Thinking about adding a dog to your family? It’s a big decision — and a brilliant one for lots of families, once you’ve thought it through properly. In this video, Jill from Mykidstime shares her tips on choosing the best family dog and the key things to consider before you bring one home.
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Before You Get a Family Dog
Getting a dog is a long-term commitment for the whole household, not just a lovely surprise for the kids. Before you start browsing breeders or shelters, it’s worth sitting down as a family and talking through a few practical questions:
- Who will be responsible for day-to-day care — walks, feeding, grooming and vet visits?
- How much space and time do you realistically have for a dog’s exercise and attention needs?
- Does everyone in the house want a dog, and is anyone worried, nervous, or dealing with allergies?
- What’s your daily routine like — long days out at work or school, or more time at home?
Watching the video above is a great starting point, as it walks through these considerations in a friendly, practical way before you commit.
Choosing the Right Dog for Your Family
Every family is different, and the “best” family dog really depends on your own lifestyle, home size, and the age of your children. Some things worth thinking about when choosing a dog include:
- Energy levels — some dogs need lots of daily exercise, others are happy with shorter walks.
- Size and temperament — how a dog’s size and nature might fit with young children or a smaller home.
- Grooming needs — some breeds need regular brushing or professional grooming, others are lower maintenance.
- Where the dog comes from — reputable breeders and rescue organisations can help match you with a dog suited to family life.
If you’re still narrowing down your options, our related articles below go into more detail on specific breeds and family experiences.
Settling a New Dog Into Family Life
Once you’ve decided a dog is right for your family, a little preparation goes a long way:
- Involve children in getting ready — choosing a bed, bowls, or toys can help them feel part of the process.
- Set simple house rules early, so everyone (including the dog) knows what’s expected.
- Give your new dog time to settle in gently, especially in the first few days at home.
- Keep early interactions between young children and the dog supervised until everyone is comfortable.
More Dog Articles from Mykidstime
If you’re weighing up whether a dog is right for your family, these related reads might help:
- Top 10 Dog Breeds That Will Love Your Kids as Much as You
- 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got a Family Dog
- 9 Reasons Why Getting a Family Dog Is the Best Idea Ever
- Benefits of Having a Dog for Kids
- Top Tips for Families Considering Getting a Dog
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we consider before getting a family dog?
Think about your household’s daily routine, how much time and space you have, who will take on day-to-day care, and whether everyone at home is on board and comfortable around dogs.
How do I choose the best dog breed for my family?
Consider the dog’s energy levels, size, temperament and grooming needs alongside your own lifestyle and home. Speaking to reputable breeders or rescue organisations can also help you find a good match.
Is it a good idea to get a dog with young children in the house?
Many families successfully raise dogs alongside young children, but it works best when interactions are supervised early on and the whole family is involved in caring for the dog.
How can we help a new dog settle in?
Prepare your home in advance, keep the first few days calm and predictable, set clear house rules early, and give your new dog time to adjust at its own pace.
Share Your Family Dog Tips
Do you have a family dog already? We’d love to hear what breed you chose and what tips you’d pass on to other families thinking about getting a dog — share your experience in the comments.
Looking for More Family Life Ideas?
Browse our other family life articles for more practical tips, real parent experiences, and ideas to make everyday family decisions a little easier.
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