my bro happens to be a great dog lover n would love to have one as a pet.the prob is he is gonna turn 12 in a month n we have no idea which breed should we gift him.the pup should be the one a 12 year could take care without the help of an adult.also it would be nice to know the approx. price.
2007-11-14 02:10:46 · 13 answers · asked by raeme 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
when i meant no adult help,it was supposed to mean that he would be capable of handling it if at all theres an absence of parents or any older one.and its always gonna b a family pet
2007-11-14 02:31:58 · update #1
I normally suggest getting dogs and puppies in shelters, but a shelter will not let someone adopt one as a gift, especially a Christmas gift, so I suggest that you look for one on here http://www.craigslist.org/about/cities.html
Just click any city, then look for your state on the right side of your screen, and you'll either find your town, or nearest town, then go to the pets section, there are often a lot of "free" puppies/dogs, and more low cost ones.
Good Luck!!!
2007-11-16 18:41:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
An animal should never be gifted to a child without an adult able and willing to assume full responsibility for the pet if/when the child loses interest and the newness wears off. Is there an adult in the home who is willing to be responsible for training and care of a new pup if this happens?
Really, the best thing to do is to gift new puppy supplies and then sit down with the child and discuss what they want in a dog. Help them choose a breed that is good for them and help them find a good trainer before acquiring the dog. Also securing a vet is a good idea too.
ADDED: Think about it this way, if someone were going to get you a dog as a gift, wouldn't you want to be part of the selection process in type of puppy and such? That's a big part of getting a dog is picking the one that is right for you. Your little bro would probably really enjoy being part of that!
2007-11-14 02:16:06 · answer #2 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You should not get him a dog, especially a pup if he's going to be the only caretaker. Being only 12 years old, an adult is going to end up being the main caretaker because they are going to be the ones paying for everything. If an adult agrees to the responsibility of owning a dog, research some breeds, go to a shelter and pick out a dog everyone will enjoy and take care of.
2007-11-14 02:25:33 · answer #3 · answered by Dachshund gal? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are several flaws to your well intended plan.
NEVER NEVER give a living animal as a "gift" (too many reasons to explain)
NEVER NEVER get a pet for a kid.. a pet should always be a FAMILY pet - if mom and dad are NOT willing to accept responsibility it will end in disaster - a kid cannot understand nor commit to a LIFETIME commitment. The dog will get dumped if the kid doesnt look after it 100% and this is unfair to the dog.
A kid cannot guarantee a lifetime home for a pet.. what happens when he moves out or goes to college - very few places allow pets.. so will it be euthanized because mom and dad dont want it?
instead get him a BOOK about DOGS or something - but NEVER NEVER get ANYONE an actual dog -
perhaps you can plan a day together to go to volunteer dog walking at the local shelter or soemthing instead....
2007-11-14 02:26:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you are in the USA and decide to get a dog, I highly suggest that it is with the commitment from your brother that he will join a local 4H Dog Program. Every state has a 4H program which is administered by the state's land grant college.
He will not only learn obedience, but also responsible dog care. at almost no cost. To get a jump on training, contact your local Extension Office and find out who the dog club advisors are. Most any of them will be eager to help you out, including recommending a breed(s).
Good luck!
2007-11-14 02:45:38 · answer #5 · answered by Charlie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
12 year olds can't handle the financial responsibility of a dog of any breed without adult help. I think dogs are great for kids, but make sure Mom and Dad will help pay for vaccines and food.
2007-11-14 02:21:55 · answer #6 · answered by mama woof 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
IF your parents have approved you getting him a dog, then the best thing to do is to take your brother and parents with you to pick out a dog together - make a family day of it!
2007-11-14 02:15:18 · answer #7 · answered by Yo LO! Aussie Grins 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
twelve is a great age for his first dog
something completely his own that he has control over... he'll love having someone wiating for him after school and someone to snuggle with at night.... a new bestest friend.
personally i would get a Golden Retriever, they are the most kind breed out there, along with labs... although big in size, they are huge at heart adn the sweetest dog you'll ever meet... they do cost a pretty good amount, prolly $500 for a fullblooded puppy.
but if u want the same personality and cuteness u can just go t a shelter and pick out a mix breed with lab or Golden in it,.... its cheaper that way.
2007-11-14 02:24:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
i completely disagree with most of you saying the boy is too young for the respnsibility..my 8 yo and 4 yo nephew have 3 dogs 2 cats 2 ferrets a guinea pig and fish and they both feed water and clean there cages everyday they also take all the dogs for walks everyday(not the 4yo my 9yo helps the 8yo walk them after school) ..sp what im saying that the child may be resonsible enough its all in how he was raised...but dont get him a dog let him help in the process of getting one he will know exactly which one he will bond with when he see the right one and please please try the shelters first those animals need a family too..good luck!!
2007-11-14 02:24:36 · answer #9 · answered by Tiffany M 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Don't.. Dogs are NOT gifts. And if there is no adult that will be helping, the whole thing is even a worse idea.
2007-11-14 02:17:51 · answer #10 · answered by DP 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋