How do you teach your kids responsibility? Have you not noticed that if you directly give them chores around the home, there is a chance that they won’t do it without some sort of an incentive?
Now here’s a good idea to teach them responsibility. Give them a pet dog. That would produce smiles on their faces and it would be good for the furry creature too because a home with kids has welcomed him warmly.
The kids will develop a bond with the dog. Eventually, they will realize that the pleasure of having a pet dog comes with it responsibilities on a daily basis.
Basically, your dog would be a happy canine if on a daily basis, he is provided appropriate food and water, shelter, grooming, healthcare, exercise, affection and companionship. How demanding that can be on the surface. It sure can be tedious, but if the children have developed a closeness with the dog, these “chores” wouldn’t be difficult to do. In fact, they will look forward to seeing their dog every day because they relieve them of their daily stresses.
Let’s take them up:
1) Kids should know that dogs need to eat at least twice or thrice a day. No meal should be farther than 12 hours apart or the dog will develop hyperacidity.
2) All dogs need exercise, but each type of breed demands different levels of energy.
Dogs with short snouts and flat faces like Bulldogs and Pugs only require mere walking at a slow pace every day. They will have trouble breathing because of their facial structure if their activities are strenuous.
Greyhounds and English Setters would be contented with sprints and games of catch with your Frisbee. They are built for these activities.
Breeds with long legs and lots of energy like Weimaraners and German Shorthaired Pointers like long runs and jogs because they have the stamina for these. Your kids should also be as energetic as them.
Mixed breeds, like the beagle husky mix, are extremely energetic, cheerful and absolutley love the outdoors, it would be ideal if the owner would be the same.
3) Most, if not all dogs, appreciate hugs, affection and companionship. They are not called Man’s Best Friend for nothing.
But there are some breeds that need some tender loving care even though they may want to sit on your lap for hours straight. Take for example the Dachshund. They are prone to back injuries because of their long bodies, so when spending quality time with them, make sure their backs are always supported, like babies.
The Maltese generally has this habit of wanting to spend balanced time between outdoors and indoors. It does want to socialize with other canines in the outdoors, but spending time with your kids in their room makes them just as perfectly happy.
4) Develop also in your kids the habit of bringing them regularly to the vet for their vaccines and their grooming.
Owning pet dogs prepares your children for the future when they will have families of their own. They will be used to the fact that another living and breathing creature is entirely dependent on them to survive and to live a happy life and above all, to be loved.
If you’re struggling to find the perfect dog for your family, you might want to check out Bark Friend – a site filled with information on various dog breeds, mixed and pure.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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