Do you gaze in wonder at families in the park walking and playing with their dog and wonder whether your family is missing out on something? If you’ve been holding out on the whole idea of getting your child a puppy, the following seven benefits might just change your mind. Having a dog in the family has a number of advantages and can enrich your child’s life in a number of ways.
Companionship
A puppy can be a great friend for your child, helping to prevent feelings of loneliness and depression. They will always be there for your child whenever they need them. When their human friends are away, if it’s late or the weather outside is not too good, your dog will be able to play with your child. For many children, a dog can become their best friend.
Good Health
Having a dog encourages physical activity in kids. Interacting with a dog, either playing, grooming or feeding helps maintain good health. Taking a dog for a walk is going to get them away from their computer screen, and outdoors in the fresh air. It also happens to be good exercise. It might not be possible for you to walk the dog during the week because of other commitments. There are service providers such as Premier Dog Walkers who can take care of this for you. This can work well, no matter your schedule, leaving you do walk your dog at the times where you are free.
Promotes Emotional Development
Having a dog can help your child’s emotional development. Puppies can be very cute and playful, which helps to lift anyone’s mood. In the company of a dog, your child is also going to feel loved and wanted. If you’ve got siblings in the family that don’t get on too well, sharing a common love for a pet can help reverse bad feelings. Encouraging your child to play their part in caring for the dog helps develop their self-confidence, self-esteem, as well as encourage a sense of responsibility and commitment.
Helps Develop Skills
Sharing their time with a dog helps children develop important skills for adulthood. Various parental skills can be learned if you encourage them to take care of a dog. Your child could also develop their reading skills by reading to their dog. Social development is promoted because having a dog teaches your child values such as kindness and trustworthiness.
Helps Manage Behavioral Problems
Having a child with behavioral problems can be very challenging for parents and other members of the family. If your child is overly aggressive or hyperactive, playing with a dog can calm them down. If your child is often bad-tempered and spiteful, letting them take care of a dog can change their behavior for the better.
Less Stressful
A child who has a dog will have less stress in their life. Research has shown that petting a dog lowers cortisol levels in the person and the dog. Evidence also indicates that a child’s stress levels decrease when reading to a dog.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to bring a dog into family life. Before you rush the decision, do some research on the kind of breed that is best for family life, and before you purchase a dog, don’t forget to check out your local animal shelter. It may be full of lovable characters looking for a forever home.
