Dogs and children: a potential teaching tool?
Dogs are great companions who encourage physical activity, provide emotional support, and boost mental health. Another benefit of having a dog in a family with young children is… The majority of pet owners (58 percent) agree that their dogs teach their children responsibility, according to a survey conducted by the Pet Product Association in 2011 and 2012.
Sure, but what do the authorities say? In what ways may disciplining a cat help children learn responsibility? The vast majority would say yes, if it was carried out properly.
Make Activities Suitable for Different Age Groups
Although older children and teenagers will be more useful, even the youngest children can pitch in.
Youngsters Can…
Assist you in drying the dog's dinner bowl after you've washed it.
Send you a message when the dog's water bowl is empty.
If you need assistance brushing your dog, let us know. If you don't have a “child-size” brush, hold the bristles together and demonstrate a light, gentle stroke.
Children and Teens Can…
Please assist in refueling the dog's appetite. Give your kid a bowl and some food, already measured out. If you aren't positive that the dog doesn't suffer from food aggression, don't let the kid put down the bowl.
As the day winds down, please assist in stowing the dog's playthings.
Get Fido some exercise! Dogs and kids may both get some exercise and interact with each other by playing active games like fetch, running, or rolling around.
Instruct the dog. Look for a dog training class designed specifically for children, or take a session together.
Go for a stroll with the dog. Verify that they can properly attach the leash to the collar and that the dog will obey their directions. Also, be sure they always use poop bags and that they have plenty to use.
Inspire and instruct
Inculcate Canine Mentality: Children require not only the what and the how, but also the why. Just like your kid, your dog breathes air and needs food and water to stay alive.
Similar physiological and emotional requirements exist. Candi Wingate, president of Care4Hire, advises parents to teach their children the significance of meeting their pet's needs by having them play a role in the process.
Be a Good Example: Role modeling proper dog care is important since even the most conscientious child will make mistakes. These experiences can teach us something as well. You can get the kid thinking about the dog's feelings by questioning why they didn't feed or walk the dog. Work together to devise a strategy for future improvement. Cheryl Orletsky, the founder of Holiday Pet Care and a professional dog trainer, says, “We as parents must be willing to teach, and often the way children learn is by example.” For this reason, “parents must be willing to show the child what proper care for a dog entails and then lovingly remind them over and over again,” she writes.
Make it a Joy, Not a Pain
If a youngster is assigned chores they dislike or do not fully comprehend, they may feel mistreated. Task sharing between parent and child may help a hesitant child feel more involved. Provide positive reinforcement when people help you out. Tell the kid how much you and the dog value their help. Schedule dog playtime or training sessions after you've finished your errands.
