Six questions to ask yourself before introducing a dog into the family home

Jody Coffey

Caring for a dog isn’t always a walk in the park!

Bringing a dog into the family home is a huge decision and can be compared to adding another family member.

For many children, having a dog is the same as having a best friend; they can provide them with endless fun, companionship, and love, as well as teach them many lessons about caring for others.

If your little one is pleading and begging for a furry sibling, there are a few questions that every parent should first ask themselves before making the commitment.

According to Michigan Medicine, Hannah King, M.D., a paediatrician at Mott’s Children’s Hospital, parents should be aware of the huge adjustments that come with granting their child’s request for a dog.

Does your child really want a dog?

There’s a difference between watching a movie where the canine plays the lead and owning a dog in real life.

Similarly, if your child has only expressed an interest in owning a fluffy friend in their Christmas or birthday wishlist, it could be a short-lived dream.

King says that if your child is under the age of four, let some time pass and see if the desire for a pet is still as strong.

“It’s very common for kids to suddenly want a pet because they see it in a book or movie,” she said.

“For young children especially, it could just be a phase, so you want to make sure they show sustained interest.”

If your child is between the ages of five and 10, a few weeks of persistent asking should be taken a little more seriously.

How much can your child contribute to the responsibilities of having a dog?

The responsibilities that come with owning a dog should be outlined in advance of getting them.

With that, these expectations need to be reasonable based on your child’s abilities and age, King warned.

“If it’s a constant fight to get your child to do a chore, it’s likely going to be similar when you are trying to get them to walk the dog in the rain or when they’re in the middle of a video game,” she said.

For example, children between the ages of five and 12 may be able to help with feeding or grooming, but they cannot be expected to take it on walks yet.

If your kid struggles with chores or daily tasks, such as brushing their teeth or setting the table, for example, without needing reminders, they may not be ready for the responsibility.

Are you willing to step in and help?

King says parents should ask themselves if they are willing to pick up the slack when it comes to caring for this pet.

While it may be a gift for your child, a dog is an undertaking for the entire family.

“Regardless of a child’s age, parents must understand that this is a family pet and ultimately the pet is their responsibility,” she said.

King suggests taking a friend or neighbour’s dog for a test run to see how your child handle the responsibilities and also how they interact with them.

She also recommends using visual reminders about the daily tasks that need to be completed to ensure optimum care for their puppy or dog, such as walks, feeding, playtime, and grooming.

Choosing the right pet for your home

If your child is very small, bigger dogs may not be the right choice because they are louder and more forceful with their movements.

A Chihuahua, for example, may be small, but they can be more prone to biting, like many other smaller breeds.

A golden retriever may be bigger, but they exhibit a more gentle and calm personality.

“Families just need to be honest with themselves and ask ‘how much space is in our home? How energetic are we? Can we commit to taking care of this animal for years to come? What are the benefits to our family?'” King said.

“If they do their research, most families can find a good fit for their home.”

Finding the right dog breed for your home should be done through extensive research, talking to animal experts, and introduction to various dogs at dog parks or animal shelters.

Are there elements of health and safety to consider?

King states that while children over five have more self-control and understanding of rules, any child under the age of four should be monitored at all times with pets.

Things like grabbing a dog’s toys or disturbing them while they’re eating can be stressful for even the best-behaved dogs and this may lead to unwanted injury.

“Even the most well-trained dog might bite if you pull on its tail,” King said before adding that health concerns should also be considered.

“Families should also look into whether their child might have allergies, which may not be obvious at a young age if the child isn’t usually around animals.

“Allergies are among [the] reasons animals get returned to shelters.”

Are you making an informed decision?

Surprising your child with a forever friend like a dog may feel like the best gift a parent can give.

However, dogs come with huge life adjustments that can’t be ignored or neglected.

To prepare the entire family, King recommended starting out by buying pet items – such as a cage or bedding – and working your way towards getting a dog through conversation and practice.

“We hear about animals getting returned to shelters after the reality of the lifestyle change sets in or because the pet wasn’t the right fit. That can be a really sad situation for both the family and the animal,” King says.

“A pet can be a lot of fun and a wonderful addition for a family as long as parents have done their research and are prepared for the long-term commitment.”