Do remember, a dog is NOT a toy. Just because your child has been hankering for one, do not gift him or her a puppy unless the whole family is ready to have one. If you or your spouse dislike dogs or fear them, how will you rear one? If you are not committed to raising a dog, it’s unfair to bring one home. Secondly, does your child really want a dog? Or is s/he asking for one because a friend has one? Don’t make an impulsive decision. Talk to your child, probe gently, make him/her understand it’s a long-term commitment. If your child is six years or more, take him/her to a dog shelter and let the child interact with puppies. Let the child get used to petting and playing with pups. Thirdly, while dogs can help teach a child responsibility, patience, understanding and kindness, no young child is competent enough to train or take over the complete care of a puppy or dog. It is the parents who must take responsibility for the pet. You could teach the child to groom the pet, even clean up after the pet, give the dog its meals (after you have portioned it out) and help you when you bathe the dog. But, as mentioned earlier, a child cannot take a dog for a walk alone.