Is Your Child Old Enough to Care for a Dog?

Bringing a dog into your home is a big decision to make. Taking care of a dog affects parents and children alike. Your child may be eager to bring home a dog, but are they going to have as much enthusiasm when it comes to caring for their new pet? Let’s take a look at how to determine if your child is showing signs that they are ready to help you out with a furry new addition to your family.

Signs That Your Child Is Ready

The American Kennel Club provides a few guidelines to know when your child is ready to help care for a dog in your home.

• Your child is already helping you with age-appropriate tasks around your home.
• They have feelings of empathy for others, including animals.
• Your child seems genuinely interested in caring for a pet and they act interested in dogs when you see them when you are out and about.
• They understand that a pet needs food, water and shelter to survive.
• They also understand that a dog needs toys, exercise and socialization in order to be happy.
• Your child seems to be gentle with other people’s pets and with babies.
• They understand that the dog is going to become a permanent part of the family.

Be Realistic About Your Expectations

No matter how much your child has promised to take care of your new pet, take it with a grain of salt. While they can help you with simple things like feeding or giving them water, keeping your expectations realistic from the start is a wise idea. You are the one that is going to be purchasing items like pet food, toys and the like. You are the one that will be driving the dog to vet appointments. You are likely going to be the one that is potty training your dog, even if your child has the best of intentions.

What to Expect fro m Particular Ages

The following are the ways that you might expect your children to help with a pet, according to their age:

Ages 3-4: Scooping up pet food and giving their dog water is a great job for your little ones. Although they should be supervised, children of this age can help to pick up dog toys and also brush their dog.

Ages 5-9: Children can accept a bit more responsibility for their pet at this age. In addition to feeding the dog, they can take the dog outside to play with them.

Ages 10 and Higher: Older children are able to take care of daily responsibilities such as play, potty, exercise and grooming. Writing down a schedule may be helpful so that nothing is forgotten.

Final Thought

Every child is different. There is no magic number in regards of when is the right time for a child to have a dog of their own. However, between the ages of 5 and 7 is a good place to begin. Although a dog does add more responsibilities to your life, the love and attention that it gives back to your life will make it totally worth it.