Dogs & Kids - How Dogs Can Help Teach Your Children Responsibility

I feel bad for those parents out there who do not believe in having a dog as a family pet. Some people just do not understand how beneficial it is to have an adorable and loyal companion as a member of the family. Puppies and dogs bring an atmosphere of love into the house and in many cases, promote emotional well-being and even physical healing to people who may be experiencing an ailment.

What's more important is that dogs are also an enormous benefit to children of all ages. Owning a dog is a great way to engage your kids in the process of responsibility. Teaching your children to be responsible is probably one of the most important aspects of being a parent. And why not have a little help in this department with the assistance of a brand-new puppy?

Once a puppy comes into your household, there are a lot of responsibilities that need to be taken care of so that the dog can be raised with good health, cleanliness, and training. Unfortunately, in this busy day and age, most of us are working eight to 12 hours daily and do not get to spend a lot of time with our children. When they come home from school and have no pressure towards completing household responsibilities, their work ethic and confidence may be shortchanged. This is where having a dog can help.

How can a dog help kids become more responsible?

Simply put, it takes a lot of work to maintain a dog in the house. And this work can be equally shared amongst your children. So long as they're physically capable of tending to certain activities, your children will be able to help with walking the dog, feeding him, help with keeping the dog clean, play ball, etc.

It is important to also give your children the idea that the time they are spending with your puppy, and the responsibilities and which they participate in, all lead to a positive outcome. To get a better idea of what I'm referring to here, imagine that you are getting your children to help out and take care of the dog. Sure it may be a struggle at first, but eventually your kids will take part every day in cleaning up the dog's potty mess, making sure he has food and water, and brushing the dog with a little grooming now and again

Now imagine making it clear to the kids that all of these things that they are doing are making the dog healthy and happy. Take the kids to the veterinarian with you when the dog needs his regular checkups. Explain to your children that your dog is healthy and happy all because of them. Your kids will feel good knowing that they are a part of the entire process of being responsible for the family pet.

I've always been interested in fostering dog but have always hesitated because I have 3 small children. I'm just so afraid that I'll end up fostering a dog who seems nice and gentle but would end up hurting one of my kids. Has anyone had experiences fostering dogs, good or bad?

There is a Sphynx at a rescue that I would like to adopt. In general I know each cat is different but is the breed generally good with children and small dogs?
I have 3 Chihuahuas and a 23 month old. The cat would have major run of the house and of course kept inside.
The dogs wouldn't bother the kitty and we are working with our son to be gentle with animals.
Anyway what is the breeds normal temperament

Dogs & Babies - How To Handle Your Jealous Puppy When The New Baby Arrives

If you've had a puppy for sometime now, then you probably realize just how much he loves being the center of attention. Unfortunately, when a family suddenly gives birth to a new baby, this may create a problem of jealousy with your puppy. Your dog may display bad behavior such as barking, pawing, as well as destructive tendencies towards household belongings.

To help prepare for this scenario, the following steps will help you avoid potential problems when faced with a jealous puppy and a newborn baby:

1. When you bring home a new baby, you need to have the dog used to having the baby around, so that he does not mistake it for a toy. You can start preparing ahead of time before your baby is born by going through your daily routine with a toy doll. Take time each day to pretend to change the doll's diaper as if it were a real baby so that you can practice teaching your dog commands in front of the "baby" such as sit and stay. Also, place the doll lying down as if you were going to give it a nap each day (like you will have your baby do) and allow your dog to be in the same room, but make sure he obeys you and stays away.

2. Get your puppy used to being around toddlers and children by taking him to a playground or other public area that has children visiting often. Be sure to keep him on a leash, but allow enough room to walk around, at least 6 feet. Kindly let the other children pet your dog slowly so that he can understand that the kids are friendly. This will help to reduce any tension or aggression your puppy might feel when you bring home the baby.

3. If you are making an attempt to socialize your puppy with small children as suggested in step two above, but he is showing aggression, then you should contact a professional who specializes in dog behavior. Some dogs may need a some specialized dog training techniques to relieve this tension that is caused by young toddlers and children.

4. Several weeks before the baby is due, prepare the baby's room with all of the baby furniture and accessories that will remain in the house, especially the baby's crib. Allow your puppy to be in and out of the room under your supervision and be sure that he sniffs all of the items that you are bringing into the house for the baby. Watch him closely as he sniffs at the crib. Should the puppy try to paw at the crib then be sure to say "NO!" and teach them to back away and respect your command.

Children & Puppies: Teaching Your Kids On How To Be A Responsible Dog Owner

As soon as your new puppy arrives at your home for the very first time, you should get started on the training process immediately. Successful puppy training can be a pleasant and rewarding experience to everyone, so long as you start early and remain consistent week after week, month after month, and yes - year after year!

Prepare Ahead Of Time Before Your Puppy's Arrival

To make the process more effective, everyone in the household should be involved in training the new member of the family, including your kids. Your child's participation with training the puppy will not only give him/her a feeling of pride and value, but it is also a great way for the child to learn about responsibilities and caring for others. In addition, involving your child in training the puppy is the fastest way for the two to build a healthy friendship together, and fast!

Ways To Involve Your Child In Training Your Puppy

Keep in mind that no matter how responsible your child may be, it is not a good idea to give her the full responsibilities of taking care of the new puppy. Even if you had adopted the puppy for her, it is still your responsibility to ensure that your pet is well cared for. However, there are lots of ways for your child to contribute.

Below are some of the things that she can do to participate in caring for your new puppy.

1. Prior to the puppy's arrival, your child can help pick out puppy supplies. Before you go to the store to buy the things that your puppy needs, create a checklist at home. Take her to the store and have her read the list and help pick out the supplies. Ask for suggestions on which color or shape to pick. This first step will put her in the mindset of sharing the responsibility of taking care of the new pup.

2. Your child can also help set up the puppy's new living area. Have a basket where you can store the pup's toys and have your child put the toys in it. She can put the cushion inside the crate and then place the food and water dish in its appropriate area.

3. Last but not the least; your child can help in giving the new puppy lots of love and attention. This, of course, should be done under close supervision of an adult, particularly during the puppy's first few days home.

Would you give your left kidney for your child? Sure you would... and to compare dogs to children, would you do the same for your dog?

I am just curious why some choose compare dog's to children?
Ok let me give an example, one question on here asked :If you were starving, would you eat your dog?

One answer to that was : Would you eat your own child? No

That is the state of mind I am talking about.

And btw... the photo for my avatar was taken for Christmas Cards this year.I do not typically dress them up or treat them as children.

If you have children and dogs then what is the ratio in your household?
Do you live in town or in the country?
Thanks