Getting a dog for the family can be a lovely idea because it can give you a furry new addition to the family, bring you all closer together and help you to create many fond memories. Not only this, but bringing up a dog can teach kids a number of responsibilities, develop their confidence, and teach them important life skills. Despite this, it is still a huge decision, and not one that should be taken lightly as dogs are an enormous responsibility. Kids might say that they will do all the work and look after the dog but don’t be surprised if you end up being the one doing all the walks! Here are a few tips for getting a dog for the family.
Consider Your Circumstances
You may love big dogs, but this will simply not be a good choice if you have a small and cramped house. You should always consider your circumstances and try to find a breed that fits in with your particular lifestyle. Always do your research and learn all you can before making a decision. Ideally, this will be a breed which is mild-mannered, known to be good with kids and low maintenance.
Prepare The Home
It is important that the dog has its own area in the home so find a suitable space where you can place a crate, bed, and toys. You may also want to think about using baby gates to stop the dog from accessing certain areas and making sure that anything that can be destroyed is out of reach.
Make Training A Priority
Training is vital if you are getting a puppy as this will be the difference between having an unruly dog and one which behaves itself. This means you need to find an experienced trainer like Delders Dogs and carefully listen to what they say so that you avoid common dog training mistakes. You also need to teach the kids how to command the dog so that the dog shows kids respect and knows its “position in the pack”.
Find A Vet
You should find a good vet before you need to use one’s services so research vets in your local area and ask around for recommendations. It is a good idea to introduce the dog to the vet as early as possible so that a bond can be formed and it will be easier when you need to take them again. If you're still looking for a vet and your pet happens to become injured or incur some type of pain, you should consider methods of temporary relief for their pain.
Establish A Routine & Responsibilities For The Kids
Dogs are creatures of habit so you need to find a routine that works for your family in regard to dog walking times, feeding times, play time etc. Additionally, you need to make sure that the kids take on responsibilities and know how to look after the dog - this can teach them valuable skills and ensures that you can feel confident when they are caring for the dog.
Getting a dog for the family is a huge decision but it can be a great addition to the family and good for a child’s development too. It can be overwhelming at first particularly if you have not had a dog before, but this information should help you to find the perfect dog and start to enjoy life as a dog owner.
These are all great points. Dogs require a lot of work but owning one is a great way to teach kids how to be responsible.
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