Parenting Pets and Animals

How Growing Up With Dogs Benefits Your Kid?

blonde boy leaning on dog
Photo by Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

Do you remember your childhood and the numerous benefits of having a dog as a child? It’s not just for fun-loving children, but it can be the best decision for any kid.

A dog will provide protection and care that many kids would not receive from their parents. And while they are great companions, dogs offer so much more that children should have access to. This list is dedicated to all the advantages of growing up with dog/dogs as a child:

1. To learn empathy

girl with hairband kissing black dog
Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels

Children with dogs are more likely to understand when someone else is feeling sad or angry (for example) because they will see these emotions on their companion animal’s face or body language.

2. To learn responsibility

Children who have dogs are more likely to understand that they have responsibilities to their pets. This will help them later become more responsible for themselves and other people.

3. To bond

When a dog is involved, children can form strong bonds with each other and the new member of the family. Dogs can also offer a haven for a child who does not feel accepted by others at school or in their social circles. These characters will be suitable for kids growing up that are too old for baby dolls but not yet ready for babysitters or other role models.

4. To learn about the importance of exercise

little boy walking a dog on leash
Photo by Sam Lion from Pexels

Puppies need regular exercise and playtime, something that many kids need also. It’s a great way to get the body moving and their heart pumping.

5. To learn about responsibility (again)

Children should learn about making decisions regardless of whether they’re good or bad. Dogs don’t take into account the age of their owner and will follow commands no matter what it is. This encourages children to make their own choices, even if those choices are not the best ones. Thus growing up with dogs teaches them to take responsibility when things don’t go as planned, instead of relying on others for help.

6. To experience different emotions

smiling girl leaning on two dogs during sunset
Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels

Dogs can bring happiness and comfort just by being around, but they can also bring out negative emotions in kids like anger or jealousy if someone else is getting more attention from the dog than them. This is important for kids to experience as they mature.

7. To learn about compassion

Kids who have dogs are more likely to understand that animals need just as much attention and compassion as they do. This can help them later understand the plight of others who are different than them, like children in other states or children from other countries.

8. To learn about loyalty

Dogs have been known to sacrifice their lives to protect their owners, a quality that many humans do not possess.

9. To learn about improvement

If a dog has behavioral problems that need rectifying, then it’s up to the owner to fix those problems through training and punishment.

Also read: 6 Ways On How To Convince Your Parents To Get A Dog

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