Imagine that you are driving down the road with your children who want a pet in the worst way. All of a sudden you come across a pet store with a sign that says "Tiny toy poodles for sale". What do you do? Do you have the ability to just crush your children's desires under the heel of the metaphorical boot? A better thing to do would be to check them out and while doing so, talk to your kids about the responsibilities of a pet.
Many kids can't comprehend that a parent doesn't want to get a pet because they understand that the kids aren't going to wind up taking care of the animal. It will become the parent's responsibility regardless of whether they wanted one or not. It should be explained to the kids that they are going to have to contribute to the care of the animal.
Without the time that is needed for a dog, perhaps you should consider a cat. Cats are much more independent than dogs and don't require the attention that dogs do. Most will take to a litter box relatively quickly and easily. They are quite good as companions without being as needy as a dog is.
If you and the child or children decide to take on an animal, it should be done so only on the understanding that it is for the animal's entire life. It is irresponsible to go out and buy an animal only to try to return it later. You should be educated on what you are getting before you get it. Don't be overwhelmed by something that you knew was coming.
Small animals can make great pets too. A hamster or gerbil can be a great companion that is entertaining to watch and rewarding to keep. They are contained in their cage and can be given all sorts of toys and things to play with. They don't have as much companionship potential as a dog or cat but can be affable and warm hearted.
Small dogs can often become prey items for larger predators. Birds of prey will take small dogs as food at any opportunity that presents itself. Other large dogs can kill them as well. It only takes a small amount of rough housing from a Lab or a St. Bernard to damage a small dog. Housing them indoors and away from other animals is ideal.
Consider that if your children aren't contributing to the care and well-being of your new pet that the ultimate responsibility falls on your shoulders as an adult. The kids may or may not be capable of helping but you were always capable of saying no. When the situation becomes one of desperation, outside help is available in the form of pet sitters, dog walkers and obedience schools.
When your kids scream at the sign at the pet store that says, "tiny toy poodles for sale" you should be ready to give them what they want, only if they show that they are capable of helping to care for the animal. You can test them with small pets in the meantime to gauge how well they can contribute. Consider that they might want a dog but would not give that dog a great home to live in.
Many kids can't comprehend that a parent doesn't want to get a pet because they understand that the kids aren't going to wind up taking care of the animal. It will become the parent's responsibility regardless of whether they wanted one or not. It should be explained to the kids that they are going to have to contribute to the care of the animal.
Without the time that is needed for a dog, perhaps you should consider a cat. Cats are much more independent than dogs and don't require the attention that dogs do. Most will take to a litter box relatively quickly and easily. They are quite good as companions without being as needy as a dog is.
If you and the child or children decide to take on an animal, it should be done so only on the understanding that it is for the animal's entire life. It is irresponsible to go out and buy an animal only to try to return it later. You should be educated on what you are getting before you get it. Don't be overwhelmed by something that you knew was coming.
Small animals can make great pets too. A hamster or gerbil can be a great companion that is entertaining to watch and rewarding to keep. They are contained in their cage and can be given all sorts of toys and things to play with. They don't have as much companionship potential as a dog or cat but can be affable and warm hearted.
Small dogs can often become prey items for larger predators. Birds of prey will take small dogs as food at any opportunity that presents itself. Other large dogs can kill them as well. It only takes a small amount of rough housing from a Lab or a St. Bernard to damage a small dog. Housing them indoors and away from other animals is ideal.
Consider that if your children aren't contributing to the care and well-being of your new pet that the ultimate responsibility falls on your shoulders as an adult. The kids may or may not be capable of helping but you were always capable of saying no. When the situation becomes one of desperation, outside help is available in the form of pet sitters, dog walkers and obedience schools.
When your kids scream at the sign at the pet store that says, "tiny toy poodles for sale" you should be ready to give them what they want, only if they show that they are capable of helping to care for the animal. You can test them with small pets in the meantime to gauge how well they can contribute. Consider that they might want a dog but would not give that dog a great home to live in.
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