Many first-time prospective pet owners do not know where to start when it comes to getting a puppy for the first time.  If you are looking for a family and kid friendly breed, spaniels and spaniel mixes are naturally lovable and fit right in very easily.

Basics

Adopting a dog is like choosing a new member of the family.  Rather than jump immediately into searching for puppies for sale or looking for free puppies online, it is important to learn the basics in taking care of these furry companions as they are an enormous responsibility for the next 10-20 years of your life.  This process should not be taken very lightly, and potential owners should do their fair share of research before making any decisions.

Puppies, like human babies, are fragile and deserve careful attention. They are dependent on your care and attention. When puppies get sick, it’s your responsibility to take them to vet and have them cared for. They all must be fed well, groomed and given proper exercise. These are all things to consider before you make the decision to bring a puppy home.

Purchase or Adoption

Puppies can be acquired through adoption or purchase and there are a lot of options to do so these days.

If you’re going to buy a purebred puppy, you’ll find that prices do vary according to the dog’s breed. For example, German Shepherd puppies can cost anywhere from $500-$1200+ per pup. Yorkie puppies, on the other hand, may cost around $900- $1800+ depending on the breeder.

You want to be sure you are picking the right puppy for your home environment and one that matches your personality.

If you’d prefer to save a life and adopt a cute puppy that needs a home, there are animal shelters where you can get puppies for free – usually by making a donation of some sort.

Different pet breeds are handled differently and carefully studying each puppy’s personality type will greatly help in making sure you and your puppy get to spend a long fulfilling life together.

Family Dog

Here are some traits to look for when choosing a family friendly dog:

Sturdy: Kids are not always gentle, so you should find a dog who will be patient and resilient for both your dog and the happiness of your child.

Energetic: While sturdy, a good, kid friendly dog should be energetic and should handle not getting exhausted or irritated.

Intelligent: It’s important to train your dog, especially around children.  Your dog should know that no means no, especially for your kid’s safety.

Friendly: A family friendly dog should be friendly and open.  Avoid impatient, nervous, or violent breeds.

Spaniels make the perfect family pet.  Here are some that we recommend.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the perfect family dog and very dependent on human companionship.  Most cavaliers are polite and peaceful with everyone.  They are sweet tempered, with potential to be timid.  Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies need plenty of early socialization to build a confident, outgoing temperament.  They are independent and soft-tempered, and always willing to please.  They respond well to training as long as they respect you.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels make good family dogs, especially when socialized and trained when they are a puppy.  Some cockers are sensitive and need gentle handly, but they are typically happy and friendly dogs.  Cockers are energetic and love being outdoors, but equally happy inside.  They love playing with children and adore being with their family.

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel are a great family dog.  They are social and loving.  They tend to have a lot of energy and need a large, safe yard to run around in.  They love children of every size and bond with new family members quickly.  English Springer Spaniels are people oriented and would rather be with people that anywhere.  They are loyal and loving and aim to please.

Cockapoo

Cockapoos are hypoallergenic which makes them a great family dog  especially for family members with allergies.  Like Cocker Spaniels, they are naturally very inquisitive and friendly with both humans and other animals.  They need a lot of training however to stop jumping on people.  They are an intelligent breed and get that genetic from poodles, making them easy to train.  Cockapoos are bred to be companion dogs, making them a perfect family pet.  They are loving and very loyal.

For more information about Cockapoos, visit www.cockapoohq.com

Different pet breeds are handled differently.  Carefully study each breed you are interested in and pay attention to the puppy’s personality type.  This will greatly help in your decision making and ensure that you and your puppy get to spend a long and fulfilling life together.

While research is helpful, you never know the responsibility of pet ownership until actually owning a pet.  You can never be too prepared.  You might also consider insurance, for those who want peace of mind in case of pet illness.  Pets give us unconditional love.  We should also do our best to give it back.