It is not hard to imagine a carefree child running through endless pastures with their trusty best friend, their dog while they both bask in the warm sunshine of a summer day. Your mind’s eye can easily conjure up this image of a happy child and his dog playing and romping through the fields, the child giggling while the dog frantically wags his tail.

This is, after all, the stuff that movies are made from. Many popular movies have featured a child and his loyal canine companion and many people have nostalgic memories of their childhood pet. The truth is, dogs can make great companions for children and their companionship brings with it many benefits for children. Dogs not only provide companionship for children, they help them to grow into responsible and compassionate adults.

Owning a dog enriches a child’s life in many ways. Dog ownership is a big responsibility – the dog needs to be fed and looked after. Children quickly learn that they cannot afford to be selfish when they have to look after a dog. They quickly grasp that their dog relies on them for everything and this teaches them responsibility. Walking the dog becomes more important than staying at home to play a video game.

Due to the fact that dogs need regular daily walks, you will find your child spending more time outdoors and exerting more physical energy than a child without a dog. Some breeds of dog require more exercise than others and active dogs are ideal for children as their activity levels are usually well matched. With child obesity on the rise, dog ownership is the ideal answer to providing your child with a fun way of exercising.

Dog ownership also helps enhance your child’s creativity and imagination. Children can be motivated to building a dog house for their pet and this teaches them carpentry as well as the joy of giving. The possibilities are endless as you encourage your child to make things for their canine best friend. Even choosing a name for their pet is a mental challenge.

Owning a dog provides many fond memories that can be shared from generation to generation. Most people fondly remember their childhood pets and the many things they learned from owning a pet. Dogs are truly man’s best friend as they can teach us so much. Dogs are symbols of loyalty and children learn a lot from owning and caring for a dog. All the skills learned from caring for a dog are transferred into their adulthood making them better individuals. Owning a dog is a priceless experience that will be valued and looked back on for many years to come.

As you can see, one of the best things you can do is allow a dog into your child’s life. A dog will definitely enrich your child’s life and teach him many things he may not have learned. While your child’s experience may not be like something out of a movie, it will still bring many benefits to your child’s mental and physical development.

Author Bio: Michael Wallensack of Chazhound.com is a proud father of two! One boy, Mikey Jr. and one German Shepherd, Schnitzel. Visit his site for a wide selection of fine pet products, like super comfy dog beds!

Category: Parenting
Keywords: babies, pregnancy, dogs, dog training, dog ownership