Kids - Lead Dogs?

Children are capable of so many things: they can remember long lines from movies, learn to do incredible feats in gymnastics, and learn to read at a very young age. So when it comes to taking care of the family pet, why is it that we adults think kids can’t handle it or we feel they might be too young for the responsibility?

Children love to show you how responsible they are. How many times has your child come up to you and said these words, “Look mommy I did this all by myself!” Kids are so proud to show us what they accomplished, so why don’t we encourage them to do more?

The same goes for the family pet. Kids and dogs go hand and hand. Kids love dogs but parents say, “No Dog!” Why? Because we think we will be the ones having to care for the dog. But it doesn’t have to be that way, kids can and will care for a pet if you give them the responsibility.

Here are a few tips to help your child to become the lead dog:

1. As soon as the puppy or dog comes home let your child feed and water the dog. Teach your child the correct amount of food to give to the dog. Fill up a water jug with a lid so that the child will not have to try to carry a bowl full of water across the room.

2. The dog food and dish should be at a level that the child can reach (so she or he does not have to bother you with this chore).

3. Hang the leash and collar next to the door - again at the level for the child.

4. Tell your child to always use the same door to walk the dog or pup. This way the dog or pup learns to go to that door.

5. Teach your child how to clean up accidents and place the cleaning supplies (paper towels, rug cleaner, plastic bags) where the child can reach them.

6. Buy a good puppy training book that is age appropriate and can be used again and again. Go over the book a few times with your child first so that he/she understand what they need to do.

7. Praise your child for every effort - even if it is not always correct. Positive feedback encourages a child to want to do more.

8. Encourage your child to show you how to train a command by saying, “I’ve been watching you train the puppy, could you show me how to do it?” This make your child feel important and independent.

9. Encourage your child to put aside at least 5 to 10 minutes a day to spend with the dog or puppy. Five minutes a day for training one command per week, and another five for playing and having fun.

10. Lastly, if you take the time to establish a routine from the beginning, everything else will fall into place and you will have the best dog in the neighborhood.