Adopting a Dog When You Have a Child: What To Expect?

Credit: ASPCA

Dogs and kids can be quite the handful together.

Adopting a dog is a noble act, but before you get to your happily ever after, there’s a lot to consider, especially if you have a child. If you show an adopted dog patience and compassion, they won’t forget that. Here’s what you need to understand before going to the shelter and what to expect after.

The first thing to examine is your lifestyle and living conditions. Dogs won’t judge you, but your neighbors and landlords might have a different idea. Many have restrictions on certain dog breeds and even dog sizes. Make sure to ask around, because the last thing the poor dog needs is to feel loved and then back in the shelter again!

According to ASPCA, it costs roughly $580 to $900 per year to have a dog. The older they get, the more money you’ll need. Senior dogs are beautiful, wise, and lovable, but just like the elderly, they need extra care, and that includes certain medications and more visits to the vet.

If you have a child, it is safer to take home a small or medium-sized dog. Adult dogs (2 years and up) require a lot of work during their first year, but so do the puppies.

Before making any final decisions, talk to the shelter’s workers and introduce your child to the dog. Dogs will teach your child how to be more social, they will give them a lesson in empathy, and finally, they are the best playmates. But mainly, they are animals, so you shouldn’t leave a dog and a child without supervision. It’s not just a dog that will need training. Your child needs to understand that dog’s part of the family, and just like any other family member, a dog can have its good days and the ones when it doesn’t feel like playing.

The first visit to the shelter is stressful. Don’t expect a miracle. Those animals live in cages, and for many, it’s unclear if they’ve ever had a real human touch. But the shelter workers know all that, so ask them which ones are nice for a family with a child. It’s not as easy as picking a toy; you will have to make a few visits to the shelter, meet your future dog outside, and eventually introduce them to your child.

Once you settle in, it’s time to start teaching your dog everything, from feeding time to going outside when needed. The rescue dog will be scared and curious at the same time. Be gentle with them and include your kid into the training program. Those first months will make you regret ever wanting a dog. Then, you’ll feel bad for even thinking that. Young or not, dogs chew on things; they bark and make a mess. Staying calm is almost impossible, but look at the big picture. That period of adjustment won’t last forever, and you are yet to make memories for life.
Adopting a rescue dog is one of the most significant decisions a family can make. There are millions of reasons why you shouldn’t do it, but ask any dog owner, and they will say the same: it’s impossible to remember life before their dog came along. Dogs don’t live long, so once you are settled, remember than their time is precious.

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