a good age for having a dog. Good luck!

Answer 4

I'm glad you seem to be thinking about it instead of rushing into it. It is a responsibility for sure, and in ways it is a tie. May i suggest you spend several weeks "pretending" you have one? It might sound nuts but your kids have to realize (and probably slowly) that there will be day in and day out responsibilities. Make them break there vid games or whatever to let the "dog" out, then again to let the "dog" in. Have the boys go for a walk daily with you.......all the activities and chores that are involved should you choose to acquire one. I'd also suggest going to the local pound to show them what happens to dogs that people give up because they decided they didn't want a dog after all. Sneaky huh? Maybe call around and see if you can sit in on several dog training classes to see if your boys are interested and by all means drop in to dog agility trials, it may prove to a family activity you all would enjoy. I'd suggest a middle size dog, not too big , there are many breeds good with families and kids....and there may be a good fit with a dog from a rescue society or pound. Good luck!

Answer 5

I think dogs are wonderful, love you no matter what. If you are not sure though I would wait. They do take time and limit your lifestyle some what but I don't care so much about that. Do keep in mind the cost, it's not just food. There are vet bills if they get sick, shots, boarding if you go out of town etc.. As far as what kind that is a personnel choice, I usually go to a rescue and just check them out> I have no particular breed in mind. Just for thought, Labs who are the sweetest dogs ever, stay in the puppy stage forever, smaller dogs can be snippy. There are some books out there that will tell you characteristics about different breeds which might be a good place to start.

Answer 6

Whether or not you get a dog depends on how you feel about the tie if you go out as a family how long will you be will the dog wreck the house etc. and family holidays, Do you take the dog with you, kennel fees and insurance for at least 10 years with a young dog (mine was 15 years old)
So far as a dog is concerned avoid status symbol thoroughbreds. Go for a crossbred or even a Heinz 57 (Mongrel) You will spend a lot less time and cash at the Vets surgery possibly only for annual injections

Answer 7

Hmmm - As a mom, I would not hesitate on getting a dog for my 3 boys... I know that with a dog that their are in safe hands. My little lady is a great companion for my boys. And by owning dogs during my sons lives they have learned to deal with grief and death and responsiblities of owning a pet.

I may not give in to an XBOX 360 elite.. but should anything happen to our dog I would be right back at the pound looking for a new companion and guardian.

Answer 8

First things first. My suggestion is get a good book like " It's Me or the Dog" by Victoria Stilwell and read it with your sons. Finish the whole book first so you all know what's involved. Don't wait till you get a dog before you realise how much you need to do to train them or that they can only be left alone in the house after proper training no longer than 4-6 hours. Read the book first otherwise you might get nasty surprises. Having read the book, if you sons still would like a dog, I think it would be a good idea to get them to agree with you what sort of responsibilities they would take on, ie during training, would they be willing to help clean up accidents?

If they refuse to learn what's invovled in keeping a dog, as a responsible parent, I think you should be firm (but kind) and explain to them that a dog is not a toy and they need them to know what responsibilities are invovled. This will encourage them to do the right thing: Be responsible, especially when there's a life involvled; Encourage them to respect animals and this will help them learn to respect themselves and the world.

If they are willing to learn and take on the responsibilities, go for it. If they are not, they are not ready.

Terriers are believed to be too active for young children. But we had a westie and she wasn't bad at all. Why not try your local dog home?? It's a myth that you would end up with a problem dog if you get them from a dog home. If you get a puppy and not train them properly, you end up with a problem dog, too! Training is essential. Get anything that's not too big so your sons can share the walking and playing with the dog, which is essential for the dog to learn to respect all family memebers, not just Mum. Bonding and obedience training is how dogs learn to respect the pack leaders (the whole family) and to relax knowing the family will take good care of them.

Good luck.

Answer 9

If you're a busy person, you'll have a hard time taking care of dogs. Just be ready to clean their mess up. Dogs with no furs are easier to groom i think.

Choose what you really want... Do you like dogs that grow tall or not? Do you have time to groom them? If not, choose an easy one...

Dogs can be harmful to some people. But some adopts them as member of the family.

Answer 10

Dogs are great for Kids. It gives them something to take responsibility for although you may find it is you that gets left with most of it. Dogs are not as much of a tie as kids! You can put dogs into kennels.
I would recommend a smaller dog that your youngsters can control.
My youngest son is 9 and we have a cairn terrier and a westie both good sizes for small boys to control on a lead and they don't look too girlie!