My children really want a dog, but I am nervous since they are still young (and small). How can I choose a dog that’s right for my family?
Judy R. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; and Denise Joyce, head trainer of It's a Dog's Life, answered:
Choosing to add a dog to your family can be very exciting, especially for children. Preparation and research are critical steps to successfully introducing this new addition to your home.
- Consider if you’re truly prepared for the time and financial commitment of dog ownership. Having young children and a dog means ‘training’ the kids as much as the dog to ensure they live safely together. It is best to bring a dog into your family when the kids can understand and follow your instructions regarding the dog.
- Dog ownership can cost thousands of dollars every year. You need to ensure you can afford all the standard annual dog-related expenses including: quality food, regular preventative veterinary care and required inoculations, emergency medical procedures and/or insurance for accidents, and common expenses such as a crate for training (very important!), basic obedience classes (a must!), collars and leashes, a bed, toys, and treats.
- Decide if you’re prepared to take care of your dog’s daily care, come rain or shine and no matter what else is going on at home or work. This includes exercise, training, feeding, grooming, and affection.
Once you’ve assessed these factors, you’re ready to consider what type of dog best suits your lifestyle and home situation. For this, detailed research is key. Each breed has their own characteristics and exercise requirements. Check out the Canadian Kennel Club web site for information about the hundreds of breeds.
Also, consider if you’re interested in a puppy, young dog, or adult. Puppies require a lot of patience, routine, supervision, and training. Adult dogs are usually housetrained but will need to be screened for compatibility with children.
A certified instructor and dog care professional for almost ten years, Denise Joyce is the Head Trainer at It’s a Dog’s Life in Toronto’s High Park/Bloor West Village area and also runs her own training consultation practice.
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