Top Benefits of Dogs for Children’s Health and Well-being.
- Caring for a dog can teach a child to be responsible. A dog requires daily care which can aid in the development of routine and discipline in a child’s life.
- Caring for and playing with a dog encourages a child to be physically active. In today’s digital age, there is an increasing need to encourage children to move outdoors and get some exercise.
- A dog companion can help to alleviate loneliness. Every child needs a friend and in some situations, a dog may help to fill the need for friendship while other friendships are being built.
- A dog can teach a child empathy and compassion. Your child will learn to identify with a dog’s expressions of joy, sorrow, guilt, and other emotions.
Many of us remember the classic “a boy and his dog” stories that we read in middle school. We read about the boy and his dog who conquered their world while developing an intimate friendship.
Even so, is dog ownership for children always a good idea? What are some things to consider before buying a dog for your child? What are the advantages of dog ownership for children? And how do you begin your search for a dog that will fit your child? Keep reading for the answers to these questions and more!
Essential Things to Consider When Getting a Dog for Kids
One of the first questions to ask is, “Is my child old enough to responsibly care for a dog?” A dog requires a significant amount of care, especially in the training stage. Has your child reached the developmental stage necessary to feed the dog regularly, clean up after the dog, and perform other basic tasks that are important to dog ownership? If not, that responsibility will fall on you.
This brings us to our second question. Do you have time to care for a dog? Properly caring for a dog may take as much time as caring for a child. There will be visits to the vet, vaccination shots, dog walks, keeping the dog’s bed clean, obedience training, crate training, etc. If your schedule is already full, can you responsibly bring a dog into the picture?
Do you have the financial resources to properly care for a dog? In addition to time investment, a well-cared-for dog will require a significant financial investment. There will be housing (possibly an outdoor dog kennel), vet visits, food, toys and treats, pet sitting, and other expenses that should be taken into consideration.
If you’ve been able to work through all of the above issues, then you’re ready to consider the reasons for buying a dog for your child. If you are looking for advice on how to train a dog before you buy one, check out our blog for some extra tips.
Here’s a chart we’ve put together for you, listing the top pros and cons of buying a dog for your child.
Pros & Cons Of Buying A Dog For Your Child
| Pros of Having a Dog for Children | Cons of Having a Dog for Children |
|---|---|
| Emotional Support: Dogs can provide comfort and companionship, helping to reduce anxiety and loneliness. | Responsibility: Owning a dog requires commitment and responsibility, which might be challenging for young children. |
| Physical Activity: Regular walks and playtime with a dog encourage children to stay active, promoting better physical health. | Time Commitment: Caring for a dog requires daily time and effort, which can be demanding for busy families. |
| Social Skills Development: Interacting with dogs can help children develop empathy, patience, and communication skills. | Allergies: Some children may have or develop allergies to dogs, which can cause health issues. |
| Learning Responsibility: Children learn responsibility by taking part in feeding, grooming, and caring for a dog. | Cost of Care: Owning a dog can be expensive due to food, grooming, and veterinary care. |
| Increased Family Bonding: Activities involving the family dog, like walking or playing, can strengthen family bonds. | Potential Safety Risks: If not properly trained or supervised, dogs may unintentionally harm young children, especially if they play roughly. |
| Protection: Dogs can provide a sense of security and protection for the family and children. | Space Requirements: Some dog breeds require a lot of space, which can be challenging for families in smaller homes or apartments. |
Choosing a dog for your child
If you are convinced that your child would benefit from a canine companion, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a dog.
- Consider the size of the dog vs. the age of your child. A larger aggressive dog may not be a good fit for very young children. On the other hand, a small fragile dog may not respond well to the handling of a young child. Regardless of the age of your child or the size of your dog, your child and his or her new pet will require some training on how to get along.
- Consider the size of your house and yard. If you live in a single-family home with a large backyard, a high-energy dog that needs lots of exercise may be a good fit for you and your children. But if you live in a small apartment, choose a dog that can thrive in a smaller space with fewer walks per day. An insulated dog kennel can greatly expand your options when it comes to housing your dog.
- Be sure to check for allergies. If you have a specific dog in mind, it would be wise to allow your child to spend some time with that dog before making a purchase. Any dog can cause an allergic reaction regardless of the fur type. Be on the lookout for sneezing, watery eyes, or other signs of an allergic reaction during the trial period.
- If you are buying your dog from a commercial dog kennel or pet shop, you may need to pay special attention to how your new dog relates to children. A puppy that’s been raised in a family setting will more easily adapt to being around children.
- Before you bring your new puppy home think about investing in a puppy kennel. You and your new family pet will benefit from a dedicated resting place for your puppy.)
Summary
Inviting a dog into your family requires careful consideration and planning. If you are willing to plan carefully and make the required time and financial investment, your child will potentially experience a lifetime of benefits resulting from sharing life with a canine friend.
Check Out Other Resources!
Other Blog Posts...
How To Prevent Kennel Cough
Whether you run a dog boarding business, a veterinary clinic, or a grooming facility, or you’re a pet owner whose dog has visited one of those places, you’ve probably heard of kennel cough. This highly contagious respiratory illness found in dogs can spread quickly where lots of dogs congregate, like dog kennels in a dog boarding business or at a dog park. In this blog, we’re here to provide you with everything you need to know about how to prevent kennel cough to ensure your dogs remain happy and healthy.
Whether you run a dog boarding business, a veterinary clinic, or a grooming facility, or you’re a pet owner whose dog has visited one of those places, you’ve probably heard of kennel cough. This highly contagious respiratory illness found in dogs can spread quickly where lots of dogs congregate, like dog kennels in a dog boarding business or at a dog park. In this blog, we’re here to provide you with everything you need to know about how to prevent kennel cough to ensure your dogs remain happy and healthy.
