Kids Can Learn How To Care For a Dog
Do you have kids and a dog? Are you looking to add a dog to your family and wish to make sure your kids know how to care for the dog? Here are some helpful hints to get you started on this wonderful journey that involves a dog and your kids. A journey that will give your kids much pleasure and teach them responsibility all at the same time, what a bonus for you!
If your child is under age five, you will need to be sure that you supervise the feeding and care of your dog and to supervise older kids until you are sure they have mastered the rules about how to care properly for the dog. Here are the general rules that you should teach your kids about caring for a dog.
Rule #1 Feeding
A dog needs to have the proper amount of food for his age and breed each day along with fresh water. Puppies especially need to have the proper amounts of nutrients in order to grow strong and healthy. Dogs and puppies also need the proper food and in the proper amount for energy to play with the kids each day.
If your dog is an outside dog, it is especially important to clean the water dish everyday and to fill it with fresh, clean water. Standing water is a breeding place for mosquitoes. Remember to supervise young kids around dogs while feeding and to teach them not to disturb any dog while they are eating.
Explain to kids why it is important to only feed the dog the right kinds of food so that the dog does not get sick or choke.
The best way for young children to learn about how to be kind to a dog is to watch the adult handling the dog. Teach a child as you show them the behavior so that the child can learn what to do as well as what not to do.
Rule #2 Exercising
Different dog breeds require different amounts of daily exercise. All dogs require some amount of exercise each day. Exercise includes playing, walking, running and doing dog tricks. Show a child how to properly play with a dog, and to walk a dog properly on a leash the safe way. Tell a dog where they can safely walk the dog. Young children should have rules about leaving the yard with the dog such as having to tell an adult first and always having the dog on a leash. There are many books and Websites about how to teach dogs tricks and how to play with a dog.
Rule #3 Puppy Care
Puppy care is different from dog care. Puppies will chew on anything they can sink their teeth into including things that are harmful if swallowed or your child’s favorite toys. Teach your child how to puppy-proof the rooms in your home and the outside play area. Teach kids to keep room doors shut that the puppy or dog cannot go into such as the bathroom or a child’s room that is allergic to pet dander. If a child or adult is allergic to pet dander there are products that can be applied to the animal’s coat to reduce the dander. Dogs should not be allowed into bedrooms of those who are allergic to them.
Rule #4 – Bathroom Breaks for indoor dogs
If you have an indoor dog, the dog will need to have regular times in which to go to the bathroom outside. There should be a designated yard area for this purpose that everyone in the household agrees is the dog’s bathroom. This makes cleaning up after the dog easier and leaves yard space for playing without stepping into doggie messes.
Make a chart for who is in charge of taking the dog outside for bathroom breaks at what times of the day and night. A puppy will need more bathroom breaks than a dog. The adult in the family will need to be sure to make the vet care appointments but children can be taught about why it is important to have vet care.
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