In fact, many parents would like to know whether their children are suitable for raising dogs at such a young age.
Generally, by the age of 7, children are mentally strong enough to judge that dogs are actually just as sentient as humans, and need kindness and loving care.
In reality, however, some of the skills necessary for caring for pets require children to have a sense of responsibility and self-control.
Some 7-year-olds can be extremely considerate to dogs, feeding and watering the dog, and taking the dog to exercise.
Parents should be aware of their children’s mental level and take the time to study the situations involving them in detail.
Also ask yourself a few questions as to whether you would like to have a dog as a new member of the family, will it add new responsibilities and cost burdens (in terms of time and money),
Will the children continue to care for the dogs when they grow up? Some dogs can live 18 years or more, so do we have time to take care of sick older dogs all the time?
You need to ask yourself these questions and communicate frankly with each other.
Finally, bring the children together for a candid conversation as a family. Parents should remind children that dogs are different from toys, they are living, sentient beings.
Then ask the children to answer the following questions.
1. Why do you want a dog? Is it because you like dogs, or do you want to look cool among your friends?
2. Would you like to take a dog training
course?
3. Would you like to feed your dog, water it and take it out for exercise every day?
4. Even if your dog bites something you like, or you accidentally get scratched while playing, do you still love it and still be kind and friendly?
5. Do you bathe your dog, blow dry it, and clean it?
6. Dogs sometimes need to be on their own, especially when sleeping, do you strictly follow this?
7. Would you teach your dog to learn passwords and fun tricks?
8. When you take your dog out for a walk, do you always put it on a leash?
Once you are quite satisfied with the answers given by the children, it is time to officially adopt a dog into the house.
After the dog arrives home, make a work plan for the whole family, which should list who should be responsible for the daily daily life of the dog each week.
Place this work plan in the most visible part of your home, such as on the refrigerator door, so you can see at a glance whether the work is complete.
To ensure a successful dog adoption, you can include children in discussions about how to care for your dog. Oftentimes, children can also provide good advice.
Safety Tips to Prevent Dog Bites
According to statistics, the number one public safety hazard faced by children is dog attacks.
Children should learn to “be a tree” when faced with a rough, fierce or unfamiliar large dog approaching them.
This means, stand up straight, with your branches (arms) at your sides and your eyes looking at the roots (foot),
keep this position all the time until the big dog finally leaves or another helper arrives.
