Should I Get a Dog for My Children?

If you are considering adopting a puppy or dog into your family, one of the biggest factors is thought to be the age of your child or children. Conventional wisdom is that children should be old enough to follow instructions, take part in the puppy’s care, and fit all the daily dog related responsibilities in with school, homework and friends. If all those were required, many families might have to wait until their children leave for college before adopting a dog!

Perhaps, instead of asking, “should I get a dog for my children,” the more important question to ask if you are considering adopting a puppy or dog is, “am I ready for the responsibility of managing a family dog and children together?”

Rebecca Johnson, a dog trainer and Family Paws Parent Educator in Chicago, Illinois believes that there shouldn’t be a set age for children to reach before adopting a dog and that it is the adults that need to be prepared for all the added responsibilities. Johnson states, “I think the most important part is realizing the work required when adding a dog to the family as it relates to the various family members in the household.”  

She continues, “If the family realizes and is willing to commit to the amount of training and management required during the different stages of the dog and child’s life, I don’t think it (the child’s age) should matter.”

Certified Dog Trainer and Family Paws Parent Educator Vicki Eberle of Sit n’ Stay Pet Services, Inc. also suggests that the right time to adopt a puppy or dog has much more to do with the adults being ready. “My biggest point, whether you have kids or not, is that one person, usually mom, ends up being the primary caretaker.”  

Eberle suggests that if the adult is not prepared or already overwhelmed, then it is not the right time for a new puppy or dog.  

Our next Good Dog Blog will help you work through more considerations as you continue to ponder, “should I get a dog?”