Last Updated on 02/03/2023 by K9 Oil Supplements
My Child wants a Dog but I’m not sure they are ready.
My child wants a dog and as a parent, you now realize that you are long past the simple conversation of “can we get a dog?”. This means that you are pondering the next steps, researching dog breeds, analyzing total costs of dog ownership and more. If you are reading this article, you may not even be sure that your child is really ready for the commitment.
It is not because your child is not smart, kind and loving. It is not because your child does not deserve a dog, it is simply because you understand the reality of taking care of a life.
First off, good job to you for taking the time to research this! A dog is not a toy. A dog is a living and breathing family member that requires attention his / her entire life. Yep, just like your children. For atleast 18 years, you are responsible for everything your child needs. So you know that “My Child wants a Dog” is loaded with many concerns.
One idea to find out if your children are in fact ready for this commitment is to practice dog ownership.
What? How can you “practice” dog ownership?
There are a few things that you can do to demonstrate what’s involved with owning a dog before even actually getting a dog. You want your child to be fully prepared as to what is involved.
Enforce a sample routine of what life would be like with a dog.
To demonstrate one of the most important basics of what is involved in basic dog care, wake up 30 minutes earlier than normal, and take your kids for a walk of least 15 minutes. Build your kids up to going for a 30-minute walk before school, as well as doing so everyday in all kinds of weather.
Repeat this step at different times of day and every day. At the least, repeat this twice daily.
Let your kids know that you are simulating potty breaks and the basics of exercise that dogs need. Explain to them that this is a part of giving a dog a healthy and happy life. Explain to them the hazards to avoid, how to pay attention to everything, and to know what to do in every scenario.
This should not be a punishment, it should be fun.
For your walks, find neighborhood destinations where dogs are. Maybe local parks, dog parks and the like.
Meet other pet parents and encourage your kids to ask questions. By encouraging this type of socializing, you are also exposing your kids to the importance of the same socializing that a dog needs for a healthy life. Socializing your dog is critical to his / her behavior and well being.
During this process, your kids will see many dogs (and breeds) and surely they will witness dog parents picking up dog poop. Explain to your children the importance of picking up after a dog. Explain the importance of analyzing the dog poop. Explain that your dogs poop is one way to know how your dog is feeling. They will see how dogs interact with each other, how they play, when things are getting too rough, what to do in certain scenarios, even the characteristics of what dogs to avoid (which is no fault of the dog, rather the improper training from the dog parent).
Along the way, you’ll make many friends. You may even make a friend that allows their dogs to be sort of surrogates. Your child can stop by and check on the dog, play with the dog, learn dog walking, basic dog training and more.
Ultimately, if you and your kids survive this practice phase, your kids have done so with none of rewards of dog ownership and that is to be applauded.
They have yet to experience the love that they would get from their own dog. They have yet to experience having a true buddy and friend. They have yet to experience any of the beauty and magic that comes from being a dog parent. We recommend having a dog in the family highly, it is just that we have seen the results of failed ownership at the local animal shelters and it is just heart breaking.
While “practice makes perfect”, perfection is not required, just a willingness to work together and figure things out. The truth is that your dog will do most of hard work.
Take a look at our series of new puppy tips. Beginning with week 1 with a new puppy.
