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RSS for Little Kids, Big CityThe line my daughter remembered this morning, from Obama's speech last night? "You have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House."
Check out American Kennel Club's recommendations for White-House-friendly dogs for the First Family, at http://www.presidentialpup.com.
UPDATE: More on the controversy (controversy? Of course, controversy) over selecting a presidential pup here at the NY Times. Is it elitist to choose a purebred?
I would like to point out (the above article doesn't) that many rescue organizations do not allow you to adopt if you've got kids under age 10 or 12 at home. That restriction does limit your puppy picks, although I understand the reasoning: If a dog wasn't socialized to be around kids (i.e. puppy mill, abused, neglected), the rescue organization is concerned about possible aggressive behavior towards children.
I've checked into several rescues and have been disappointed in the options; and many local shelters have similar restrictions. That said, the shelters have plenty of pit bulls for adoption, if that's the sort of family dog you're seeking. Once again, for families with kids over age 10 or 12.
If you know of a local shelter or rescue organization willing to place dogs with young families (i.e. with toddlers, preschoolers and elementary-age kids), will you post the info?Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Comments
Post a commentI am a firm beliver in temperment testing. It doesn't matter whether the dog is a pure bred, rescued or from a breeder, or a mute. Temperment testing by an experienced tester or dog behaviorist can mean the difference between getting a nasty problem or a wonderful companion. And the dog who would be a problem in one household may be a wonderful companion to another. The dog's temperment has to match the family's.
I've read many articles, offers made, and think the Obamas would do well to listen, as all have part of the truth to tell, and these "dog people" (the experts, I mean) really know their stuff.
I have experience living with dogs for 24 yrs now. I am not an expert, but offer this advice:
I agree with those who are in the know about dogs and are offering a YOUNG DOG WITH A SWEET TEMPERAMENT to the First Family, rather than a puppy. There is much on the Obamas' plate right now; training a puppy is a huge task, is important, and temperament is not as obvious, but is also highly important. Children will choose by looks, but in the end, will be able to love most any dog's looks.
However, children LOVE puppies, so in a year or so, when things settle down a bit for the family, someone who tests temperaments could OK a puppy to be a companion to the first Obama dog. I think a dog needs another dog to play with when adults and children are busy. The older dog can be a tremendous help in supporting the training. (If you get two dogs right away, they don't bond as well to the humans in the family. If they are too far apart in age, they don't play as well with each other.)
These suggestions have been gleaned from one person's experience, but one with a lot of experience! Thanks for listening.
Kate
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