Involve them. Don't just let them decide, but involve them.

I know all kids are different, but I've found that even kids who think they like surprises, don't really. Even when it's a great thing, the surprise is stressful and can evoke surprising emotions. Plus you deprive them of the joy of looking forward to something and imagining what it will be like -- kids actually really like that part (so do grownups).

We (parents) decided on breed. We’re a Lab family and haven't deviated since kids. Before kids we had others. We let the kids choose the color. We let the kids help in choosing the puppy - but in all honesty, we steered them to the ones we were most happy with. We’re a multi dog family so we’ve done this a bunch of times with our kids. We’ve All loved our new dog experiences.

How old are they? We kept our son busy for weeks having him research types of dogs for the family and where to get one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I took them to the shelter but made the final choice as they wanted any and every dog. I regret letting them have say in naming the dog but it's not that big of a deal.

Is your dog’s name Bikini?

Lol, no but that's cute, I'd call it Kini. Think more ridiculous, like Doctor Princess Peppermint Twinkles Esq.

Anonymous wrote:I took them to the shelter but made the final choice as they wanted any and every dog. I regret letting them have say in naming the dog but it's not that big of a deal.

Is your dog’s name Bikini?

Anonymous wrote:We decided. We knew we wanted a dog with hair rather than fur, under 20 lbs, and one that minimally sheds. We were not going to let our kids pick a golden retriever or German shepherd for example.

I 100% decided. My husband wanted a dog. I wanted a small, no shed, dog that was cute. I wasn't doing a rescue either as I am scared of dogs. If you don't care, then sure, but I cared.

I took them to the shelter but made the final choice as they wanted any and every dog. I regret letting them have say in naming the dog but it's not that big of a deal.

We decided. We knew we wanted a dog with hair rather than fur, under 20 lbs, and one that minimally sheds. We were not going to let our kids pick a golden retriever or German shepherd for example.

Anonymous wrote:I think of our pets as members of the family and want to be sure everyone gets along. I would not surprise. My daughter picks out all of our pets from the animal shelter after a meet and greet.

Pets have preferences. I've seen shy dogs come out of their shell with the right person.

Whether or not it’s a surprise I would get a hard commitment from them before you get the dog about what their involvement would be in the care of dog. We got our kids to promise they would each share equally in walks. Once you have the dog you have no leverage and they will refuse to do anything they aren’t in the mood for. Right now you have leverage.

Surprising my kids with a puppy when they were younger is one of our family’s best memories. I told the kids we had a surprise for them after school. They were guessing things like ice cream, a new game, etc. We brought the puppy with us to pick them up from the school carpool line. DH was driving and the puppy was in my lap. The kids got in the car and immediately asked what the surprise was. They were speechless and beyond thrilled.

Sadly, that puppy went to dog heaven a year ago. My kids are now teens and we initially involved them in the dog choice, but if it were up to them, we would have gotten a golden retriever or a doodle. We have a busy family and there’s no way we have the time for a high energy dog that needs lots of walks. The kids aren’t the ones taking care of the dog (most of the time) so they don’t get the final vote on the dog. They’ve adored every dog we’ve owned even though they had no say in picking them.

I volunteer at an animal shelter. I’d highly recommend letting your kids be part of the decision, especially if you are looking at dogs older than puppies. Not only do you get their input, the experience of taking their new pet home is so amazing for the families I see adopting!

Surprise. Kids are kids, not equal members of the family - they are not the ones who will be taking care of the dog, feeding it, walking it, training it, taking it to the vet, making decisions about treatment, etc

I think of our pets as members of the family and want to be sure everyone gets along. I would not surprise. My daughter picks out all of our pets from the animal shelter after a meet and greet.

The kids have been asking for a dog for ages and we are starting to narrow it down to a few. Not sure whether to involve them at this point (not sure if they can meet them as Petfinder is so tricky and some are far) or surprise them with the dog. Any thoughts from those who have btdt welcome!