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Pets

2002-07-01 12:16:00

Going to get a dog?

Answer:  Many people have a "warm fuzzy" image of a puppy or kitten and a child growing up together while others like the idea of getting an adult dog or cat who'll require less time and attention after adjusting to the new family's household routines. Owning a pet may be one of the biggest responsibilities and one of the greatest joys you and your family may ever have. Living with pets increases a child's self-esteem, teaches responsibility and helps build feelings of empathy and respect. But a lack of preparation, or choosing a pet impulsively or unwisely, may result in an unhappy situation for both you and your new pet. Every pet has a history, no matter how young or how old or where you get him. He may come with specific details about his background or have a history that remains mysterious. No matter the history, a pet of any age can bond with the people who love and care for him, giving as much to the relationship as he receives in return. Whatever you adopt, remember it's your responsibility, to your pet and to your child, to monitor their interactions. You can help to strengthen the relationship between your pet and child by showing your respect for your pet's needs and feelings. Teach by example that your pet is an important family member, not a "plaything" to be neglected and tossed away when no longer new and exciting.You have two young children who already require your care and time. Will you have enough time to care for a rambunctious puppy or constantly curious kitten as well? Because they're babies, puppies and kittens have tiny, fragile bodies that need to be handled with care. A puppy or kitten may become frightened, or even injured, by a well-meaning, curious child who wants to constantly pick him up, hug him or explore his body by pulling on his tail or ears. Puppies also tend to jump up on small children during an exciting playtime and may accidentally knock them down. All interactions between your child and puppy or kitten will need to be closely supervised in order to minimize the chances of either being injured. Although puppies and kittens are great fun, and it's exciting and rewarding to see them grow, they need significant amounts of attention, training and supervision to become well behaved adults. Consider how much time you have to devote to your new animal. Puppies and kittens need more physical and emotional involvement than you can reasonably give if you are away from home more than six hours a day. Most adult pets can easily adjust to a longer schedule; however, they also need time to learn what is expected of them. Some never grow accustomed to being left alone for long periods of time. If all of your family members are away from home more than eight hours most days, a dog may not be the appropriate choice for your household, and you might want to consider adopting an adult cat (or two) instead. The cats will keep each other company and the extra work for you is minimal. Many adult dogs, purebreds and mixes, are surrendered to shelters because their owners were simply unprepared for their ‘easy to pick up pup’ becoming a large, curious adult. If you're looking for a dog with certain personality traits and a mature disposition, consider adopting dog 18 months old or older. All of the adult dogs at the Kansas Humane Society have individual personality profiles listed on their kennels to give you a better idea of just who you are taking home-a Couch Potato, a Goofball or a Life of the Party. Dogs at this age learn quickly, have better control over their bodies and their physical functions, and have more predictable natures. While it takes time to teach any dog basic manners - walking on a leash, not to jump on people and not to play too roughly - an adult pet is usually past the stage of becoming overly excited, and you can better gauge how hardy and tolerant he'll be toward childish enthusiasm. You can benefit from someone else's poor planning if you adopt an adult or teenage dog, but only if you're willing to do what they did not - teach him the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Enrolling in basic obedience training classes and using what you learn everyday will help your dog become a well-mannered member of the family. Finally, take your time. Getting an idea about what you and your family need will help you to find the "one". Research breeds. Ask friends and neighbors about their animals. Talk to the shelter's staff. They are intimately familiar with the adoptable animals and can give you insights into behaviors, personalities, and more. With a little patience and planning, you'll find the perfect pet for a lifetime.