Globally, dogs are the most popular pets. Pets are especially popular among children. Children having dogs as pets becomes part of their lives.
The types of dog breeds that are best for children are numerous. The breeds that are most favorable for children are such as; bulldogs, beagles, bull terrier, collie, Newfoundland, vizsla, irish setter, poodle, Labrador retriever and golden retriever.
The advantages of getting a dog are such as teach selflessness, it builds confidence, help with speech development, improves social skills, help in reducing risk for developing heart disease, they listen, keep your child engaged, they help in improving fast thinking, teaching them responsibility, help the immune system, exercising, relieve loneliness and provide companionship, offer protection, they keep high spirits, one can teach unconditional love to children through dogs.
The three steps that one can use in choosing the right dog for your child which are inclusive of methods such as choosing a dog of the right age, actually meeting and selecting the dog, selection of the right breed.
The first method being selecting the right breed has its own considerations that involve finding the friendly breeds that are suitable for the kids, choosing one that suites your lifestyle, choosing between a purebred and a mutt, avoiding small dogs.
The age of the dog is another important consideration to make when it comes to selecting the right dog, in this you have to look into avoiding puppies, also be wary of old dogs, choosing a dog that has been with children and lived with them before.
Meeting and selecting the dog would be the final thing to do when it comes to choosing the right dog. This can be done by looking for shelters and organizations with different dog breeds, interacting with the dogs, and inquiring about the history and the temperament.
Another factor that you have to consider would be the affordability of the dog. Getting a dog breed is different with each breed. Affordability is also inclusive of how you will be able to sustain the dog in the long run as different breeds require a certain type of sustenance and some may cost more than the others.
The living situation also determines what dog you will get. The space you have in your home is what the living situation encompasses. Space requirement is different among dog breeds.
The child should be taught on how to best care for the dog by telling them of their responsibilities and duties. Teaching the child this responsibility also sets them up for life duties and in making them responsible society members in future.