Dogs

There is something about an open fire and a dog lying in front of it! Dogs are generally known as man's best friend, and they certainly can be a child's too!

Dogs are a wonderful pet for a child encouraging exercise and giving companionship. Dogs of any size can add to a sense of security in the home, as they will usually bark to warn you of a visitors approach.

"My Great Dane has a wonderfully loud bark - trouble is he'll hide behind me as soon as I open the door as he is scared of strangers!"

Dogs are high maintenance pets. They need to be fed and regularly exercised. Muddy footprints will come into your home unless you scrupulously wipe their feet after they come in from the garden. Unlike cats they do not bury their mess, and you will need to clean it up (not a pleasant task!).

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and you can get a breed which will match your lifestyle - some dogs do not moult, for example, which can be important if you are allergic to animal hair.

So is a dog a good pet for a child? Until your child is at the age when s/he can understand road safety, and you can allow them out on their own without worrying it is unlikely that they will be able to give a dog the exercise it needs. This will mean that you will need to take it for walks! And this usually means twice a day. Every day. Whatever the weather! Even small dogs can be strong when they suddenly spy a cat the other side of the road, so you will need to be confident that your child can handle the dog properly to avoid both being pulled into the path of a car!

Pets4kids

Info4You

Dogs

Quick links to info about dogs....

Dogs main page
Dogs - the good and the bad
Commitment to owning a dog
Dog or Puppy?
Pedigree or Not?
Quiz - are you ready for a dog?