Pets Information


How to Choose a Dog for Children


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


MORE RESOURCES:

China Daily

Pet stores struggle to cope with dogs abandoned after holidays
China Daily
By Zhou Wenting (China Daily) SHANGHAI-A 3-year-old Doberman Pinscher has been waiting for its owner for three weeks in a pet shop here, where it was taken for a bath in mid-January, to be claimed on the following day. Li Haigang, shopkeeper of Little ...

and more »


Bryan College Station Eagle

Expecting parents can help pets adapt
Green Bay Press Gazette
Experts say the countdown should include prep time for pets too. A baby changes everything for a pet — from how its home looks, smells and sounds to what the rules are. Low energy, friendly, social dogs are the most adaptable pets, while independent, ...
Baby on the way? Prepare your pet for new arrivalHerald Times Reporter
Pets need some prep for new babiesBryan College Station Eagle

all 12 news articles »


Cleveland News - Fox 8

Obesity epidemic strikes US pets
CNN
The majority of adult dogs and cats in US homes are overweight or obese, and the problem has gotten worse over the past year, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Fifty-three percent of adult dogs and 55% of cats were classified as ...
Avoid a Pet Emergency in Overtime: Super Sunday's Parties Can Be Dangerous To ...MarketWatch (press release)
Are We Feeding Our Pets to Death?Gawker
Half of All US Pets Dangerously OverweightCalorieLab Calorie Counter News

all 58 news articles »


BigPond News

Ohio bill would ban new ownership of exotic pets
Seattle Post Intelligencer
ANN SANNER, AP COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Proposed legislation in Ohio would ban the purchase of lions, bears and other exotic animals, but current owners of the dangerous wildlife would be allowed to keep them as pets if they meet strict new requirements.
State bill would ban new ownership of exotic petsFox News

all 212 news articles »


Good News For Pet Lovers Can Get Better
KXO Radio
The percentage of dogs and cats in homes adopted from shelters and rescue groups has risen from 27 to 29 percent in the last few years, while the number of healthy and treatable pets losing their lives for lack of a home has dropped from 3 million to ...
Homeless Pet ClubsPatch.com

all 3 news articles »


Pets rescued from burning clinic
Charleston Gazette
Several pets were rescued from a veterinarian clinic in Logan after a fire broke out there early Sunday morning. Firefighters were called to Knowles Animal Hospital, 615 Stratton St., around 2 am, Lt. Hatfield of the Logan Fire Department said.

and more »


New York Daily News

Courtney Love 'to sue over leaked testimony in which daughter Frances Bean ...
Daily Mail
In the explosive files, Frances Bean accused her mother of causing the death of their family pets. She filed the restraining order against Love in LA superior court in December 2009 after they got into a physical fight. Backed by evidence from her male ...
Courtney Love's accused of killing family pets by daughter?Gather Celebs News Channel
Courtney Love to sue over leaked restraining order filed by daughterZee News
Frances Bean Cobain: Courtney Love 'killed the family pets'New York Daily News
Fox News
all 130 news articles »


Hunterdon County Democrat - NJ.com

More pet owners take advantage of free rabies clinics in Hunterdon County
Hunterdon County Democrat - NJ.com
Twelve free rabies vaccination clinics were held over the past month in Hunterdon County, timed so that people registering their pets can show proof of current rabies vaccination. The next clinic is scheduled at the High Bridge rescue squad building on ...

and more »


Super Bowl Gone to The Dogs & BARKCODE®!
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
With each tag that is ordered through the Kizashi Kicks website, BARKCODE®, on behalf of Suzuki, will donate three dollars to the American Red Cross1 for disaster relief and preparation to help people and pets. For additional information on BARKCODE®, ...

and more »


Orsini Looking for More Than a Blind Date
Patch.com
They are very nice people with friendly pets who I get along with just fine. I am happy for the love and warmth they have shown toward me, even when I have been shy and hesitant around them. Now that I have been here for a while, I am much more relaxed ...

and more »

Google News

home | site map
© 2007