Weakend: Kids And Dogs

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My dog has had a pretty big impact on my life. We’re best buddies, but then again he’s best buddies with everyone. Sometimes he listens to me sometimes he doesn’t. He can be a pain, and make a mess but in the end he’s worth it.

I hear all the time from parents about kids. They complain about how they don’t listen, are needy, and blah blah blah. Then they talk about how they might discipline the kid, whether they do it or not. I’ve even listened to some podcasts where economists talk about raising their children. It’s led me to one very simple conclusion: kids and dogs are as alike as humans are to chimps. When I speak of kids, generally I mean they are like dogs up until the age of 5 or so.

Many parents will be quick to tell me I’m wrong. This is likely very much true, I concede that. The problem is no one has yet explained to me exactly what makes it so much harder. I’m not interested in a debate in this forum. I’m just sending a message out to all parents who complain about their kids. Do a better job complaining because right now you don’t have me convinced.

Either you’re being more dramatic than necessary, or you aren’t good at making your case.

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By The Weakonomist

The Weakonomist is the founder of Weakonomics. Clicking the picture of the puppy will tell you more about him. If you like what you're reading consider subscribing to the blog, following him on Twitter, and checking out the related posts below. Please consider a donation if you really enjoy Weakonomics. Also keep in mind that nothing I say can be construed as financial advice.

categories: personal, weakend

MJW

Ahh, the innocence of the childless.
DaveCHS

MJW gave about the best answer possible. But if you want more details…

Do you have to change a dog’s diapers for the first three years of his life?

Do you have to endlessly monitor your dog to ensure that he doesn’t seriously harm himself as he learns to walk, run, climb stairs, eat solid food, etc?

Are you able to leave your dog at home alone for a period of time while you run errands, or do you have to take him everywhere?

I’ve heard of dog kennels, do they have child kennels?

Do you face criminal charges if you neglect your dog?

Can you just let your three-year-old dog out in the backyard to run around unmonitored, or do you have to be out there with him all the time to ensure his safety?

I’ve heard of electric dog fences. I wonder if I could install one of those and then put the shock collar on my kid?

I’d write more, but it’s late and I’ve spent the entire day with a two-year-old and a five-year-old. Parents out there will understand. I imagine the dog owners probably won’t read this until tomorrow though, after they work off the hangover from their night out at the bar watching football while they left the dog at home alone.
http://twitter.com/CheckAdvantage Check Advantage

As a parent and dog owner I can tell you these are some major differences.

Dave has already made some good points – and I know you don’t want a debate – So I will give you just one.

- It takes dogs 2.5 weeks to learn to poop outside, but it takes kids 2.5 years to stop pooping their pants.

Anonymous

You also help make one of my points. By the time a kid can walk and talk and poop in a bathroom, they are much more self-sufficient than a dog. Of course you can’t leave the kid alone like you can a dog, so I consider these points a wash.

dog forum

Dog meat is consumed in some East Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Vietnam, a practice that dates back to antiquity.[61] It is estimated that 13–16 million dogs are killed and consumed in Asia every year.

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