Best Dogs for Children
June 13th 2009 14:23
As for choosing the best dog for you, your family, and your children, you want to consider adopting a mix breed dog, as they will generally get the best traits from any and all breeds that made him. And, if you're looking at a specific breed, you should still check out your local shelters and nearby breed rescues before purchasing from a breeder, as in most cases you can probably find your purebred dog at a shelter or rescue.
When trying to decide what age dog you want, most people think that puppies are the best choice so that the pup can grow up with the child, but in all reality, for a family with children, it's best that the dog be a little older- generally at least 6 months. Older puppies and young dogs do not require as much care and attention as an 8 week old puppy, who can be very fragile and easily hurt (especially on accident). Younger puppies also have more energy and require more training, than an older puppy or young dog who will generally be a little more laid back and more receptive to your house rules. If you do opt for an older puppy or adult dog, you'll want to make sure that the dog has a history of non-aggression and a background of getting along with children.
Now, as for the breed, you'll find that all dog breeds have the potential to bite, which makes them all a potential danger to a child, especially if the child does not know how to properly treat and care for the dog. The best dog for children is going to be one who receives proper socialization, training, exercise, and attention; those dogs who are given adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, as well as those who have been spay/neutered, are going to be perfect pets for those families with children.
But, you, as the adult, need to make sure that you are willing to take up the responsibility of caring for the dog, because the care and responsibility should not be the sole effort of a child. You want to make sure whatever the dog breed, or dog breed mix that you decide upon, the adult in the house has the experience to care for it.
Some dog breeds do require more experience to handle and train, in order to ensure that all is well. Rottweilers can be wonderful pets and great with children, but if the adult in the house does not know how to properly train and care for the dog, there may potentially be a problem in the long-run. Unexperienced dog owners need to make sure that they are up for a challenge, no matter what breed they choose.
Having a pet dog is a great way to teach your child responsibility, patience, empathy, and compassion, but you want to make sure that the adult in the house is able to ensure that everyone will be safe and that the child understands the rules of having a new dog and the new dog understands the rules of the house. The adult in the house needs to be the sole caretaker, and not matter what dog you choose, understand that they all need to be walked, fed, played with, loved on, and taken to the vet.
Do your research and make sure that you are prepared for a dog with a house of children before bringing home a dog and it ending up a big mistake.
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