The positive effects owning a dog can have on children can be astonishing. Children can learn many valuable life skills from owning a dog. Owning a dog helps children learn responsibility, and the value of respect among other things.  To facilitate learning of responsibility children should be encouraged to take part in caring for the dog; even with small children, any small contribution to the dog’s care counts. With older children, more dog care responsibilities should be assigned, and it should be made clear that the child is the sole owner of the dog, as this will make them feel more responsible for the dog’s care and wellbeing.

Owning a dog can also boost your child’s self esteem because dogs provide unconditional love. Children find comfort and encouragement when they are greeted by the wagging tail of a dog that’s excited to see them return home from school. This keeps them motivated and makes them feel good about themselves.  Dogs can also help decrease loneliness in children, especially in children that do not have siblings, as they will always have someone to talk to and play with.  Furthermore, dogs help children feel secured and can help reduce anxiety.

Patience, empathy, kindness, and compassion are other qualities that children can develop from owning a dog, as these are qualities one must have when caring for a dog.  Interaction with a dog can even help your child learn non-verbal communication, as they learn to understand their dog’s body language.

The benefits of children owning pets are endless, these are just a few to consider in case you are a parent who is deciding if buying a dog for your child is the right choice.