14. How to Choose a Family Dog

Parenting Kids and Dogs 101

Overview - How to Choose a Dog

• Focus on the individual dog more than a specific breed
• Pick a friendly, confident dog who approaches your kids happily.
• Listen to my Pooch Parenting Podcast episode about how to pick a shelter dog for families with kids.
• See if you can foster-to-adopt or do a trial adoption. This option allows you to live with a dog for a few weeks to see if you are a good fit.
• Be aware that some shelters and rescue organizations do not adopt to families with children of any age. Some adopt to families with kids within a certain age range.

How to Choose a Dog that's a Good Fit For Your Family

• Know what you can afford. Here are some of the costs associated with having a dog:
  • the adoption or purchase price
  • veterinary care
  • quality food, treats, chews and toys
  • grooming costs (some breeds need to be groomed every 4-6 weeks)
• Be honest about your lifestyle. Are you active, preferring to go hiking or backpacking? Or are you more of a game night family, preferring to stay home and play board games? Your companion dog should match the lifestyle you currently live (not the lifestyle you wish you had!)
• Is your family calm or bustling, with a constant flow of houseguests or visitors? Are you the home that hosts the PTA parties and scout troop meetings? Your dog's personality should be compatible with the level of activity in your home.
• Shy or nervous dogs prefer to live in a quieter and more stable home. It would be their worst nightmare to have to attend your kids' weekly soccer games or other sports matches.

Dog Breeds well suited to family life

• I know I said earlier that you should focus more on the individual dog than the breed, in particular, that was only partially true.
• Breeds tend to have behavioral traits that can be fairly predictable due to their long history of being bred for specific characteristics.
• But it's crucial to note that there is individual variation within every breed, just as there are personality differences between siblings in any family. Some may be more "introverted" while others want to enthusiastically greet every creature they meet.
• If you want to pick a pure bred dog, choose one who was bred to be sociable with people.
• The "gun dog" group is a good example of dogs who were bred to work alongside people. This group includes retrievers, labradors, spaniels, setters and more.
• Gun dogs tend to be enthusiastic team players, but they can be hard to live with because of their long youth before maturation and their high levels of energy. Many people love their friendly nature but are unprepared for their high energy levels.
• Other breeds that tend to be good with families include the cavalier King Charles spaniel, beagle, basset, havanese, boxer and Bernese mountain dog.

It's only natural for questions about our kids and dogs to arise from time to time, especially as our babies grow up and our dogs mature. And if I'm being honest, it's not really worth asking for free advice from friends or online because you can't rely on the accuracy of the feedback you are getting. If you'd like to learn more about The Pooch Parenting Society, where I offer practical life and science-based tips and strategies, ongoing support and a safe place to share, head on over to www.safekidsanddogs.com. From one parent to another, I see you and I promise, you're not alone.
If you have questions about your kids and dogs or would like to book an appointment, participate in a group coaching program or take an online class, visit my website: www.poochparenting.net