Having both children and dogs in the house can be a rewarding experience that teaches kids respect, care, and a level of responsibility.
Children who grow up with dogs have improved self-esteem and high compassion as compared to children who grow up without dogs. Dogs can also serve as fun, furry play companions for your children. Starting dog training early can ensure that your children and pets have a positive experience living together under the same roof.
Including Your Children in Dog Training
Dog training is not just teaching a dog to obey. It is a collaborative lesson in which people learn how to interact with their dog to gain their respect, leading to a stronger relationship. Including your children in your dog training classes can teach them how to build a healthy relationship with your family pet.
Through dog training, families learn how to understand their pet’s needs and get them comfortable within your environment. Children who are involved in dog training with their parents can better understand how to communicate with their family dog based on the dog’s personality and unique behaviors.
Teaching Responsibility
Parents serve as role models to their children when it comes to responsible pet ownership. It is up to parents to educate their child on the needs of their pet to avoid any harm to both children and dogs in the house.
Children who learn about their dog’s need for food, water, exercise, and bathroom breaks will begin to learn responsibilities at an early age. Even if your child is old enough to care for your dog, they should always be supervised to ensure that it remains a positive environment for everyone.
Behavior and Stress
Another reason to include your children in dog training classes is to avoid any stress on your pet. Stress can be a high contributor to behavioral problems in dogs. Through dog training, children learn the signs of stress in dogs and how to react. This will reduce the risk of negative interactions between kids and dogs.
The most common signs dogs exhibit due to stress are:
- Biting
- Barking
- Pacing
- Panting
- Changes in body posture
- Potty accidents
- Running away or hiding
When children learn the signs of dog anxiety and stress, they will better understand if they are helping contribute to that behavior. They can also learn how to recognize stress in order to help their dog handle the stress better.
How to Find Dog Training Classes
Including your children in dog training is best to do from the comfort of your own home. It allows your dog to learn in a comfortable environment where they spend most of their day to day time. Children will also understand how to behave around the dog at home, making training more personal and memorable.