Childhood is a time for fun and for growth, in more ways than one, but it’s also a time to learn the lessons that will come in useful throughout the child’s life. As a parent, we know that our children learn best when they don’t even know that they’re learning, and we should do all we can to encourage that. One way to do that is to buy them a pet dog; not only will it bring lots of joy and happiness to the house, it will also provide invaluable life lessons, as these three examples show.
The Importance of Keeping Fit
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing they all have in common is that they love to keep fit and they love to be walked. That’s an important lesson about having a dog for your child to see, and the benefits can be even greater when they are part of the walking party too. Children today love to watch videos online or play games on their tablets or phones, but this increasingly sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and worse. When they have a dog, they’ll love to walk them, and this can provide an excellent form of exercise, as well as inculcating a love of the great outdoors that can last a lifetime.
Taking Responsibility
When a child has a pet dog, they’ll quickly come to treasure it as a member of their own family and do all they can to give it a happy and healthy life. In short, they’re learning to take responsibility for another living being and grow the skills they’ll need when they themselves become parents. They’ll also learn the benefits of following a healthy diet and lifestyle, as they discover the importance of feeding their pet healthy and nutritious food such as high-quality raw dog food from a reputable pet food supplier like Nature’s Menu. When their dog is happy, your child will be happy too. Just be sure to get the longest living dogs so that they can grow up with your child.
The Value of Friendship
Above all others, there is one life lesson that a child with a dog is sure to learn, and that is the value of true friendship. Dogs are incredibly loving and loyal, and your child will learn how to give love and receive it in return. They’ll love the moment they walk through the door after school and see their dog’s tail wagging with joy at first sight of them. Your child hopefully has lots of friends, but their pet dog will always hold a special place in their heart, and it’s their dog they can turn to and whisper confidences to. That’s why children with dogs can experience rapid and healthy emotional growth, meaning that they develop into happy adults who aren’t afraid to express their feelings.
Your child needs to know that the pet dog they receive isn’t a toy, it’s a long-term commitment, but this too can be an important lesson to learn. Once established in the house, a dog will not only make your child incredibly happy. It will also teach them lessons that will stay with them forever, even if neither of them realises it.
Aww it’s so lovely when people have such a strong relationship with their dogs. Especially when you can learn so much from them ?
Isn’t it just, some dogs are like humans you can get on with them so well x
I love this post! We had a dog when I was little, and she was my closest friend growing up. They really do bring so much joy to a family.
Yes I always have the fondest memories of my dog growing up. I hope my children will feel the same when they are older too x
My husband grew up with dogs and wanted one for years. Last year I gave in and we got our dog Loki. He is very energetic so it forces us outside, even on the rainiest of days.
Aw my boys would love your dogs name, ours was a rescue dog so we didn’t get to name him but he would definitely have had a Marvel name if we could. I took Bramble out for the first walk since I fractured my ankle this morning, haven’t heard a peep from him since 🙂 x
This is all so true our daughter desperately wants us to get a dog again (we had one when she was a baby only) but I don’t think she understands the responsibility although having one is a great lesson in that!
They are such a big responsibility, it took my children a while but they are really good at helping with Bramble now x
I never had a dog growing up but always wish I had, my children really want a one but sadly my daughter is allergic so we can’t – although we did try. x
Aww that’s such a shame, perhaps you can offer to walk dogs for friends or relatives so that you only spend time with them outside 😉 x
I completely agree with you on these points. Taking responsibility is a great reason for a child to have a pet and of course a fab friendship xx
Seeing the friendship between my children and Bramble is all the reason I need to know we made the right decision x
Aww yes to all of this, especially number 3! There’s no better friend than a dog,they love you no matter what! We’ve been looking after my parents dog a lot recently and boys love her, one day I’ll get them their own dog..one day!xx
That’s a lovely way to introduce the children to pets slowly xx
Those sound like great lessons to learn. Unfortunately my husband is highly allergic to cats, dogs etc so my kids can’t have any pets.
Allergies are awful aren’t they, my Husband and I are both very allergic to cats but luckily we are ok with dogs x