As the city thaws after a seemingly endless winter, the parks are again filling with stir-crazy adults, kids and canines alike, enjoying their first warm outdoor ventures of the season.
It’s a magical time of year that leaves parents wondering if now is the time to add to their happy brood — with a dog.
The benefits of a family Fido are plentiful, especially for NYC tykes.
“For a child to have someone like that in a big city is very comforting,” says Bijan Samawat, a Brooklyn-based dog trainer who operates B&B Dogworks.
But chances are your kid will forget the dog even exists when you pop in a “Frozen” DVD. Our experts reveal how to tell if your mini-me is ready for a furry companion.
3 signs your kid is ready for a dog
She behaves herself around other people’s dogs: Age is just a number – It’s your child’s behavior around canines that really counts. When you visit a friend who has a dog, does she try to pull Fido’s tail or does she wait patiently for the dog to approach her first?
He helps out around the house: Is your kid conscientious about existing chores? If so, he’ll likely be good about taking care of a dog — no matter what his age. While a 3-year-old can’t be expected to walk a dog, they can set down a dish for feeding.
“Look overall at what level of responsibility your child is ready for,” says Denise Daniels, a child development and parenting expert. “If you see them being helpful, they’re at a perfect age for a dog.”
She’s done her research: “Is your kid a super active teenager who wants to deal with getting up every couple of hours to take a puppy out, or a couch potato who might prefer hanging out with a senior dog on their lap all day?” asks Sara Alize Cross, founder and president of Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue.
If she’s taken questions such as these into consideration and done research into the temperaments of different breeds, or even the benefits of an adult rescue dog, it’s an indicator of responsibility.
3 signs your kid isn’t ready for a dog
He’s hyper and easily distracted: While both shy and outgoing kids can make good caretakers, those with too much pent-up energy may prove hazardous around a family pet.
“Some kids run around like chickens with their heads cut off,” says Cross.
If he discards toys on a whim, he’s likely not prepared to make a commitment. “You want to make sure the kid understands this isn’t just a toy,” Cross adds.
She’s about to become a big sister: If you’re expecting, it might not be the best time to add more responsibility to your soon-to-be-chaotic household, though plenty do. “You don’t realize how overwhelming it will be, no matter how many people tell you,” says Daniels of a growing household.
At the very least, skip the puppy and adopt an older, well-behaved rescue dog, adds Samawat.
Her schedule is already full of commitments: If you and your kids are already maxed out on soccer games, band practice and math tutors, then hold off on the new addition for now.
“The main thing you need is time,” says Samawat. “I get a lot of people who have a lot of money, but they don’t have time to walk the dog, take care of the dog, to train the dog.”
If becoming a dog owner is important to your child, she will need to prioritize her commitments and see which ones she’s willing to sacrifice in return for a furry friend.