I don’t remember what was going on in this picture, but I do remember the dog. That’s Penny, the first dog I ever had.
I don’t remember ever living without a dog. My earliest memories involve dogs. And a cat named Spyder Eyes who would hide and then LEAP onto me as I toddled by.
We don’t have kids, but most of the folks I work with do have children. The wise clients ask for advice on when to bring a dog into their family. The other clients call me after there’s a problem and they’re at wit’s end.
I think it’s wise to involve the children in the raising and training of the family dog as soon as they’re able. Supervision, obviously, is required. It’s not “nice to have” supervision, it’s “CRITICAL to have.”
Naturally, responsibility of dog care and training will increase as the children get older. I remember getting into the gigantic galvanized trash can to get our dogs’ their dinner. It seemed gigantic as a kid and I remember loving the smell of the dog food when the lid was opened. Our dogs lived outside back then and I had to carry water to their water bowls, too. I hated that job: the bucket was heavy and I always got soaked by the sloshing water. There was no getting out of it — the dogs needed their water, and it was one of my assigned duties.
If you have a dog and kids, why not let the kids participate in the care of your dog. Pet360 has some great tips on how to divvy out responsibility based on the age of your kids.
Your turn: Did you have a dog growing up? What were your dog-related chores. Do you have kids and a dog? Do your kids have responsibilities around the care, feeding, and training of the family dog? I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment.
This post is sponsored by Pet360. I have the chance to be compensated for spreading the word about Pet360.com, but Smart Dog Blog only shares stuff that WE like! [We don’t share just for money or bling, in other words.]
My first dog was a pit bull when I was a kid and it was my job to feed her and give her water. Madonna was my best friend. She used to stand under me as I climbed the slide, then run around to meet me at the bottom. She was my babysitter more often than not.
I remember begging for a dog as a kid and not getting one until 2 1/2 years ago. I was determined that my children learn to love and respect dogs, and not to be afraid of a dog based on height or coat color. One of their jobs is to help collect poop (aka poop patrol) before I mow. While they are not always huge fans, their collective ability to work together and find 95% of it is something that I think has helped them work out dogs are fun but taking care of them is not a fun/not fun issue. It’s just something you do for someone you love, furry or not. Rodney could not be a better fit for this family – he is patient as all get out with the children, alert to them being sad, and hilarious to watch when they all play outside.
I was allowed my first dog when I turned ten years old. Schroeder was my complete responsibility, and my constant companion. He was a terrier mix, and we were inseparable. I was responsible for his feeding, watering, and also his vaccines and license. This pattern never has changed over the years. I think it’s important for a child to take control and responsibility for their dog. Parents should stay out of it. This is a real relationship, and a real opportunity for learning the depths of responsibility to another being.
I really NEED a video with clicker training for barking/quiet. My lab mix’s barking is driving me crazy! I’m glad to see your article on dogs and kids–families need a lot more training help! I’ve seen too many dogs given away as soon as kids come along because the parents didn’t train the dog nor train the kids how to interact with the dog.
Ah, I love the breed and I love the name! God, I love dogs. Just hearing your description of how Madonna would look after you gives me the warm fuzzies. Thanks for making my day!
Rodney is a way-cool boy. And his family is even cooler, if that’s possible! I agree that it’s important for kids to learn to love a dog and to take care of another living, breathing, thinking, feeling creature. It does a body good!
It’s so important, isn’t it, Kevin? Your friendship with Schroeder helped shape the man you are today. He left quite a legacy!
kybarb — thanks for the request. That’s a good one! The Dane’s not much of a barker, but I’ll put that on the list of videos to make when we get another pup!
Yes, I agree with you about dogs and kids. Dogs are family — and with a little work, the children can blend in harmoniously with everyone gaining and learning something from the other!