Most small children would love to have a new puppy in their home, but that doesn’t mean that everyone in the household is ready for the commitment. If your children keep asking you to get a puppy, you should take a few months to research the decision and determine how to take care of a puppy, how to get your home ready for a puppy, and what to expect when you bring a new puppy home. Here are a few big signs that you and your family are ready for the responsibility of a new puppy.
You and Your Child Have Experience with Animals
If you and your child already have experience with animals and are comfortable caring for them, getting a new puppy won’t be as overwhelming. You will also be able to count on your child to be respectful around your new puppy if they’ve had experience being around other pets.
Your Child is Responsible for Certain Household Chores
If your child is already responsible for certain household chores and can be counted on to get them done every day, they might be ready to handle the additional chores that come with having a puppy. Your child should understand the importance of feeding the dog, walking the dog, and cleaning up after the dog every day.
Your Child Doesn’t Need Constant Reminders to Get Things Done
If you have to remind your child to brush their teeth, do their homework, pick up after themselves, and put their dishes in the sink, getting a puppy will just be one more chore you have to constantly ask them about (or you’ll end up doing it yourself). If your child is consistently good at getting things done without reminders, they can likely handle the responsibility of pet ownership.
Everyone in the Household is in Agreement
Everyone in the household has to be on the same page when it comes to pet ownership. If one person is upset about the idea or feels stressed out or negative about it, having a puppy will feel like a huge chore. If your child isn’t consistently caring for the puppy, the tasks will fall to older people in the household. And if those people didn’t want a pet to begin with, there may be a lot of resentment and conflict.
Before getting a puppy, it may help to consult with a veterinarian about the responsibilities of pet ownership and whether you and your family are prepared.