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Charlie Traffas
Charlie Traffas has been involved in marketing, media, publishing and insurance for more than 40 years. In addition to being a fully-licensed life, health, property and casualty agent, he is also President and Owner of Chart Marketing, Inc. (CMI). CMI operates and markets several different products and services that help B2B and B2C businesses throughout the country create customers...profitably. You may contact Charlie by phone at (316) 721-9200, by e-mail at ctraffas@chartmarketing.com, or you may visit at www.chartmarketing.com.
Pets
2006-10-01 12:27:00
Which dog is great with kids?
ANSWER: First of all let me commend you for asking for a recommendation before acquiring the first puppy you see. There are many aspects to consider before you bring home your new four legged, fur covered family member. First and foremost, the puppy will belong to the adults in the home, not the children. It will fall on you to feed, housebreak, take to the veterinarian, and train the puppy. While I have no doubt the kids will be delighted with their new playmate, children that age are not capable of the long term commitment needed to properly care for another life. This is a good time however to teach them some responsibility in helping care for the puppy. Certainly the children should be involved in the feeding and training of pets. When it comes to actually deciding on a new puppy or dog you need to examine your life style. Ask yourself what kind of dog you can live with for the next 12 to 15 years. Do your have the time and patience to housebreak a puppy? Do you mind cleaning up accidents or replacing chewed up toys (or other items)? Does dog hair or muddy paws make your frantic? Can you afford vaccinations, Heartworm Preventative, obedience classes, food and other assorted miscellaneous expenses? Do you understand that dogs instinctively need to be with other pack members? Leaving puppies alone for long periods of time causes boredom and frustration which lead to destructive behavior. When you are ready to start the selection process of choosing a breed or type of dog it is important to assess the activity level of your family. If you are active and athletic, and enjoy working and playing outside, then some of the herding breeds or high energy Terriers may be right for you. If your family is more of the video games and movie type then you should consider getting an older dog that is content to snooze beside you on the couch. Dogs add a new and wonderful dimension of family life. A puppy playing with a laughing child is like sunshine on a rainy day. Petting and grooming your dog can be relaxing and stress reducing. Taking the kids and the dog for a walk can open avenues of conversation as well as increase your exercise routine. Consider carefully your decision to acquire a puppy or a dog. Research breeds; be open to adopting from the Animal Shelter, Humane Society or Rescue Organizations. Steer clear of stores that wholesale puppies for outrageous prices. Reputable breeders do not sell to pet stores. Once you bring your puppy home enjoy every stage of their life. Keep a sense of humor. The rewards will far outweigh the challenges. Dogs bring richness to our lives and help bring out the best in us. Roger Caras said it best “Dogs are not our whole life, but dogs make us whole.”
 
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