Before Adopting: Need help with a list!

[StillandSilent]

I am making a list of things to consider before getting/adopting a pet. Here are some examples of what I have so far
The kids are not going to take care of it, no matter what they tell you.
Many of these dogs are untrained. The owners who take the time to housebreak, crate train and obedience train their animals seldom surrender them to animal control
Puppies are wonderful. They also cry all night, chew things and need to be housebroken. Keep this in mind before you get one.

I am looking for things similar to this, and since you guys have such great ideas, I am going to ask you for help. Thanks in advance.

 

[Babyblue5290]

The kids are not going to take care of it, no matter what they tell you.

Sorry, but I disagree. When we first got Lucas (my dog) he was 1 yr and I was 12 or 13. He has been, and always will be, my responsability and I take care of him by myself. I feed him, pick up after him, train him, brush him daily, bathe him, walk him, pay for food, vet bills, etc.

I think you have to know your kids and possibly have them start off with an animal requiring a bit less care and know if they do not take care of the dog properly you either make them, showing them what a commitment it is, or know you (the gaurdian) will have to take care of the animal. Possibly just know you will probably have to help out a little, but again...probably start out with something smaller so they can learn it is work. That it is not just "oh my cute little puppy I'll play with it when I want to and he will be perfect!"

But I also think this reason is why most of us won't recomend a kid getting a dog when the parents aren't willing to help take care of it later. The kid will grow up and probably go to college where they may not be able to take the dog, so you (as the parent/gaurdian) have to know there may come a time you have to take care of this dog.

*Edit*

What I'm trying to say is the parents have to factor in the maturity, responsability level of the child (or children) and age before immediatly saying no. Also how willing they are to having a dog. If they don't want to deal with the dog they *probably* shouldn't get the dog for their kids. But there are some exceptions of course

 

[Lizmo]

The kids are not going to take care of it, no matter what they tell you.

I have to agree with BB!!!

I got Lizzie when I was about 12 and she was ALWAYS MY dog...I took care of her...I trained her.....I walk her....I play with her....I groom her....I care and love her and on her!!!!

She is my dog and always will be!!! And I am only 13 right now and I am better at taking care of her, then some (most actully) adults I know take care of there DOGS!!!!

 

[StillandSilent]

Sorry to offend. By children, I mean younger children. I routinely see animals surrendered by people whose 6 or 8 year old kids will not take care of them. Of course not, they are simply not mature enough. By 12 or 13 most children are ready to assume some of the responsibility of owning a pet. Some are ready to all the responsibility.

 

[Lizmo]

Sorry If my post sounded mean

It is just that most people under estimate teens with dogs and what they can do.......sorry!!!

 

[bonster]

Considerations I'd suggest...

Motivation
Responsibility
Lifestyle/environment
Time
Money
Attitude/dedication/perseverance
Patience/consistency

 

[sam]

Maybe something about vet bills? they ahppen at unexpected and inopportune times-- if you can't afford vet care, you can't afford a dog.

I think the same should go for a set of classes.

 

[squirtsmom]

All good suggestions, but you know that surprises to arise. I had told my seventeen year old daughter no more pets last summer. we had a poodle, and a cat, and that is all i wanted. Naturally, she goes to a flea market in July, had never been to one, and decided she would buy a puppy. The only one she could afford was a pitbull/boxer for fifty dollars. She knew nothing about BYB's, and why you would never buy a dog from one. She followewd her foolish heart, and bought home this pup. I took one look at the dog, and told her to take it back. she burst into tears. To make a l ong story short, and finding out that the animal control in St. Louis Mo. euth. all ;pitbulls and mixes when they come in, we kept the dog, and she has grown into a great family pet. We had to make alot of adjustments, and she had to get a part time job to pay the bills, which she was willing to do. I toldher I would not be finanacially responsible for a dog she couldn'tg have in the first place. Of course if somethinghappens, I will take care of it, but still, she has taken on the responsibility. Bottom line, it takes alot of time and committment tocare for an animal you plan for, much less those you don't.

 

[BostonBanker]

What are you using this information for? Do you run a rescue?

I'm just curious, because I'd worry you are going to drive people away from adopting! Yes, it's a serious commitment, but there are some amazing dogs in rescue who need little more than a chance.

The owners who take the time to housebreak, crate train and obedience train their animals seldom surrender them to animal control

That is sometimes true. I got a housebroken 1 yr. old dog who walks well on a leash, came close to perfect off-leash, and is thrilled to take part in any training I want to do. I've watched probably 50 or 60 dogs go through a friend's rescue; yes, some of them have issues, but there are a lot of dogs who can pretty quickly slip into someone's life looking for new homes.

The last thing you want to do is turn people away from adopting and send them into the arms of a BYB who can offer a puppy "with no bad habits".

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I am making a list of things to consider before getting/adopting a pet. Here are some examples of what I have so far
The kids are not going to take care of it, no matter what they tell you.
QUOTE]

Wow thats a huge generalization. I always took care of all our animals when I was a kid. If it was "my dog" I fed, walked, trained, and just generally took care of it. I helped out with all the other animals too. I had plenty of friends as a kid who had pets and did the same. I disagree completely .

The rest is fine but that really annoys me.

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

Sorry to offend. By children, I mean younger children. I routinely see animals surrendered by people whose 6 or 8 year old kids will not take care of them. Of course not, they are simply not mature enough. By 12 or 13 most children are ready to assume some of the responsibility of owning a pet. Some are ready to all the responsibility.

I was taking care of mine on my own by the age of 5. I was always with an adult when I would walk my pets. But I did everything else alone.

Maybe I was rare.

 

[Babyblue5290]

Sorry to offend. By children, I mean younger children. I routinely see animals surrendered by people whose 6 or 8 year old kids will not take care of them. Of course not, they are simply not mature enough. By 12 or 13 most children are ready to assume some of the responsibility of owning a pet. Some are ready to all the responsibility.

I wasn't offended at all Just stating my thoughts, but I agree with you! 8 yrs old is, in almost all cases, is too young to get a dog for and ESPECIALLY 6 yr olds!!! That's insane! I mean you can expect them to do some duties as part as their chores, but you can't expect them to have the maturity to take care of a dog.

wow....people shouldn't get so offended so easily!

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

I wasn't offended at all Just stating my thoughts, but I agree with you! 8 yrs old is, in almost all cases, is too young to get a dog for and ESPECIALLY 6 yr olds!!! That's insane! I mean you can expect them to do some duties as part as their chores, but you can't expect them to have the maturity to take care of a dog.

wow....people shouldn't get so offended so easily!

I never got offended either. I just like to point out that not everyone is the same. SOME not many but some kids will take care of their pets.


And now im done . If anyone thought I was offended im not no harm no foul.

 

[Babyblue5290]

I never got offended either. I just like to point out that not everyone is the same. SOME not many but some kids will take care of their pets.


And now im done . If anyone thought I was offended im not no harm no foul.

Oh, the " " and this part:

I disagree completely .

The rest is fine but that really annoys me.

....made me think you where angry by the post.

Yup, some will, but I still think 6 yrs is too young for any kid to have FULL responsability of a dog. Just my opinion though.

 

[bubbatd]

Hey folks ,it really depends on the family life . Our dogs were all family dogs with each child helping out . No one had a specific job , so if one child wasn't there at a time it was never " that's " so & sos " job. It NEVER should be a " chore " ! It's a privilege to have a dog in the household.

 

[PixieSticksandTricks]

Oh, the " " and this part:



....made me think you where angry by the post.

Yup, some will, but I still think 6 yrs is too young for any kid to have FULL responsability of a dog. Just my opinion though.

Nope im just in a weird mood.......Really bad day.