If your kid loves playing with animal toys, imagine how much getting a real, live dog would excite them!
As adults, it’s easy to understand the benefits of having a pup. They’re great security, they make us smile when we’re feeling down, and there’s plenty of evidence to suggest that petting a dog can do helpful things like lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety.
But have you considered how having a dog can help your kid? Having a living, breathing, fluffy pet isn’t like having just another fun toy. If you do it right, your new pet can teach your kid some valuable lessons!
Here’s how having a dog can help your kid.
It Teaches Them Responsibility
Having a pup can be a lot of work. Getting your kid involved in the day-to-day care of your dog not only teaches them respect for pets, but it also instills a sense of responsibility.
Get your kid involved in feeding the dog every day, taking the pooch for a daily walk, cleaning up after them, training them using a crate, or teaching them to chew on a chew toy instead of the furniture!
Remind your child that if they shirk their responsibilities, your pup suffers! It’s a great way to help them understand how the things they do (or don’t do) affect the lives of others.
What better way to help them realize this than involving their beloved pup?
It Keeps Them Active
If you need to constantly push your kid to get outdoors and get some vitamin D, a dog can help! Choose an active breed like a Golden Retriever, Border Collie, or Australian Shepherd if you want your kid to have plenty of time outdoors.
Encourage your kid to exercise the dog. That way, they don’t even realize they’re getting exercise too!
In summer time, spending time in the pool can be super exercise for both dog and kid. Even a daily walk around the block, agility training, running through the sprinklers, or a good wrestle can burn calories and get rid of excess energy.
They Always Have a Friend
Being a kid can be tough! It can be hard to see your kid miserable because they feel they have no friends at school.
When they bond with a dog, though, they’ll have a friend for life. A pup is the perfect furry shoulder to cry on, a living teddy bear to hug and talk to.
Having a canine best friend can also be great for keeping your kid’s mental health up. Getting them outside, teaching them to be considerate of others, and giving them the knowledge that they’ll never be without a friend can help them grow up into a well-rounded young adult.
Conclusion
If your kid hasn’t had a dog, getting them a fluffy best buddy can be the best gift you ever give them. Not only does a pup keep your child physically active and fit, but doggy cuddles and unconditional love can be extremely good for their mental health too.
