Dogs And Kids: A Winning Combination?

Have you read the title of todays post? It’s totally a winning combination in our books. We were a little worried about how Opie would react to the baby at first as obviously he had been our baby for well over a year before Elian arrived, and had all of our attention. But we knew he had a great temperament around kids (after being around our best friends little boy) and wasnt likely to snap or bite luckily so we had high hopes. And I am happy to say he is absolutely amazing wit Elian, he will catch up to him and sleep, happily let Elian clamber all over him and hold his ears whilst trying to pull himself up, all without batting an eyelid. The only thing we have to stop is Opie licking Elian’s face al the time or Elian trying to steal and chew Opies toys!!

But obviously if you are thinking about getting a dog and already have kids there is lots you need to consider first. So today I have invited Ellie Mitchell to the blog to chat about what you need to consider when getting a new dog for your family.  Over to Ellie…

You thought your family was complete. First, there were two, then along came the kids. You’re all living a happy, if slightly chaotic existence, but now you’re wondering whether to introduce a puppy into the mix. Would this be a disaster or a winning combination?

There’s no easy answer to this question. It depends, of course, on your particular circumstances. You may be thinking, how hard can it be after having kids? And it’s true; puppies don’t take as much of your time as children. However, they still require a lot of time and energy.

Considering A Puppy? Ask Yourself These Questions

If you’re going through your pros and cons list, ask yourself the following questions:

• Who will walk the dog once or twice a day?
• Can I afford the extra cost of dog food, accessories, vet bills, etc.?
• How much attention do puppies need?
• Where will the dog sleep?
• Will a puppy get on with the kids?
• Can I offer him or her a happy, comfortable home?
• Will I have time to train him/her?
• Will they destroy the house?
• Which breed should I go for?

All of these questions are important to consider. If you or your partner have never owned a dog before, you’ll need to do a little research and speak to dog-owning friends.

Are Dogs Good With Kids?

This depends very much on the breed. Certain dog breeds are great with kids, such as bulldogs, beagles, golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, etc. Always check if you’re unsure. There are many well-documented ways that dogs can enrich your kids’ lives. For example:

• They are a constant companion and offer love and affection
• Dogs can be good with shy kids or those who find it difficult to make friends.
• They teach responsibility, such as feeding, the need for training, and walking
• As dogs are fully reliant on their owners, they teach kids compassion and empathy
• They are great fun and will encourage your kids to get out of the house and into the fresh air

Planning

Introducing a new puppy or dog into your home takes a lot of planning. There are lots of things to consider. For example, where they’ll sleep, where their food will be served, what access they’ll have to the rest of the house, etc. You’ll also need to put together a shopping list. Firstly, they’ll need somewhere to sleep, so you’ll need a good quality bed. There are lots on the market, including custom dog beds, which are designed around your dog’s image. In addition, you’ll need a collar, lead, feeding bowls, food, and assorted toys.

You will also need to establish a regular schedule for feeding, toileting, and walking. Dogs like routine and can become distressed if this is interrupted. It’s also worth keeping in mind how you’re going to train your new furry friend and whether to attend classes.

Dogs can be a welcome addition to the family. They bring so much love, affection, and fun. Dogs and kids are a winning combination, but it’s necessary to do your research and carry out some careful planning.