Raised by dogs

The role dogs play in child development

Children that interact with dogs regularly show significant improvement in their academic, social and personal development. Your child learns valuable life lessons through the simple act of caring for another living being, and they get the stimulation and exercise they need to grow into independent, well-rounded individuals.

Dogs don't superficially judge people. They respond well to positive attention. They also just want to have fun and have positive experiences. An influence like this in your child's life will make them happier, provide a more positive outlook and encourage them to excel in all areas of their lives, including school.

Ultimately, dogs teach our children so much; a child’s interactions with the family dog are invaluable in nurturing good traits in the child for years to come.

Dogs teach responsibility

Owning a dog is one of the best ways to teach a child responsibility. Dogs have requirements that must be planned for and met within a specific time frame. Just like feeding the dog and ensuring his food doesn't run out, academic work requires the same planning and focus on completing tasks. Making this connection is encouraging to a child, and they are more likely to manage their academic workload when they understand the similarities.

Then, ensuring your child is staying on top of feeding, grooming, and exercise teaches time management. They also develop the discipline to take care of tasks that are 'not so nice'. Putting a rule in place, such as "You must finish your homework before you can play with your dog," helps eliminate procrastination and hours in front of the TV. You'll also teach your child to make challenging tasks a priority. Finally, when your child is tasked with the responsibility of feeding your dog and managing the food, they learn to think ahead. Planning for the future is a vital skill, and learning it early can be extremely beneficial.

Dogs encourage an active lifestyle

Attending to a dog's physical needs means more time outdoors. Children with dogs tend to be more active, and active children are often more focused. They have calmer minds, so they can concentrate more effectively and for extended periods. Exercise also facilitates mental clarity, so active children generally answer questions faster and with greater insight. Adding alternate physical activities into a child's life limits screen time, and instilling physical activity at an early age forms a habit that's often carried into adulthood.

Dogs inspire creative thinking

Taking a dog for a walk is the best way to encourage your child to be outdoors, body moving, and blood flowing. Not only will they benefit from the exercise, but being out in the fresh air and surrounded by nature's wonders will also get their creative juices flowing. There is plenty to see and interact with when walking — trees, rocks, clouds and other people walking their dogs.

Taking the time to play with a dog in the house and garden provides an opportunity for children to get creative in smaller spaces. If the child wants to capture and keep the dog’s attention they have to get inventive. Parents can enhance this experience with a variety of toys, facilitating the use of imagination and encouraging the creation of new games.

Finally, taking care of another living thing also gives children confidence. They become more confident in participating in school activities and more willing to put their ideas forwards.

Dogs encourage emotional growth

Children caring for dogs will learn responsibility and develop an emotional bond. Caring for their dogs will increase their levels of sympathy and empathy. A dog in the house allows the expression of emotional energy in a space free of judgement. Any child can be completely themselves in the company of a dog. All they will get is love and a platform to find their feet in the world.

Dogs help children to relax

Although we don't know why dogs help us to relax and lift our spirits, they do. Perhaps it's their unwavering love or their cute and squishy faces. Maybe it has something to do with them always being in a good mood and wanting to have fun. Whatever the reason, relaxation is essential for children to develop healthily.

Final thoughts

Dogs are amazing, magical creatures that will show your child the finer, more important aspects of life. They will teach your child about responsibility and caring for others, about having fun, being joyful and prioritising relaxation. Finally, they will teach your child about death and moving past the hurt. Having a dog participating in your child's upbringing will help create a well-rounded human being with the confidence and integrity to tackle anything life throws their way. Perhaps most importantly, your child will make a friend they will remember for the rest of their life.