Big Question: My Five-year-old Keeps Asking For A Puppy? Should We Get Her One?

There are tremendous benefits to having a child grow up with a pet. The experience teaches responsibility and empathy, not to mention providing connection and love. Research also shows that children who live with animals are less likely to have allergies or asthma.

With that said, there is much to consider before bringing a puppy into the household. A puppy is a ton of work and requires constant adult supervision, especially in the first year. According to the American Academy Of Pediatrics, in their article, Never Leave Dogs Young Children Alone Together, families should wait until a child is four-years-old before getting a dog.

While your daughter may be at the ideal age - because children by this time have begun to understand boundaries and can be taught what is appropriate behavior around an animal - the adults in the household must be willing to spend time training both the puppy and the child.

Having recently added a puppy to my own household, I can say enthusiastically, it has been totally worth the effort!!