Are you considering adding a furry friend to your family? If so, you may be wondering if your child is ready for the responsibility of pet ownership. Owning a dog can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a big responsibility. So, how can you tell if your child is ready for a dog?
Ready for the responsibility
Many questions will come up when discussing your potential new addition. Will you be adopting or buying a dog from a breeder? What breed of dog are you thinking about adopting? Which breeds are good with young children?
Plan to spend thousands of dollars on food, vet bills, supplies, and toys throughout your pet’s life. Are you and your family able to support a pet? Before bringing a dog into your home, make sure everyone who lives in the house is ready for the associated responsibilities.
Many families consider whether they should adopt a dog or buy a dog through a reputable breeder like Snowy Pines White Labs (https://www.snowypineswhitelabs.com/).
Breeders often offer puppies already socialized and housetrained, but err on the expensive side. Sometimes the breeds of dogs available at the adoption center, while certainly affordable, might not be a good fit for your family. That said, comparing the two options is critical in making the best choice for your family.
There are several breeds of dogs that are good with young children. Some dogs might be better for a family with kids, while others might not be. Consider all your options before you choose a dog.
They’re old enough to take care of the basics
Can your child do chores independently and handle the basics of caring for themselves? If so, this self-sufficiency is a good first sign that your little one is ready for the responsibility of dog ownership.
Make sure your child knows how to take care of a dog. Taking care of a dog includes feeding it, giving it water, and cleaning up after it, along with lots of playing and exercising. You’ll also need to supervise just in case your child ever forgets feeding time or the dog experiences health issues.
They have enough patience
Dogs come with their own set of challenges, and your child needs to be old enough to handle them. If you’re considering adopting a dog for your children, they need to have the ability for patience. Quite often, dog training takes time. Children also need the maturity to deal with the dog’s natural tendencies to rough house.
They know how to behave around a pet
Does your child know how to behave around dogs? Is your kid comfortable around dogs? If so, this amenability is another good sign that they’re ready for a dog.
When kids are happy or worried, they may act out in ways that alarm a dog. If you see your child getting too worked up around a dog, teach them how to behave. Explain to your children what scares dogs and how they can keep themselves safe.
They’re willing to follow rules
Pets aren’t like stuffed animals–you can’t pick them up and carry them around like a toy. Pets need rules and boundaries. Your child will need to learn how their new family member should be treated.
Does your child understand these rules? Children need to learn how to respect animals and understand how to interact with them before caring for a dog.
They have enough self-discipline to follow simple commands
In addition to following rules and boundaries, you might want to teach your new puppies a few rules. Your child will need to help teach the basic commands that come with owning a dog. Will your little dog trainer be able to teach “come,” “sit,” and “stay?”
Final thoughts
Before purchasing a dog for your child, make sure they are ready for this responsibility. It is essential to do some research on kid-friendly breeds. You should also learn about the responsibilities that come with owning a dog.
If children know what to do when you own a dog, and they are willing to take care of it, then they might be ready for a tail-wagging new addition to your family.
