YourHappyDogStore.com :: Other Interesting Articles Articles :: Choosing the Right Dog for Your Child

Choosing the Right Dog for Your Child

There is very little in life that a child looks forward to as much as the prospect of becoming the proud owners of their very first dog. This is the experience that creates a bond between man and beast that will last for a lifetime, if both parties are very lucky.

There are a number of benefits to getting a dog for your child, and if you have been hesitating to make a firm decision on the matter you should take these points under consideration. First and foremost, purchasing a dog is the same as purchasing your child a friend (and I promise you, this is the only time over the course of their lifetime that this type of interference is going to be welcome!). With a dog a child can play, explore and learn more about the world around them while learning how to share a part of themselves and how to care about someone else.

Owning a dog also gives your child a sense of responsibility. Your child is going to be anxious to lay claim to their new pet and assert their ownership. Along with ownership comes the need to see to their needs. Your child, not you, should be the one responsible for feeding, brushing and walking their new pet. When they come of age they should also be held responsible for seeing to their necessary healthcare and medications. By caring for a dog your child will learn that the world does not revolve around them and that not taking responsibility for their responsibilities will result in negative consequences.

Of course, once the pros of making the decision have been fully established it is time for the difficult part; actually selecting the dog. There are a number of breeds which are considered to be especially good with children. Strangely enough, many of these breeds are large dogs, putting to rest the theory that large dogs are dangerous to children and should be avoided at all costs. Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands and Saint Bernards have been found to be among the best suited for homes with children, particularly small children, due to their gentle natures. Bear in mind, of course, that there are exceptions to every rule. If you are purchasing a fully grown dog from a pet shop, breeder or other seller, be sure to inquire as to the specifics of their personalities.
 
Just as there are dogs which have proven to be especially good with children, there are those who have very little patience with their natural exuberance. These dogs should be avoided unless you have a child possessed of a particularly quiet nature that will be able to behave in the same manner as an adult, and even then they should be handled with care. Among these breeds are Chihuahuas, Bull Dogs, German Shepherds, Poodles, Siberian Huskies and many species of terrier. Again, there are exceptions to the rule, and if you are the proud owner of one of these breeds do not take offense. If these dogs are taught from puppyhood the proper behavior when in the presence of little people they may prove to be as delightful a companion as any of the milder breeds.

When choosing a dog for your child it is important to select carefully; the last thing that you want to occur is for your child to be injured because their beloved pet mistook their excitement and less-than-textbook handling as intent to harm them. If you find that your child and their new pet are not blending well and the animal has a tendency to act aggressively in their presence it would be best to find the animal a new home before it lashes out at your child and must be put to sleep.

Related Products

Read the next Other Interesting Articles article on Jobs for Dogs

YourHappyDogStore.com © 2007 All Rights Reserved