Dogs can make great additions to families with kids. They can serve as loyal companions for kids while also teaching kids responsibility. Of course, there is a lot to consider when getting a dog and they may not be suitable for every family. Below are some considerations to make if you have kids and are thinking about getting a dog.
Is it something you and your kids want?
Getting a dog should be something that you all agree on. It should not just be something that your kids want – you will inevitably manage a lot of the dog’s upkeep, so it needs to be something you’re enthusiastic about too. Similarly, if you really want a dog, but your kids groan at the idea, you should consider whether it is the right decision. Your kids may warm to the dog, but it could cause a lot of conflict at first, and you need to be prepared for this.
It’s a good idea to sit everyone down and discuss the idea rather than surprising your family with a dog. Let everyone be a part of the dog selection process including looking at pictures of dogs online and visiting breeders/rescue shelters together to meet potential dogs.
Do you have the time to look after a dog?
You need to be able to spend several hours per day with your dog. If you’re constantly out of the house visiting places where you cannot take a dog, it may not be a good idea to adopt a dog. You also need to be able to fit in time for walks (and some breeds will need longer walks than others).
Juggling kids and a dog can be tricky. You need to make sure that you can find time to fit in walks around school runs and preparing evening meals. Working from home or having a job you can work flexibly could make it easier to fit in walks while kids are at school if necessary.
How much does a dog cost?
The average dog owner spends about £2000 on their dog every year. Most of this is spent on food and vet bills, however, there can also be costs like toys, equipment, and dog-sitting services. Then there is the cost of adopting the dog – adopting a dog from a shelter can cost less than £200, while some pure-bred puppies can cost thousands.
Make sure that you are in a good enough financial situation that you can afford a dog on top of the cost of looking after your kids. Ideally, you don’t want to be taking out large loans for adoption fees and vet bills, so it could be worth having some savings. That said, you may be able to spread out some of these costs by taking out pet insurance and by looking for adoption services that allow you to pay in installments.
What types of dogs are best for families with kids?
While most dog breeds get on well with kids, some are naturally better companions. Ideally, you want a breed that is playful but docile. There are breeds of all sizes that fit this description.
The Labrador is probably the most popular family dog. These are some of the most affectionate and playful breeds. Other good options include poodles, vizslas, spaniels, beagles, and boxers.
On top of the breed, you should consider the age. Older dogs are generally easier to look after because you don’t have to train them. Puppies on the other hand have the cuteness factor and you get the reward of raising them. A golden or black lab puppy is one of the most popular options for families looking to raise a pup.
How can you train your dog to get along with kids?
Dogs need to be trained to behave well around kids. As mentioned above, some breeds will naturally be more loving towards kids. However, you may still have to train your dog to have certain boundaries such as not trying to jump up on smaller kids or not trying to steal food.
Dogs that are standoffish, barky, or sulky when kids are around can be trained to enjoy time with kids by rewarding them with treats for good behaviours with kids. When it comes to dogs that are playful, but perhaps a little too boisterous, make sure to monitor play time to avoid your child getting hurt.
What about training your kids to get along with your dog?
Kids may also need to be taught how to behave around the dog. This could include teaching them not to pull their tail or not to feed them scraps of food (particularly foods that could be toxic).
Younger kids will need this more than older kids – especially if they don’t have much experience around animals. Make sure that you monitor time spent together so that you can check your kids are behaving around your dog. With older kids, you may be able to teach them to help with tasks such as feeding them. This could be particularly important if the dog was a gift for them – they shouldn’t expect to enjoy all the playtime and let you handle all of the responsibility.
How should you prepare your home?
You will need to prepare your house before bringing your dog home. This includes buying equipment like a bed and crate and clearing away any potential dangers.
When preparing your home for a new dog, especially in a household with kids, setting safe boundaries for your pet is key. One effective solution to consider is installing an invisible fence. This type of fencing provides a way to keep your dog within certain areas of your yard without the need for physical barriers that could disrupt your outdoor space. An invisible fence helps ensure that your dog can roam safely while reducing the risk of them wandering off or getting into areas where they shouldn’t be. This is particularly useful in a busy household, giving you one less thing to worry about as you balance the needs of both your kids and your new furry friend.
When bringing a dog home to a house with kids, it could be important to first tidy away any toys that could become easily chewed (very important with a puppy). Find a home for all loose toys and encourage kids to put their toys in these places after playing with them so they don’t get destroyed. You may also find that decluttering is necessary for creating space for a bed and food bowls. Consider other measures too such as installing a stair gate to stop dogs from going upstairs (if you don’t already have one)
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