contributed by April Peiffer, WCRAS Community Programs Director
Anyone who had a dog while growing up likely has fond childhood memories filled with love and joy. Days playing fetch in the backyard, nights snuggled up in bed dreaming of what great adventures are in store. Dogs are a staple of childhood, as ubiquitous and nostalgia-filled as summertime baseball games in the street and tea parties with the grandparents.
So what are some great ways to teach your children to treat pets with love and compassion? Are they ready for the responsibility a new pet represents? These are questions that parents may ask themselves before choosing to add a four-legged furry companion to the family fold.
GREAT BENEFITS
Dogs are a great way to introduce kids to one of life’s lessons—being responsible for another being. Dogs require love, patience, guidance, and of course, day-to-day care in the form of food, water, shelter, and grooming. Your guidance as a parent can teach a child about these new chores and how to complete them, while remaining at the ready should the task prove to be too much at first, providing an example for the children to emulate.
Some things that are important for children to learn:
- Pet a dog gently and only when the dog is happy to receive attention.
- Giving a dog a safe place to go to when it wants time to itself is a great way to provide boundaries. A dog crate is great for this.
- Give the dog space when it’s eating, chewing a bone, or sleeping. Each dog has her own needs and boundaries, and learning to recognize and respect them are keys to successful pet ownership.
Parents who aren’t sure whether their kids are ready for this kind of responsibility can take advantage of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s fostering program. The foster program allows a family to take a dog home for a short period of time, giving the dog a break from life in the shelter while also providing the opportunity for the family to decide whether to make the commitment to adopt. More information on the foster program can be found at wilcopets.org.
A child’s love for a dog can be one of the most special memories made, and there are so many at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter who would love a family with children to call their own. When the time is right, allow them to help you make a match so kiddos can look back with happiness and love when thinking about that very first dog they brought home from the shelter.