Are your children starting to pressure you to get a puppy? Many parents have heard the begging before. It's easy to see why the children want a dog. Dogs are cute, fun, and they offer friendship when someone is feeling lonely. However, dogs can also be a huge mess. Plus, the kids will promise to take care of the dog, but most parents assume that the majority of the burden will fall on them. If you're on the fence, learning more can help you make the right decision for you and your family. In addition, there’s many choices to make. Is it better to adopt a puppy or a fully grown dog? Which breed will make for the best family pet? How do you find a dog to adopt? Figuring out all of the answers will let you make a smart decision.

Adopting a Puppy

Despite the excitement, it's important to plan properly before adopting a dog. The first thing to consider is the cost of adopting a dog. The dog itself may cost a significant amount of money. While there are often offers of free puppies out there, many of these are odd situations and the health of the dog can be questionable. Of course, you'll also need to consider the cost of shots and getting the dog fixed. Don't forget that the dog may need to go to the vet in the future as well. If you are confident you can afford to properly care for the animal, the next thing you want to consider is the dog's home. Will it have enough space? Do you have the things you need to keep the dog comfortable? If you have a good place to house a dog, the next things that you'll need to consider are where you will adopt the dog and what type of dog you will get.

Rescue Adoptions

There are a number of dogs who end up abandoned or mistreated. When these dogs are saved from their situations, they may be lucky enough to be put up for adoption as a rescue. If you plan to adopt a dog, it's a good idea to adopt a rescue dog. In some situations, these dogs may be put down if they don't find a home soon. You never know what type of dog you will find at a rescue. In some situations, you might not find a newborn puppy or a full breed. However, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with mixed breeds. They can be the cutest. Some rescue dogs may also have emotional problems. Take the time to help them get comfortable with you and their new home by doing what you can to make them feel at home and being patient. With enough time and love, your rescue dog will learn to love you and your family with all their furry heart.

Good Family Breeds

If you have a family, especially with young children, you should consider getting a dog that is known for being good with children. That is not to say that any breed can't learn to live well with children, but sometimes being safe is the best option. Some of the best breeds for children include:

• Beagles - Beagles are on the small side, meaning that they won't knock anyone over. They're also energetic and love the outdoors, making them the great dog to play with the kids at the park.
• Collie - Collies are particularly smart and easy to train. This is great if you want the children to help with the training process. If there’s one downside, they can be shed a lot.
• Retriever - Golden and Labrador retrievers are protective, smart, and, more importantly, patient. They will not only tolerate the children but become very close with them.