I AM LOOKING FOR A KING CHARLES OR SIMILAR BREED FOR MY DAUGHTER WHO IS 6 IN NOVEMBER. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY GUIDANCE TOWARDS APPROPRIATE BREEDERS AND COSTS IN THE NORTH OF ENGLAND.

MY EMAIL IS Gary_Peacock@hotmail.com

0113 2721815 home number

Hi guest, sorry, I dont think you will like my reply, and I dont mean to be rude, but why the heck do you want to buy a 6 year old a dog? She is not old enough to walk it or feed it, or look after it if it is ill. Soon the novelty will wear off. You will have to train the dog, clean up after the dog etc. Why not buy her a electronic one that woofs and wags its tail..much easier and more sensible for a six year old

Sorry Philippa,
But I bought two pups from the same litter for each of my daughters ages two and six. Knowing full well that I would be the primary caregiver. I made sure I spent lots of time teaching the kids how to play, train, and groom their dogs. Of course they don't do the everyday dog care routine and I knew they wouldn't. My kids have learned so much from having their dogs and have gained much confidence and understanding of animals. I feel much joy seeing them together. If this guest understands that he will have to be the primary caretaker of the pup, and be willing to teach his child the ins and outs of owning a dog then I say go for it! ( I do realize that many parents do not think this whole "pet for the birthday" thing through, but I hope to give this guy the benefit of doubt)----(fingers crossed).

Carissa

Oops sorry Carissa, no offence intended. Perhaphs I should have been more general in my comments. Generally speaking I still dont think its a good idea, buying a dog for a child that young. Obviously there are cases where it works well,like yours, but overall to me its a no no. (humble pie being eaten for breakfast)

My mom was always brutally honest.... no puppy for us kids because she knew she'd be the one taking care of it and bonding with it :) We had puppies and dogs around, but they were "hers." :D :D :D Guinea pigs and hooded rats???? those were our lot :D :D

I do think it makes it easier when the children leave the nest to know that the dog is the parents or the 'household's'. I run into a lot of young adults who talk about "their" dog, but it's been at home for its entire life with the parents while the "owner" went on to college, apartment living or life in general. Rarely are there any plans to move the animal. Usually due to age and increased care :)

But there is this odd look of possession which sometimes shifts into realization that the dog knows who it's real 'owners' are :D :D Yep, love to burst the bubbles... I'm such a spoilsport at times :D :D :D Actually, because the parents took care of the puppy during the growing period, there is little understanding how much work was done to raise it. The 'young adult' thinks that dog care is so simple and easy in those early months. :rolleyes:

Hey Phillipa,
You can stop eating that "humble pie". I know that you know, with all of the experience you have with dogs, that kids and dogs in the "right " circumstances can be done sucessfully. I was just trying to get the original poster to really think about the situation (get what I mean?) So hopefully it can be a sucess for him and his daughter.
And Sara ( I love when people call you Toodles! Heehee!),
I agree with what you say about pets being left behind by their "owner".
In my case my dogs have bonded with each of their girls. I make them do a lot of the potty training and also basic commands. It is amazing how well it has worked for us. Right now my 5 year old is playing with our newest addition (14 week male tri-color sheltie, can see him on the Cleo pages). The kids take turns taking him out during the day. He is so great with them, when they get up in the morning his whole body lights up at the sight of them. It is such a joy. And all of it comes about by taking that little bit of extra time to teach the kids how to care for an animal properly.

Carissa

Hi carissa, Thanks for the reply. Your two girls sound like lovely sensible kids, who enjoy your pets just as much as you do :D

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