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How do I begin looking for a puppy or dog?
Home » Pets » Choosing Your New Dog or Puppy » How do I begin looking for a puppy or dog?The first thing you need to do before bringing home a new canine friend is determining who will take care of it. If you have children, chances are they have sworn to 24 hours of care, seven days of week. But these promises rarely last a few days.
A recent study by the American Animal Hospital Association showed that the Mom usually ends up taking care of the pet. In a survey of 1100 pet owners, 66 percent of the respondents said that Mom had the primary responsibility for pet care; the children followed through on their promises in fewer than 10 percent of the homes.
A dog should never be purchased without the expectation that the child's interest will change, but the dog's need for attention will remain constant. This puts parents in the hot seat from day one, and if the parents are uncomfortable there, the family should forego the pet for six months and then reassess the situation.
Do not purchase a pet to satisfy a child's demands or to teach a youngster a sense of responsibility. A pet should be welcomed as part of the family and the children encouraged to participate in its growth and care. A child should earn the right to have a pet of his or her own by joining the adults in the family in feeding, walking, and training the family dog.
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