| Every little boy or girl needs a dog for a companion, | | | | major decision and waiting one year or more may be |
| right? While that may be true and they joy of having | | | | best for your situation. |
| a pet is something every child should experience, you | | | | With young children an older dog might be a better |
| need to carefully consider if adopting a small dog is | | | | choice as you will not have to deal with |
| right for your family. | | | | housebreaking and training, but keep in mind that a |
| One thing to think about is the extra demands on | | | | small dog, no matter how old is still going to be a bit |
| your time that a small dog will require. Whether you | | | | more fragile than a bigger dog. |
| are thinking about a Pug, Pomeranian or Poodle, these | | | | Now that's not to discourage you from getting a pet |
| little dogs require care and if you are considering a | | | | for your young children as they will certainly love it |
| puppy, it could be like having another baby! | | | | and develop a strong bond. It is a good experience |
| Dogs are a big responsibility and if you have not | | | | for any child, but you must take the added work and |
| been solely responsible for a dog previously you may | | | | expense into consideration. Don't forget to consider |
| find the work and time involved in training, feeding, | | | | Vet fees, adoption or purchase costs, licensing, food |
| grooming and playing to be more than you can handle | | | | and grooming. Doing your homework now will avoid |
| while caring for a young baby or toddler. | | | | unpleasant disappointment in the future. |
| If your children are toddlers, you need to be very | | | | If you have tons of time and energy and your life is |
| organized and have the day planned out so that the | | | | free enough of distractions then bringing a small dog |
| child and dog are not left alone together. Young | | | | into your home can be a fun time. Just be sure to be |
| children do not understand that a pet is a fragile living | | | | diligentin watching both the puppy and children until |
| thing - too much rough play and your little dog could | | | | training has been established and be sure to remind |
| become hurt or may have to resort to hurting your | | | | the children how to treat the dog gently and carefully |
| child to defend itself. | | | | so that no accidents happen. |
| If you are deciding to get a dog because you feel it | | | | Once you consider all the aspects and make your |
| is a normal part of family life and you want to | | | | decision to adopt a small dog, you can be confident |
| 'complete' the package while your child is young, do | | | | that you will be able to relax and experience all the |
| not rush into purchasing a dog right away. For the | | | | wonders of dog ownership with your children. |
| various reasons above, a dog should be considered a | | | | |