Family Dogs-What can they teach your kids?

A lot of parents hesitate when their children ask to get a family dog. The truth is there are a lot of positive aspects to granting your child’s request. Dogs are a commitment, they take a great level of dedication, and this is why they could be the best thing to ever happen to your household.

A lot of parents will counteract their child’s wanting a family dog by purchasing a much smaller animal, such as a hamster. Then after a few months, take a sigh of relief that a dog wasn’t brought into the family because the rodent’s cage is dirty and the child has lost all interest.

Any dog owner will tell you, there is no comparison between a dog and a caged hamster. The reason for this is, your child’s interaction with the hamster is limited and as a result, so is their sense of attachment or responsibility. In addition to this, a hamster can not be taught, or trained. When your child moves past the first few days of simply watching the hamster, and has grown tired of wheels, balls and other hamster paraphernalia, they will discover that the animal really isn’t all that interesting.

A family dog on the other hand is an active part of a child’s day, they are there beside them when watching T.V, and the dog will follow as your child goes outside to play. Your child will want to be able to walk the dog on a leash; they will want to be able to play fetch and want to have the dog come when it is called. All these things are part of training a dog and your child will participate because they know, in the end it will all pay off in the form of a fun and active playmate. Training a dog is a lengthy process, but it is one with great reward and your child will take pride in all the small achievements that they’ll make with their new friend.

Having a dog as part of your household can also teach your children to respect animals, follow schedules and even to pick up their toys. When your child asks for a family dog, consider all the great changes that might take place, it may just be more positive then you ever thought possible.