Calvin & Hobbes is a timeless classic comic strip about a boy who finds his trusted advisor and confidante, his partner in crime, a goofy and practical sounding board, in a stuffed toy tiger who is always there for him. In the same way, your household dog can be your child’s best friend and teach her many valuable life-skills. Responsibility – When your child says “I want a dog”, make sure the child is committed to playing an active role in ensuring the wellbeing of the dog, and not just playing with the dog. Make your child responsible for simple tasks like giving clean and fresh water to the dog, checking if the dog had his meals, if his vaccinations are up-to-date and if the dog toys are safe. Taking care of a pet teaches children responsibility, since the dog depends on them to provide what they need.
Communication –Involve your child in interacting with and training your dog. This can help your child be more articulate in using verbal and non-verbal cues. Children become more observant and patient as they start reading what their dog is trying to say. Shy kids often begin interacting more with people they’ve met for the first time, when the subject of discussion is their lovely dog.
Respect – Children who interact with dogs correctly can learn important lessons in giving space and respecting privacy. There should be clear time-out sessions in the day and the child should learn to leave the dog alone once the dog gives clear signs that he needs his space.
Later in life this can help them appreciate differences in people and accept them for what they are.
Compassion and sensitivity – Teach your child to take care of an ailing pet, teach her to be gentle while talking and playing with dogs. It is also important that you help a child understand what is safe and not safe for a dog. Sensitize children to the fact that dogs should not be fed with table scraps and chocolates. Ensure children do not throw plastics, wrappers, human toys carelessly around the house and keep things in place. A dog may pick up these items to play with, and end up hurting himself. I have known of many compassionate kids who do not burst crackers because of the havoc it causes to their furry companions. A child who is compassionate towards animals will grow to be compassionate and sensitive to humans too.
Teaching your child how to interact with and respect your dog is a key part of not just responsible pet ownership but also parenting.
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