There are three types of family’s out there; ones that love pets, ones that hate them, and ones that are on the fence. I hope that after reading this article, the latter two types can entertain the idea of owning a dog of their own, and how it can be extremely beneficial for a young child to learn important skills through the routine maintenance and care of a pet.
Now, before I get too far, I am sure some of you are asking "Why not start with something small, like a fish or a hamster?" – and that is an excellent question. But for those of you who have owned a hamster, you will know a few things. Hamsters can be MORE work that a dog in terms of cleaning, and also, they offer less reward as being an intelligent companion. Any type of lessons that come out of caring for a fish are only perceived. A properly set up aquarium is almost self sustainable for long periods of time, with minimal effort.
When we bring a dog in the picture, immediately there is a greater sense of responsibility associated with the animal, as you will grow a bond to the dog that cannot be achieved with a rodent or fish. Some of these responsibilities include feeding, grooming, discipline, affection and general care.
Feeding your dog is obviously very important. This teaches responsibility to your child to take care of their self and others. A regular feeding routine is just that, a routine, and routines are excellent for children and adults alike. A child without structure in their lives can tend to be the ones that have problems concentrating and achieving the tasks.
Training the dog can be a great experience as well. Set goals to train your dog new tricks and behaviour. Goals, even as small as these, are always beneficial in a child’s life. When a child achieves a goal, he or she will be flowing with feelings of accomplishment and pride, and help later on in life for setting goals to get school or work done.
In some cases, when a dog is not raised properly or trained, it can be seen as a menace. If this is the case for you and your family, use this as a goal to correct unwanted behavior – dogs need leadership and guidance, and you and your family are the perfect people to give it to them.
Have fun with your dogs, as he or she will be an extremely rewarding addition to your family, and your child’s learning path.
This article was written by Shawn Wilson, a member of the customer support team at Laugh and Learn products available to help enrich your child’s growth and education.
Article Source: Having A Dog Can Teach Your Child Responsibility