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Dog Breeds For Children

To Take or Not to Take (a Dog Home)?

"Carlson, they've given me a dog!" Astrid Lindgren

Almost all the parents once face a more or less pleasant talk with their child desiring to have a pet. Sometimes a pet is given as a Christmas present, or as a prize for good studies, or whatever. But usually it is the child him- or herself, who is the initiator of having a pet at home. And that's a good time for parents to think over it. The question, that's usually the most pressing is something like "So Who is going to take care of the dog/pet/minipig etc. few days/weeks/months later?" For a significant majority of parents the answer is evident - THEY are. So they decide either to take the pet and condemn it (earlier or later) to a joyless life of a family burden, or to turn down the child's request in order not to charge themselves with one more dependent breather. But there's one more pattern - when they DO buy a dog (let's speak about dogs here, as they seem to be the most troublesome urban pets) and it becomes a real family member, and the child is happy, and everybody is happy, and everything is fine. So our today's target is to think off some useful tips for parents who are thinking about a pet for their child.

The first thing you are to keep in mind is that your child MUST perceive pets as living creatures, not toys, gifts and so on. You should explain carefully, that a dog doesn't understand that it is cold or windy outside, or that you have much homework to do, or just feel not very good. It needs a walk, and not only that. It needs your care, your participation and your time. By the way, time argument is the most forcible in a talk with an adolescent. Is he ready to come home at 23.00 maximum and take the dog for a walk? And what about holidays? And night stays with friends?..

The best way to find out if your particular child is able to take care of a dog is to make an arrangement that he has some housework responsibilities that should be done everyday. If he manages this task, he is probably able to take care of a dog as well… But every child is unique, you know… At last, who knows you child better, than you?

If you are not sure about your child's ability to deal with a dog, a good compromise can be fund in buying a less demanding pet - a budgerigar, or a guinea pig. They are living creatures and bring lots of good emotions, and at the same time do not need as much time and money as well, as dogs do. So if by this or that reason your child fails to fulfill all his commitments, it will be easier for you to find new masters for the animal. Of course, this case has nothing to do with taking a dog.

And one more very important thing. If you are not sure that you, as well as you child, are eager to take a dog to your family, discuss this topic with your child's closest friends to prevent them from giving him a pet as a present without consulting you first. And of course, do not let your child to take any animals home without your permission. It mush be done for you and your child's health and well-being, as well as for your family climate.

And the last, but not the least, of course. Offer your child to read the "Little Prince". It is a real masterpiece of children literature, and your child should enjoy it. As well as understand some points of life, love and friendship. And of taking care, too. Believe, if your child really wants to have a four-legged friend, he is usually ready to become responsible forever, for what he has tamed. Take care!

By: Alex Nose

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