Is My Child Ready For A Pet?

by Teresa McEntire | More from this Blogger

22 Jul 2006 10:48 AM

Ever since we bought a house my husband has been trying to convince me to get a boxer dog. I am not an animal lover unlike my children and husband. Alysta loves dogs and will stop and pet any animal she sees. When we visit people with dogs she will stop and pet the dog instead of playing with the children. But I am not ready to have another responsibility, although my husband assures me he will take care of the dog. But I know differently. He is at work all day and the care of the dog would fall upon me.

Last summer while visiting my aunt and uncle we caught Kelsey drinking out of the dog bowl. Which convinced my husband that we should probably wait to get a dog. Until your child is two or three it is best to wait to get a pet. Pets are a big responsibility and as I always told my husband I don't need another baby.

But now my youngest is turning three, so my new argument is that we need to wait until my son is old enough to have responsibility of the dog. But how old is that? If you ask my husband he would say six years. But that's only because he wants a dog right now. I believe that at six-years-old my son is not ready for the responsibility of a dog, since he can't remember to put his pajamas away and make his bed without a reminder. Not to mention that a full-grown boxer would probably outweigh him.

So before getting a dog or cat ask yourself the following questions:

• Will your child understand that the animal is alive and not just a toy?
• Are they old enough to realize that they can hurt the animal by pulling its tail or ears?
• Is your child old enough to walk a dog by himself?
• Are they mature enough to not tease or mistreat the pet?
• Is she responsible enough to remember to feed and water the pet?

Realize that you will probably have to remind even the most responsible of children. Are you willing to take on that extra responsibility as a parent?

Before deciding what type of pet to buy take into consideration:

• the future size of the pet
• space the animal will need (the larger the animal the more space)
• whether it will be outside or inside (if outside consider temperatures)
• the cost for food, shots, housing, and purchase of the animal
• the temperament of the animal (gets along well with children)
• who will train the animal (pets from shelters may already be trained)

Learn more about Teresa McEntire

Teresa McEntire grew up in Utah the oldest of four children. She currently lives in Kuna, Idaho, near Boise. She and her husband Gene have been married for almost ten years.

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