Since having a dog is such a common thing, do you really need to know anything more than how much it costs?
Well, how did you choose your car, or your home? Did you consider the cost, safety and suitability for your family? Of course you did. If you heard stories of a particular car that was susceptible to causing accidents or that a neighborhood was known for its rough occupants you would find something that was safer.
If the car or home was too expensive to maintain, it would impact your decision, as would the size of the vehicle or how many bedrooms the house had.
However, many people bring home a dog that they have spent no more time in choosing than selecting oranges at the grocery store. Although we hear stories of dogs attacking children and perhaps know of people who got rid of dogs after they grew too large for the apartment or destroyed property, as a group, parents still choose to bring dogs into their families with little instruction or research.
The truth is, most families with a dog will never deal with the terrible situations we hear about on the news. Dogs love people. Most dogs love children. Children and adults love dogs and it is very doubtful that after thousands of years the connection between canine and humankind will be broken.
What does need to be considered is how to make the best possible environment for your children and dog so that you don't need to worry about unexpected tragedy or the sad disappointment of giving your children's pet away.
There are many experts with various views, but several points can be generally agreed upon when choosing a dog for your family.
Find a dog that is good with children.
Don't all dogs love children? The answer is simple ? NO. Some breeds, and even individuals within a breed, are more or less tolerant of children and the rough handling that usually ensues. Selecting a breed that enjoys the rambunctious atmosphere of a family home will go far in ensuring that the children have a willing playmate and the dog is happy.
Choose a dog that is the right size or energy level.
Do you live in an apartment? Do you have a large, fenced yard? Considering the size of home or yard you have should influence your choice of dog. Some breeds are naturally larger than others. Some smaller breeds (like Jack Russell Terriers) are small but have an enormous amount of energy that can be difficult to control in a small home.
Decide on a trained or untrained dog.
Perhaps you plan to train the dog yourself. You may choose a puppy so the children participate in the training process. But how much do you know about training dogs? Are you ready for the hassles of housebreaking and obedience training? Perhaps selecting an older, trained dog might suit your family better.
The decisions you make before bringing your dog home and selecting the best dog breed for children will help your family enjoy their new pet for a very long time.
Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and the author of 'How to Select the Best Dog or Puppy for Your Children'. Find out more about safely raising a family dog at http://www.best-dog-breed-for-children.com
Batchtown Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareBecause it is intelligent and energetic, a Westie terrier is... Read More
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
Which is the noisiest species of all? Nope, not the... Read More
"Dogs have owners; cats have staff," and I have worked... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday"... Read More
If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More
Vitamins for Pets - How Essential Are They?A vitamin supplement... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be... Read More
Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
Scottish Terriers are short-legged dogs, at a height of ten... Read More
Dog fashions are all the rage and have become quite... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
Once other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats became... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
shuttle from Midway Munster are ..A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
Should you seriously consider buying a dog health insurance policy?... Read More
Owning a dog is a serious responsibility, one that should... Read More
Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
We have all grown up with at least one hero... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
Now that my services have expanded into the "matchmaking" business,... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Puppy TrainingPuppy training can be a trying time. The key... Read More
Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what... Read More
I was doing some research on dog health when I... Read More
HistoryThroughout the US and in many parts of the world,... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
Pregnant cats have to eat for two, three, four, five,... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Pet |