Your child has been asking for a cute little puppy for ages. You’re excited by the idea. But as soon as you think about the work that goes into having a new pet in the house, your “ready for puppy” feelings fade.
Children more often than not leave duties such as cleaning up the dog’s mess or walking the dog to their parents.
Let’s discuss a few tips on how you can survive and even enjoy having a puppy in your home, while leaving your children with the main responsibilities.
- Love at First Sight
Let your child select his or her own dog by meeting and greeting the dog before taking it home.
Personalizing the relationship between your child and his or her future best friend will make them more compassionate. This will in return make them more likely to want to take care of the dog themselves.
By giving your child the freedom to pick out his or her own pet, you’ll also be giving them a sense of ownership.
- A Helping Hand
Yes, the goal is to let your children raise their own pets, but it might be necessary for you to be an example to them first.
Did you know your two-year-old has more or less the same performance capabilities as your canine? According to Wikipedia your toddler has a lot in common with your dog. All the more reason to get your child a new best friend even from a young age.
If your child is in preschool or if it’s your child’s first experience with a pet in the house, you might want to get him or her involved in the daily tasks first.
You already know that children do as you do and not as you say. Use these ideas on how you can get your younger children involved:
- Treats: Let your children give the puppy treats for good behavior. It’ll make your child feel important and excited.
- Follow the leader: Let your child be the one to give out orders. Most dogs only follow and listen to one master. If you let your child take the lead now, they’ll be more likely to care for the dog in the long run.
- Exercise: This is one of the fun activities even smaller children can enjoy with their pets. Let your child walk the dog daily or play with the dog in the park.
- Clean up time: We know it can be more of a mess to get a toddler involved in cleaning up the dog’s erm…Toilet duties. But let your child mop the floor for a second time after you’ve cleaned up. This will keep them in the habit of cleaning up when they’re older.
- Get Professional Assistance
And if all else fails? Well, then you call the professionals. There’s an answer if you’re too busy or don’t have the patience (we don’t blame you) to teach your child how to take care of your new family member. Getting a company such as Pride & Prejudoodles to do the dirty work (literally) for you can help save time and frustration.
They’ll help with all the training your dog needs, from potty training to obedience techniques.
Final Thoughts
According to a recent survey more than 57% of pet owners with children have seen an improvement in their children’s responsibility skills since having a pet around.
Teach your children from a young age to take care of their pets and you won’t have to deal with teenagers who leave all the work to you later.
