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Every child dreams of having a furry little puppy or a frisky kitten. However, with today's busy lifestyle, owning a pet is a commitment many parents are not willing to make.
Having a pet can give a child a sense of responsibility, if, that is, they live up to their obligations of taking care of it. If your child has been begging for a pet but you're not sure you're ready, start with a pet that requires minimum upkeep.
Hamsters and guinea pigs are a good choice if you child wants something furry but you want something you don't have to train. "Pet rodents" are relatively inexpensive, both to buy and to house. Investing in a hamster would require only a cage and perhaps a few "hamster" toys. Their upkeep is minimal but their cage will require cleaning every few days. A word to the wise: every child wants to "free" their pet rodent and it's quite easy to lose a hamster.
Another low maintenance pet choice would be fish; although the cost of an aquarium, filter, etc. can be a bit pricey. Fish actually make a better adult pet as watching fish swim in a aquarium can be very relaxing and children prefer pets that they can play with.
If your family is ready for the responsibility of a four legged pet, cats are easier to train than dogs. Cats can be litter box trained as early as five weeks. If your cat will be a house cat, it's a good idea to have it declawed or invest in a scratch post to save your furniture.
For those families that are not "cat people", dogs truly are man's best friend. However, they initially require a lot of time, patience and commitment. If you wish to add a dog to your household, there are a number of factors to consider before making your final decision. If you are set on a purebred, consider the temperament first. Every child who has seen "101 Dalmatians" falls in love with the breed; however, Dalmatians are very, very hyper and are actually not the best choice for a child's pet. If size isn't a major factor in your decision, Retrievers and Labradors make excellent family pets. They are easy to train and very good with children. When buying a purebred, do not go to the pet store at the mall. You're best option is to check your local paper as there are many people who breed dogs. Buying a purebred from its parent's owner usually guarantees a healthier puppy.
Going to your local animal shelter is an excellent option. You may not find a purebred, but as long as you adopt a puppy that is still trainable, you'll end up with a wonderful family pet.
As stated above, dogs do require training. Many people feel that cage training is best. This is strictly a personal choice and it is possible to train your puppy without the use of a cage. If you are totally clueless as to how to train a puppy, pick up an instruction manual at your local pet store. The key to puppy training is letting your pet know who's boss and putting your dog on a schedule. If you stick to a disciplined training schedule, provide chew toys for your teething puppy, and give it lots of love and affection, you'll have a happy and well-behaved pet.
No matter what animal you decide on, a pet truly completes a loving family.
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