‘There are not many things that can compare with the tinkling laughter of a child playing with a dog, this is pure food for the soul’ 

A warm welcome to all fellow dog lovers and – all our beautiful creatures. Today’s article is very close to my heart as I do believe very strongly that every child should have access to a dog.
Unfortunately, not all families can own a dog due to various circumstances, but children can be exposed to dogs by visiting animal shelters.

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The staff will be only too pleased to take the children on a tour and allow them to pet some of the dogs, or cats in the shelter. There are other pets that children can own – cats, hamsters or perhaps a bunny. These pets are ideal for families who have small homes or live in a flat. I am only dealing with dogs in this article. Owning a dog will add a whole new dimension to your family.  It will give the kids something living to play with, they will get exercise, instead of sitting watching TV. They will learn love and responsibility, for a living breathing creature, and help build immunity.

WHAT CHILDREN CAN LEARN FROM THEIR DOGS
A report in the Scientific American stated children who have pets at home have a strong understanding of biology (Dr Gail F Melson a developmental psychologist)

DOGS HELP TO REDUCE ANXIETY
Children who own dogs are less stressed as the dogs are always around to give them comfort.
‘Kids who turned to their dogs for emotional support were less anxious and withdrawn than those who did not have a dog’ – Scientific American report (DR Melson)

DOGS TEACH CHILDREN HOW TO BE KIND AND EMPATHETIC
Children with dogs learn about life so much better than any parent can explain it to them, if a child owns a dog and the dog gets hurt, the child will immediately feel empathy for the dog.
Parents who teach their children to be kind to not only dogs, but all animals – will be forming the future character of the child.

RESPONSIBILITY
Children should be taught responsibility – and what better way than a dog to teach them?
Before a dog is brought into the home, the parents should sit the children down (if they are old enough) and explain all the responsibilities that dog ownership requires.
Things such as a lot of patience and work – the dog will depend on the parents and children to care for it.
Children are very often the ones in the family who spend the most time with the dog, so they have to be in agreement as to the feeding, training and general care of the dog.
Children have to be made to understand that dog ownership has responsibilities, but the rewards are fantastic.

GETTING EXERCISE
It is not difficult to see that kids with dogs get more exercise than children who do not have a dog.
Dogs love to play fetch, an active dog will keep children outdoors in the fresh air as opposed to sitting in front of the TV playing games.
Dogs need to be walked and all this activity leads to healthier children, exercising and having fun at the same time.
I have some delightful children at my dog school, they are taught some basic obedience, but mostly, these classes have a lot of fun and games, by the end of the class, there are some very tired kids and dogs.

DOGS HELP CHILDREN TO GAIN CONFIDENCE
Sometimes a child may have very little confidence.
If you as a parent have a child who is self-conscious of reading in front of people, but this child is not anxious around animals, let the child read to the dog. This is an excellent way for the child to gain confidence. Another a way to help children gain confidence is to let the child walk the dog, and once she is confident with that, take the child and her dog to puppy or beginners classes at a reputable dog training school.
I have found that children training their dogs is one of the most successful methods to build confidence in them. Dogs play a major role in the development of children.

SHARING RESPONSIBILITY
When siblings have to share the responsibilities of caring for the family dog, these siblings grow closer through their common love of their dog.
General caring for the dog or just playing together on a field, are all helping these siblings to bond.

ABOUT LIFE
When the family dog needs his annual vaccinations, it is a good idea to allow the children to accompany you to the vet, vets are usually very happy to see children taking an interest in their dog’s well-being.
The vet will also explain to the children how important it is to have their dogs inoculated against the various dog diseases.
I have found that children who have grown up with dogs learn all about the ‘circle of life’. These children are better equipped to face the joy of new-born puppies and the death of an old dog.

If you know of a person who has a female dog who is about to give birth, ask if you could bring your child to watch the miracle of life.
If you are perhaps looking to purchase a puppy maybe you could consider one of these puppies. How exciting for the child to see his new dog from birth.

WARNING
Make sure your child is not too sensitive to watch the birthing process. Also watch for any signs of stress in the mother dog, she may not like children around her during the process.

BEST FRIENDS
Dogs are considered to be ‘Man’s Best Friend’ and the unconditional love between a child and his dog are irreplaceable, no debate about that!

Next article will be all about dogs and special needs children.

YVONNE ELAND
ADIPCBM (UK) with distinction
Specialising in Canine Behaviour and Management