Too young for a dog?
By momokoseiya
@momokoseiya (453)
United States
February 5, 2007 8:14am CST
I have a fifteen month old son, and he absolutely loves dogs. Whenever we go to visit my mother, he plays with her dog all day. He even knows how to say doggie! He will sit there and cuddle her dog and pet him nicely. The dog is a Shih Tzu and is very tiny, so they play well together.
My boyfriend wants to get a dog for my son, but I don't think he's old enough yet. I know sometimes babies do things to animals like pull their hair, and that can make a dog angry. I love dogs, but they are unpredictable at times. I truly think that Brandon is too young for a dog because he doesn't understand that he can hurt it.
What do you think? My boyfriend thinks I'm being too paranoid, but I think that 15 months old is WAY too young for a dog.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@KrazyKlingon (5005)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I think 15 months is too young too. When he is old enough that he knows right from wrong, & can be taought what he can & cannot do with a dog, then maybe.
Furthermore, from playing with a dog, & then putting his hands in his mouth can be VERY unhealthy. Even though this may or may not be coomon knowledge, there are all kinds of living organisms in a animal's fur (whether a dog, cat, ferret, etc.) that can be harmful when ingested. That's the reason that after handling your dog (or cat or whatever), you are supposed to wash your hands after you're finished.
@cjthedog64 (1552)
• United States
6 Feb 07
I think you should wait a while before adding a pet to your family. The pet can get jealous and doesn't know their place in the ranking of the house. I'd say around 4 or 5 might be good. It all depends on the owners and the kid though. Just make sure that you train the dog well, and be careful.
@hariharbhat (1312)
• India
6 Feb 07
I think you are right.
Put some convincing words to your friend.
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
5 Feb 07
You got to do what you feel is right. But I will tell you that I have always had dogs around kids, even younger than yours. You just have to watch them carefully. There are some dogs that aren't good around kids. My dogs grew up with the kids so I think that is why they get along so well. I do have one dog that is older and I have to watch her closely because she is not real fond of little kids. If you are not comfortable getting a dog, then I would wait until he is a bit older.
@dawn5679 (266)
• United States
5 Feb 07
Dogs even puppies know the differnce between a baby and an adult and would never attack them unless they are taught to do so. The way the dog will react and interact with people is the way you teach them. There are always puppy class that only cost like 100 bucks and last for 6 weeks and they help you train your puppy with everything from sitting to behaving like they are suppose to!
@michelledarcy (5220)
•
5 Feb 07
I think a dog with a placid nature is fine for a young child. My kids were both brought up with dogs and now they are confident around them which is great.
I think cats are far worse as they are more likely to scratch and bite.
