Kids want a dog? Answer these 5 questions first
If the kids are panting for a dog, do they really know what they are in for? Or for that matter, do you?
We asked Donna Bainter, behavior manager for SPCA Tampa Bay, what you need to know before adding a dog to your own pack. Here's the questions you need to ask the shelter or breeder -- and yourself -- before taking that lump of fur home.
1. The age-old question: puppy, adolescent or adult?
"People always want a puppy and I always tell them there's no such thing as a clean slate," Bainter says. If you have a baby in the house and a puppy, that's twice the poop to deal with on a daily basis and usually it's the puppy that suffers from Mom's attention deficit, she warned. So be realistic about what you can handle.
If you can walk a dog 5-6 times a day for housetraining purposes, by all means get a puppy. But Bainter makes the case for an older or adolescent dog, especially in a busy household full of kids. "You'll know what you are getting as far as temperament and size." And you'll also likely have the housetraining done for you already.
2. How will this dog fit into our lifestyle?
Consider the time, training, exercise, cost and lifestyle required when bringing a dog into the family. Don't get a puppy if you can't commit the time it takes to train them. Don't get an active dog that needs lots of exercise time if you can't do the same. And if allergies are an issue, narrow your search to dogs that are recommended for allergy sufferers.
"Any dog should be out and about a minimum of 20 to 40 minutes a day," Bainter says, "and that's minimum. More if it's a big active dog." Be willing to take the dog to a training class or two. You don't have to spend too much, (about $40-$125 for six to eight weeks of classes) because the biggest commitment is your time. It takes one night a week for six to eight weeks, with "homework" each night for about 10 minutes. That investment pays off big time with a lifetime of good behavior.
3. Which breed?
The biggest mistake dog adopters make, Bainter says, is the same mistake the Bachelorette makes: basing a decision on looks rather than temperament and lifestyle.
The Animal Planet has a nice dog breed selector on its site where it asks a series of lifestyle questions such as whether you want a high-energy jogging partner or a couch potato, whether you have other pets or if you want to avoid a dog that needs lots of grooming.
If you have your heart set on a certain breed, consider the many rescue organizations devoted to specific breeds. There's one for just about every kind of dog imaginable.
4. Shelter or breeder?
People want a puppy because with a shelter dog, "they think something is broken." Not so, Bainter says. Dogs are often in shelters because their previous owners didn't take the time to train them or exercise them. Ask why the dog is there. The shelters want to make a good match so they'll place a gentle dog with a family and most also offer training classes and veterinary services for free.
If it's a purebred puppy you are buying, look for the parents, Bainter said. If there are parents around to check out, then you won't be supporting a puppy mill and can ensure the dog had enough time with a mother and littermates. Also, you can see the size and temperament of the parents.
5. What are the behavior red flags?
If you are picking a dog out of a crowd at the shelter or among many litter mates, many people become attracted to the shy dog in the corner, feeling that maternal instinct to rescue the lonely-looking one. Don't. The shy guy in the corner turns into a fear biter and they are more likely to lunge at your kids than a mean dog, Bainter says.
You want the dog that is seeking your attention. It's not bossy, but it's not cowering. It has a low wagging tail and a soft look in his eye.
Some other red flags are if the dog jumps up on you repeatedly, especially for large dogs that could hurt kids or elderly people. When you pet him, if he shakes you off, moves away, freezes or growls, he either doesn't enjoy being touched or isn't fond of people.
A good test is to pet the dog and then wait a few seconds to see if he comes back for more. That's an affectionate dog. Another test is to run around. Most dogs will run after you playfully, but avoid the one that wants to jump on you, knock you down or use his mouth.
UPDATE: Yahoo! Shine parenting editor Charlene Prince Birkeland has linked to this article and posted her own, very helpful observations, such as preparing yourself for unexpected costs (Like dropping a couple grand for emergency surgery. Yikes!)
Adoption event
The SPCA Tampa Bay celebrates Christmas in July on Saturday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the animal shelter in Largo, 9099 130th Ave. N, with hundreds of pets, both young and mature, on hand. Adoption fees will be discounted for pets over 6 months of age. Santa and Mrs. Paws will be there for photos with the kids. Pet-related gifts will also be on sale for 20 to 50 percent off.
-- Sharon Kennedy Wynne
Sharon Kennedy Wynne has sunscreen in her blood. She may have been born in Buffalo but she got here as fast as she could, in time for kindergarten. She grew up in St. Petersburg, graduated from the University of Florida journalism school, and even got married at Sunken Gardens. She's one of the few adults we know who actually loves taking her kids to the beach. She has two sons and with 10 years of parenting under her belt, she's starting to feel a little less out of her league. She comes from a large family and loves to debate, so brace yourself when the hot topics come up.
Amy Hollyfield is a workaholic mother of two young
daughters, blessed to have a work-at-home husband who makes their life possible. She was born in Detroit and moved around a lot as a kid (read: Air Force brat). She has lived in Florida since the month after she
graduated from Northwestern University. She lives for the yelps, hugs and kisses that greet her on nights that she makes it home before bedtime.
Sherry Robinson was born in the Sunshine State but she feels more comfortable inside a mall than outside at the beach -- thank goodness her husband is the outdoorsy type. He takes their two sons on night hikes, beach runs and bug hunts while Sherry does her best to take care of the homestead -- and find out what is new on the store shelves. A graduate of the University of South Florida in 19noneofyourbusiness, Sherry has been at the Times for nearly 20 years. And with nearly 10 years of parenting experience, Sherry is eager to offer up some great dish on raising kids and keeping your sanity.
Guest blogger Tracey Henry, a.k.a. Suburban Diva, is a frantic, slightly frazzled mother of four. She is a freelance humor writer and author which is the only thing that parenting four children ages 12-1 trains you for, except perhaps court jester and professional bull rider. She and her husband have lived all over the country, but settled in Florida eight years ago because the beachcombing is so much better here than on the banks of the Mississippi. Their family time includes a lot of sport -- both watching and playing -- and fun in the sun and surf. Catch her in Whoa, Momma! and on her site, 
Sherri Day and her husband welcomed their daughter into the world in early 2008. So far, she describes parenthood as exciting, exhausting and exhilarating. A self-described Southern belle with small-town values and big-city idealism, Sherri was born in rural Georgia. She received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Clark Atlanta University and her master's of journalism from the University of California at Berkeley. She is the Brandon bureau chief for the Times. Sherri moved to Tampa from Brooklyn four years ago.
Dogs are also great security. Even a small dog will bark if something is off. You will not regret it.
Posted by: Kelli | January 27, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Animals r alot of work but more than that a friend & so much joy comes from them but i do agree w/ others kids do need to do there part u could always let them babysit for one & see how that works or try fostering that way ur not locked down trial & error
Posted by: jen | January 27, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Excellent question, Tori! My short answer is the person with the most interest should do the most work, but come back here to the Whoa, Momma blog this afternoon for my longer answer and we'll throw up to the floor for debate.
Posted by: Sharon | October 09, 2008 at 09:45 AM
I don't want a dog but my husband and son do. What should I do?
Posted by: Tori | October 08, 2008 at 11:38 PM
a fence or containment system is an important factor to consider in the cost too if you're considering a larger breed who'll be outside a lot.
Posted by: pudgy pencils | July 25, 2008 at 04:22 PM
This isa terrific post. I hope you don't mind but I would like to link this to my own blog. Thanks for the tips.
Posted by: Doll Clothes Gal | July 25, 2008 at 04:07 PM
A great story. Moms and dads, the cliche is true. Whatever your children say, YOU will be walking the dog. If it's a puppy, it's like another child. Finally (my recommend): Wait until the kids are about age 8 and 10. They're less needy at that age, freeing YOU up to go out and play that game of fetch.
Posted by: Marlene | July 21, 2008 at 02:51 PM