Every kid wants and needs a pet, no matter if it is a dog, cat, turtle, parrot, fish, or rabbit. If you want your kid to be safe and happy at the same time, then you need a loyal friend in your home, and that, dear parents, is a dog.
The relationship that develops between a dog and a kid can be life-changing for a child and a great support system as they themselves continue to grow and develop. Kids can learn a lot from dogs, like loyalty, friendship, and how to take care of others. Just like humans, dogs feel emotion and pain. They are prone to injuries and the infirmities of age during their relatively short lives.
Their loyalty, intelligence, devotion, and affection are incredibly rewarding. For dog owners, nothing could be more enjoyable than a long walk with their best friend on a fresh spring morning, seeing the joy on their faces when it comes to playtime in the local park, or just relaxing at home in each other’s company.
So, if you are having a dilemma if you should get or not a cute and friendly dog to grow up with your loving kids, here are 10 good reasons why you should do that.
Your child will spend more time outside
photo via thepoochmobile.com
These days, children spend too much time in front of the computer and TV, which isn’t good for their eyes or young bodies. So, with a pet like a dog, they will have an obligation to walk it or play with it outside. On top of that, it can be right in your backyard, a space that you know for a fact will be completely safe. You can even opt-in for a GPS wireless fence, which you can absolutely feel assured that your dog won’t make an escape from. In general, this is a great way to get your dog and kid exercising, and they’ll still stay safe right at home, too!
via americandogblog.wordpress.com
Growing up with a dog can help your child have higher self-esteem. The child will easily learn important social skills and impulse control. Owning a dog will also make your kids friendlier. Other kids and people will like to play with their dogs, so this will teach your kids to share, be generous, and have patience. With these character values, your kids will always have a lot of friends.
Your child will learn how to take care of others
photo via jabulavip.com
Having a small and cute puppy at home will help them to learn to take care of. Let them feed, bathe and clean after the dog. This will become their daily routine and something that will later become part of your child’s character.
Your child will learn what friendship really is
a photo via hqwallbase.com
It is said that dogs are humans’ best friends. Your kid will find a brilliant friend and great company in his/her dog. Dogs are loyal and loving friends to teach children what friendship is and how valuable it is. Your child will be able to make friends much easier throughout his life.
Your child will learn to read more confidently
photo via therapet.org
Were you having problems reading aloud in front of people while still learning how to read? Many children face this problem, but the problem seems to disappear when they are around animals. The anxiety is suddenly gone. So having a dog or any pet can help your kid become a more confident reader.
Your child will be healthier if he/she lives with a dog
photo via imgarcade.com
As we mentioned previously, owning a pet means more walking and spending more time outside in general. But this is not the only health benefit from having a pet. Researches have shown that kids who grow up with dogs have a stronger immune system, and this is especially true for kids who have spent the first year of their life with a dog. Kids who are allergic to dogs and live with them are less likely to have eczema. Also, dogs who have autism tend to be less stressed when they have a dog around.
Your child will become even cuter
photo via worldofdogs.cc
Just how cute can kids and their pets be? How many times have you seen a scene, a photo, or a video of kids and their pets playing or even sleeping that made you melt because of all the cuteness? Trust us, having a child and a dog in the house means constant cuteness, fun, and laughter.
Your child will get comfort from his/her dog
photo via caninesforkids.org
Parents are always there for their children, trying to make them feel safe and loved. But sometimes, they have to say no, put limits and be strict with their kids. In those moments, especially if the kid has been punished, he or she can find great comfort in their dog. Kids and dogs form a special bond, so instead of holding everything inside, kids will learn how to seek comfort and understanding openly.
Your child will become more calm and relaxed
photo via home.fotocommunity.de
Some kids are more relaxed around their dogs than around other people. This is because dogs bring a sense of calmness to children. It is mostly because of their ability to love unconditionally, so kids feel better when together, even though they were sad or angry. It’s magic!
Your child will understand the life cycle better
photo via myjoyofliving.com
We all have to face the loss of a loved one sometimes in life. Dogs have short life cycles, and often their death is the first loss a child faces in life. It is tough to handle at any age, but it is a fundamental part of our life. Going through the experience of losing a pet will make the child see that life goes on, and you have to work through it.
I can’t keep count of all the mistakes in this article. “Dog” written where it should say “Children”, singular words when it should be plural, etc…who edited this article?