Dogs and Kids - A Natural Combination

I remember when I was young - all I wanted more than anything in the world was a dog. I'll never forget the first dog I got for my 10th birthday. We named the half-Airedale Zipper because she zipped around. I learned a lot from Zipper and she became my best friend.

Having a dog is a great way for a child to learn responsibility. If your child wants to get a dog, you should discuss what is involved and what part your child will play in taking care of the new addition to the family. This could involve feeding, cleaning up poop from the yard, brushing the dog and taking the dog for walks. These are all important responsibilities that go along with owning a dog.

Another great idea would be enrolling your child, depending on age, into a local 4-H group specializing in dogs. This is a wonderful way for your child to not only learn a lot about dog ownership and responsibility, but also about training his or her dog in obedience. Some 4-H groups also get to show and compete with their dogs at local fairs during the summer.

Large Dogs For Hyperactivity

Dogs are a godsend for hyperactive children, including those with ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A big docile dog works great for providing a playmate as well as being tolerant if the child should throw his body over the dog.

A big dog is also wonderful for a child to curl up next to, soothing both child and dog. Sometimes a child has difficulty expressing or even recognizing emotions. Cuddling up to their own large dog can provide comfort and a sense of that unconditional love dogs offer.

Small Dogs For Shy Children

You wouldn't want to get a hyperactive child a small dog, as the smaller dogs are more fragile and could easily be hurt by an overly active child just wanting to play. However, a small dog might be perfect for a quiet shy little girl who is gentle and in need of a small companion.

Dogs are great comforters for children going through any kind of turmoil such as their parents' divorce, but be observant as to how the child interacts with the dog during this time. Occasionally children will take out their frustration on a pet, feeling that it is the only thing they have any control over. This can result in an injured dog and cannot be accepted. The dog should be removed from the environment until the child's issues are dealt with.

Dogs Help Combat Obesity

Unfortunately, in our society, many children are showing signs of becoming obese as they spend their time sitting at computer desks or in front of TVs, eating too much junk food. A great way to combat this is to have your child walk his or her dog. Walking is great exercise for both your child and the dog. You might even want to go along. It's also a good time to chat with your child and find out how things are going at school or whatever. Some families are so busy with everyday jobs and chores that they are finding less time to spend developing that close bond with their children. Finding some time to go for a walk can accomplish many things at once.

Finding a dog obedience trainer in your area and taking your child and dog there for training is another way for your child to learn more about his or her new friend and how to communicate in a positive way in order to get positive results. Learning to communicate with, respect and appreciate a dog for what it has to offer is something your child will greatly benefit from and will never forget. The other benefit is that it will carry over to how your child views and treats other humans as well as dogs.

If you have been considering getting a dog for your child, I would encourage you to follow through with it. Remember - dogs and kids just seem to be a natural combination.

Karleen has spent most of her life around dogs and is a professional dog groomer. She has a passion for dogs and their ability to create a positive effect not only on children but on any person who has spent any time with them. Learn more about the healing effects dogs have on people as well as other interesting dog-related information by visiting MyEverythingDogBlog