which pet

[poppie]

have been thinking about getting a pet for my 4 year old son but not sure which one or is he to young.

[Clanad]

Every boy needs a dog... Golden Retrievers are excellent, depending on your circumstances... they do need some room...

[cassimer]

Guinea pigs do bite! Have nice little scar to prove it..
(Wasn't mine!)

[dmsjps]

Hi Poppie,

 

I agree with In A Pickle, that a child is never too young to have (and care for) a pet. A pet gives them valuable learning curves and prepares them for life in every way: loving/sharing/respecting/grieving ... the list is endless - and it gives them a sense of responsibility.

 

I think a guinea pig is perfect too: they are lovely animals, but they do get lonely if they're not handled often.

 

I also think a dog is perfect - but it has to be the right type of dog with the right type of temperament, otherwise it will be a lost cause. I agree with Clanad, that Golden Retrievers are excellent (although only if you have lots of space for them to run around in), but so are Labradors: they are so faithful and loving, especially with children. If you get such a dog, you will probably find your son and the dog form a very special bond with one another. Also, Labradors tend to be less 'skitzy' than other breeds (which is probably one reason they use them for guide dogs more than other breeds), which will help with your average four year old boy!

 

Having said all this, how much time do you want to devote to your son's pet? For example, a guinea pig will proably take approx 2 hours a day for 3-5 years; a Labrador will be there with you all the time you are downstairs and for probably at least 10 years. That said, the return on investment is well worth it - but only if you are a dog lover yourself! Also consider feeding bills, vets bills, etc.

 

Good luck, I hope your son enjoys his new pet.

[woofgang]

Every one has kind of hinted at it, but no one has said it. Any pet that you get for a 4 year old is going to basically be your pet. Yes they will help to care for it under supervision and yes it is a wonderful thing for a child to grow up with an animal. But for the moment, I think that you need to think about what you have time (or inclination) to care for. Both morally and practically it will be your responsibility!! 

[ursula62]

Gerbils are recommended for small children, even those with asthma. They are gentle and rarely bite, they don't shed much fur and are very clean animals.

[Englishbird]

Sorry but i can't bear guinea pigs.  just don't get them at all.

Think Rat is a fab idea for a little boy, if you're not squemish about them.  They are very sociable.

[smudge]

Personally, I would go for a Gerbil or a Guinea Pig.

[kick3m0n]

if you are thinking about a rodent, by far the best option is a  rat.  They are very intelligent and can 'learn" things...eg mine liked a swim in the bath, or used to play chase up our stairs., so your son will enjoy teaching it things (eg lego mazes for it to run thru) You need to spend time socialising them but they are extremely friendly and none of mine ever bit anyone. They are also very clean and I found they smell rather less than some rodents.