Bringing home a pet is a life changing decision not just for you but also your child. Having a pet is akin to having a sibling. Much like a younger sibling teaches a child the art of sharing, caring and co-existing, pets also help develop some important social skills in your child. While it’s a joyride all the way, your child does require some age-appropriate conditioning and positive reinforcement to establish a lasting bond with your new pet.
If you’re wondering how to have your child invested in pet care and nurturing your dog, here are some simple hacks that can help your child be a winning elder sibling for his/her furry friend.
Choose The Right Breed
Building a relationship requires effort from both sides. While you coach your little one to befriend his new pet, remember the pet too should be one that’s friendly. Ideally, your child’s first dog should be an amiable, friendly and compassionate dog. Go with safer options such as a golden retriever or a Labrador. That’s not to say that guard dogs don’t make excellent companions for children. But, a conventional family dog is never a wrong choice to teach your child to have fun with and bond with a dog. How long do labradoodles live? This is something many of the dog lovers wish to know.
Rope Them In On Decisions
Once you have decided to adopt a dog as a family, make sure your child is equally invested in the process. Right from naming the dog to making your home Pet-Friendly, taking your child’s opinion will help him/her feel a sense of responsibility towards the new member of the family. Rope your child in when you sit down to shop for essential dog supplies such as the dog bed, dog kennel, food bowls etc. Doing so will make your child feel in control of the entire process, something little children strive to have.
You could also go as far as organizing a welcome party for your doggo. Get your child to call his/her neighbourhood friends to meet your new pet. This acceptance and acknowledgment towards the dog from people and peers your child relates with is a big leap in his own acceptance and love for the dog. You could even plan some games to help the children bond with the doggo. Once he sees his friends interacting with and caring for your dog, your eager child will soon assume the role of a caretaker.
Make Walking The Dog Fun
A great way to teach your child how to walk the dog is to make it fun for him. Remember, it’s easier to get your child to wilfully do something by attaching some personal interest to it. Forcing or cajoling will only work temporarily. While you both are out walking the dog, how about stopping by for some hot dogs as a substitute for his boring evening snack? You could even walk your child to his friends place, while you walk the dog back alone. This way, he’s party to the job and will learn the ropes soon enough.
Model Ideal Behaviour
Your child will never listen to you as much as he will copy you. So, if you want your child to be a certain way, the best thing to do is it assume that behaviour yourself. That includes pet care. Show your child how to be gentle and care for your pet. Always respond to your pet’s needs even if you are in the middle of something. Shower your pet will love, hugs and cuddles as model behaviour for your child to reflect the same.
Hand Out Age-Appropriate Jobs
It’s important that you choose age-appropriate tasks for your child to carry out. If there’s something that seems out of their scope is activity, it’s best left for later.
A simple task like filling the water bowl for your pet is a great way to get a toddler started on pet care. If you have an older child who has mastered fine and gross motor control, you could consider teaching him/her how to brush the dog’s fur. While a young child cannot be expected to do some errands, but he/she can certainly assist you by bringing the comb, laying a mat out and being an excited bystander while you get the job done. He can run a bath, fill the tub and keep all his bath accessories ready until you bring him in. Have your child champion or lend you a hand in as many pet chores as possible to help give them the sense of responsibility towards their furry friend.
Include Your Dog In Family Occasions
Factor your new pet in everything you plan as a family. It not only teaches your child that your dog is now part of the unit, but it also helps your child understand that he/ she can very well have a good time with the pet. Include your dog in as many activities that keep your child engaged.
That weekend road trip you’re planning ought to include your furry friend as part of the plan too. If there’s a Thanksgiving dinner at home, cook up a dog friendly portion of food to have your pet join in the festivities too. This is a great way to show your child that your pet is now family and must be cared for just the same. The idea is to include your pet in all the fun activities that your child particularly enjoys. If your children and your husband have a mandatory Sunday ball game every weekend, now your dog does too. If ice creams are in order every Friday, your dog is counted for a scoop. It helps your child understand that his pet is in on all the fun activities of the household.
Go as far as setting up solo-dates for your child and your pet. It could be a movie together in a separate room or an even ply session in the backyard while you’re indoors should they need you. This way, your child develops an independent bond with your pet. And hey, you get your errands done while your child is watching the pet (and vice versa!).
We hope you’re all geared up to welcome a new pet home. Happy bonding!
