Key Considerations When Adopting A Canine For Your Children
Left to their own devices, kids and dogs seem to gravitate toward each other. Both are curious and playful, and find mutual companionship easy and natural. For this reason, many parents of young children adopt a dog for their family, thinking it will provide their kids with the opportunity to enjoy a lifelong friendship. This is 
a good decision meant with the best intentions. However, there are several critical factors to consider before bringing a pooch home.
Below, we’ll explore the issue of adopting a canine for your children in more detail. We’ll explain the reasons large dogs are often a better choice for small kids. You’ll learn the importance of ongoing supervision and some of the drawbacks of adopting a puppy. Lastly, we’ll offer a few tips of encouraging your son or daughter to become a responsible pet owner.
Little Children, Big Dogs
Large breeds are less susceptible to injury than smaller breeds. Their bodies are bigger and capable of withstanding more pressure. This is important in the context of playing with young kids, because children often fail to realize how easily their actions can harm small canines.
For example, a Chihuahua might become injured if a toddler falls on him. A Papillon may suffer broken bones if a child accidentally steps on his paw. By contrast, a Great Dane or German Shepherd is practically impervious from any physical injury a toddler can cause.
Also, keep in mind that smaller breeds may feel more exposed to danger when a child is near them. If they feel threatened in any way, they might respond physically.
Making Sure Kids And Canines Behave
Even though a dog might seem completely docile and harmless, never leave him unsupervised with a baby. He may injure an infant without meaning to do so. Sometimes, canines will display aggression to babies because they feel their position in the pack’s hierarchy is at risk. Other times, they simply don’t realize how constant licking and nudging may harm an infant. Your presence not only serves as a reminder that you are the pack leader, but it also helps prevent any physical exposure that leads to injury.
As babies grow older and mature into toddlers, their activity becomes more difficult to monitor. Try to do everything possible to make sure you keep an eye on your little one and your dog at all times. Avoid leaving them alone together; young children can frighten canines and trigger a physical response.
Is A Puppy Appropriate?
Parents often think a puppy will make an ideal companion for their kids because they can grow up together. While this is true, puppies introduce other potential issues. First, like small breeds, they’re vulnerable to injury. Second, puppies tend to be rambunctious and unaware their claws can hurt a young child.
For most families with kids, an adult canine is a more appropriate choice. By the time a dog has reached one year in age, he is usually more calm and collected than in his youth.
Teaching A Child To Be A Responsible Pet Owner
Teaching kids to care for a dog is a balancing act. On the one hand, it’s important for parents to establish expectations regarding feeding, dog treats, walking, and meeting a canine’s basic needs. This is part of becoming a responsible owner. On the other hand, parents cannot simply leave the pooch in their kids’ care. Children become easily distracted. Unfortunately, this can lead to missed meals, accidents in the home, and other problems.
Create a schedule for your son or daughter that details specific tasks related to caring for your canine. Then, follow up with them on a regular basis to make sure they’re fulfilling their responsibilities.
A dog can make a wonderful companion for small kids. The friendship that emerges between them is a long-lasting and rewarding one. Review the factors above to help your children and canine get along and enjoy each other’s company.
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