Would getting a dog help my dc?

[Elsbels00]

We've been thinking about getting a dog for quite a while. I know what a massive responsibility it is and that's why we've never really gone for it.

Both of my children 10yo and 16yo struggle a bit socially at times and I'm wondering whether a pet would bring some joy to their lives. 10yo especially is such an animal lover

I certainly wouldn't be expecting them to take care of it of course, my 16yo is pretty busy anyway.

But a pet to love might be good for everyone. I can rem her being a teenager myself and my pets were always a great comfort to me. All those evening dog walks when I was feeling fed up.

From my own experience getting our Lab was the best thing we ever did for my son. He was diagnosed aspergers in his early teens and was incredibly socially anxious, struggling with everyday life and withdrawn. When our dog arrived he had no choice really but to take him out and overcome his anxiety. Done slowly and bit by bit he got to know so many of the neighbours and really came out of his shell and the difference our dog made to his life is beyond anything I imagined and hoped for. He's also fantastic at helping my son (now 21) at decompressing and relaxing when days have been tough for him.
If you can manage, have given it a huge amount of serious thought and definitely have a space and time in your lives for one I wouldn't hesitate in recommending one for you and your family. I thank the day our boy came into our lives, he's hard work at times and an absolute big daftie but he is worth 10 times his weight in gold in our home, we adore him.

Do it, you'll make it work, they are the best company (and keep you active, too). Once settled a couple of mornings being left isn't an issue. I watch mine through a camera & you can hear him snoring when we're out - pretty sure he relishes the chance to sprawl out & enjoy a few hours peace! As long as they're walked, fed & loved, you'll have the best companion in the world 💛

Of course you can have a dog and be out a couple of mornings a week. We got a puppy last summer and I do a long day in the office once or twice a week
I just drop her at the dog sitter when I go to work. The dog sitters are a couple who work from home with their dog and maybe one other client dog and have a garden. Then my husband picks our dog up on the way home.

Some people are reacting as if you'll be leaving a tiny puppy alone all day. We didn't know what to expect at first either but you read and research and learn both before getting the dog and as you go.
I found the Facebook group dog training advice and support brilliant - they have these guides which are pretty much a step by step to what you want to know and expect to start with and suggestions of other vetted resources that aren't batshit.

That does depend on your dog and your location though. We're fairly rural and nowhere around would take a puppy under 6 months, unreliably house trained (it took a while!) and not yet neutered.