Boost Your Childs Self Esteem, Teach Them To Be Responsible & Strengthen Your Family Bond: Learn How

Did you know that studies have proven simply owning a dog can help boost your child’s self esteem, mature their level of responsibility and teach them empathy? Although it should not be expected that you buy a dog and “Abracadabra!” – your child and dog get along. This is where the parent comes in. Upon the first arrival of a pet dog, the parent must monitor the interaction closely and show the child how to take care of the dog.

As a parent with all of the responsibility, how do you know where to start: what breed? What supplies? How much time, money and patience? Let’s get started.

Breed: This is where a lot of people get very technical on a very dynamic topic. Keep it simple. Know what kind of dog you want in your home and the household will remain comfortably enjoyable! If you want a small dog that won’t intimidate your child or overpower you when its time for learn the household rules. And it can only go up from there.

Very small dogs to look into (15lbs): Cavalier King, Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, King Charles Spaniel, Pekingese, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire terrier

Small to small medium size dogs (15- 25lbs): Basset Hound, Beagle, Bichon Frise, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi, Daschund, English Bulldog, Fox Terrier, French Bulldog, Jack Russell Terrier, Llaso Apso, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Poodle, Miniature Schnauzer, Pomeranian, Pug, Shihtzu, West Highland Terrier

Medium size dogs(26-50 lbs): Afghan Hound, Airedale Terrier, Alaskan Malamute, American Bulldog, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd Dog, Bearded Collie, Border Collie , Borzoi, Boston terrier, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Chow chow, Collie, Standard Poodle, Sheltie, Springer Spaniel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Standard Schnauzer

Large pooches (50-80 lbs): Dalmatian, Dobermann, English Setter, German Shepherd Dog, Golden retriever , Gordon Setter, Greyhound, Husky, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Pointers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Whippet

The heavy hitters (over 80 lbs): Giant Schnauzer , Great Dane, Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Saint Bernard, Bull Mastiff

If you are getting a newborn puppy, which most people feel comfortable doing, here are some suggestions for keeping you child and pet safe:

1 – Remember under 12 months is still a puppy with growing bones, so rough play should be watched closely. This could cause injury to your child and/or pet. Adult dogs require less attention and need only time to feel comfortable. A dog around 1 year old is old enough to stand on their own, but still be young enough to retain new rules. Perfect for hard working parents

2 – Puppies, like children, require time and energy to mature into socially confident pets. Many times when pets are afraid of interacting with new people is when they are most likely to lash out.

3 – Teaching & Care: You are teaching your child to care of someone else besides themselves. This does not mean you are free from dog duty, actually you will still be full time. But, just because you feel you are picking up most of the care for the dog does not mean you child is not learning. The best advice is when its time to feed, take out and bath to have your child right by your side. This is taking away from your time, but is the best solution to ensure your child learns proper care. Watch see how fast they grow into a respectful, mature and responsible child. What parent doesn’t want that?

When it comes time to teach you child how to pet and interact with the dog, your knowledge is key. Many times children want to pet the dogs face, nose and neck. However, it should be remembered that these are very sensitive and vulnerable areas on the dog. If they are older dogs they might react in defense. If they are young, their fragile body many hurt easily and these areas should be avoided. Teach your child to pet behind the dogs head along the back. This is the safest and least vulnerable area on the dogs body. Just because your dogs is letting it slide now, in front of you, does not mean they will let it go every time…and it only takes once.

If your dog starts to express personality/behavior changes that appear to be slightly aggressive, do not over look them. Pay close attention and monitor the cause. If does not appear to be your child then immediate attention is required. Good dog trainers can do full training on the most stubbornly aggressive dogs in 6 weeks. Assuming the behavior is caught in time, changes can be seen in a matter of days. If you are considering at home training be sure to educate yourself of basic training guidelines to ensure effectiveness. Other products such as dog crates and pet carriers can help subside the chances of your dog behaving badly while they are left alone.

Although these areas may shun certain parents from wanting a dog, there is no price you can put on the benefits from owning one. The lessons your child will learn, the strong relationship that will grow and the feeling of warmth in your home are only a few that can be named. The list can go on. The answer to enjoying a strong family bond and raising a great child can be found within man’s best friend.