Why Every Kid Should Have a Dog
Do you want to get a nice present for your kids but aren’t sure what will make them the happiest? A toy set? Board games? Puzzles? Paints? It is likely that you have already given these gifts to your children in some form or another. It is also possible that you want to surprise them with something more unique — a kind of gift that your young ones will never forget.
For parents, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing their kids happy and satisfied. A present is a nice way to bring a huge grin across your child’s face. So what could that perfect gift be that won’t only make your kids’ day but yours, too? Well, if your kids have a soft spot for animals, we suggest that you get a dog for them. While some parents may find this to be a really good idea, others may be slightly reluctant to agree with us.
Many parents are afraid of their children’s safety around pets. What if the dog bit their child? That’s one of the many unspoken fears parents have for their children. Some parents also don’t like the additional burden that comes with owning a pet — taking care of them, making their food, grooming them, etc. But let us assure you that introducing a dog to your children will be the best decision you can possibly make. Not convinced yet? Read this article to discover legit reasons why dogs are good for kids.
1. They Help Kids Develop Important Skills
Having a dog will help instill essential qualities in your children, such as being responsible, becoming better caretakers, and becoming better leaders. Your kids will learn when your dog needs to be fed or taken for a walk. In this way, your kids will understand how to be in charge of their responsibilities.
A 2017 study concluded that pet ownership can help improve the reading skills of a child. Kids can read aloud to their furry companion that will listen to them without any interruption. In this regard, a dog will prove to be a kind and patient listener that won’t criticize your child for their errors. This kind of activity will improve your little ones’ speech fluency and remove stage fright from their hearts.
But that’s not all.
Your kids will also develop qualities like compassion and devotion. They will also get opportunities to build social skills. For instance, when your kids take their dog out for a walk, they can bond with other children, interact with them, and learn to be friendlier.
2. They Instinctively Protect Children
The scary thought that dogs may harm your children is only a misconception, nothing else. If you adopt a loyal and caring dog breed, your kids will only reap benefits. Lots of them!
Dogs have an innate quality of protecting children, especially in times when adults are not around. They can protect them from bullies and stop them from getting violent with other children. However, it all comes down to the kind of dog breed you choose. Some dog breeds make for better guards than the rest. For example, Bernese Mountain Dogs or Newfoundland Dogs are super friendly with kids and possess excellent protective instincts that they rely on to protect children.
Your dog needs to be trained and socialized correctly in order to make it a good guardian for your children. What’s more is that it doesn’t even need some sort of specialized training for this protective nature to manifest itself. The simple “good dog” behavior training is all a dog needs to be a reliable protector of your kids.
3. Dogs Help Keep Your Kids Healthy and Active
Are you someone who’s worried sick about your child’s lack of involvement in physical activities? Is this problem making your kid downright lazy? The best way to make your kid active is to get him a dog.
As we all know, dogs like to play, run, walk, and chase. Your kids will love to join in and get involved with their furry friend in these activities. You won’t find the need to force your child to be sprightly. An energetic dog will automatically get your kids on their feet and running around. This will also prevent your children from developing illnesses associated with a weaker immune system. Various studies show that children who grow up with dogs are less prone to develop respiratory problems and allergies as compared to those who do not grow up around dogs.
4. They Help Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Children, at a very early stage, can become victims of negative emotions like anxiety, loneliness, and depression. The good news is that a dog’s companionship can help them counter these emotional problems.
The neighborhood kids may not always be available to play with your children. It is even possible for kids to not have any true friends. In such scenarios, your kids may feel lonely and anxious. However, dogs are the best friends that are always willing to play and have fun. They don’t leave, fight, hit, or yell at your children.
Hence, a dog is the most trustworthy companion when kids are nervous, scared, stressed, or upset. They can instantly cheer your kids up with their heart-warming cuddles and endless love. They are also a trusted friend with whom your kids can share their feelings without getting judged.
5. Dogs Help Treat Kids with Behavioral Problems
Is your child super aggressive or violent? One way to curb these behavioral issues is by allowing him to own a dog.
You may not know this, but a dog can calm your kids’ nerves to a great extent. They will learn to be more patient and acceptant of others because of the interactions that they have with your family pet. Growing up with dogs will also make them more caring and fun-loving.
Man’s best friend is more than just a simple house pet. As the phrase suggests, it is a friend. Getting your kid a dog will ensure that they have a friend for a very long time who will be their companion, cheer them up when they are sad, and also teach them about responsibility and how to get along with others.
