3 Reasons to Have a Family Dog – Guest Post by Jamie from Here Pup

 

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Dogs are man’s best friend, so there is no reason for them not to be your child’s best friend as well. In fact, studies have shown that there are a number of benefits children can acquire from having pet dogs and growing up with them at home. According to researchers, not only does having pet dogs at home help children develop physically but also socially and psychologically as well. Here are 12 reasons to raise your kids around a family dog:

1. They teach manners and responsibility.

The simple acts of feeding, providing clean water, and cleaning up after a pet dog gives children a sense of importance and teaches them the responsibility of caring for another life. Also, manners like compassion, empathy, and kindness are among the invaluable lessons that are learned when caring for a pet. Dogs can teach the child these two important lessons in life. Much like us, dogs too can feel pain, happiness, and other emotions, although they have their own way of expressing themselves. Upon seeing a dog in pain or is whimpering or seeking for help, this could teach the child how to comfort others and the precious skill of helping others who are in need.

2. Relationship building.

Research shows that the friendship children have with a pet dog allows them to create better relationships with other people. Dogs are, by nature, social animals. They enjoy, seek and need attention and affection from their humans. So, children develop their first socialization skills with the family dog, which they will easily move pass, into relationships with other children. This is because children are more prone to approach and interact with a child who is playing with a pet. They can kick-start their bond with the pet dog acting as a bridge between two potential playmates.

3. They are therapeutic.

Dogs have been shown to have therapeutic effects on children, especially those with special needs, like autism spectrum disorder. Research has shown that children with autism who have a pet dog at home are more advanced in social and communication skills compared with those who do not have a pet at home.

Getting a family dog is not an easy choice to make and should not be taken lightly. It ultimately becomes a collective effort from all family members involved. And commitment from both parents and the child or children should be one of the major factors that need to be considered. Check out our very colorful and concise infographic detailing the perks of having pet dogs at home! ——>

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Jamie is a long-time dog lover and writer. She has dedicated her life to helping dogs and families. Jamie is also involved in a number of projects outside writing and she maintains a daily blog, wherein among the topics in her write ups include how children can benefit from having pet dogs.