How To Choose a Puppy That is Right For My Family
When your new puppy has had it’s first arrival to your home, make sure to give your child(children) some easy tasks to do so. These tasks should be age appropriate and something they can do easily and requires little to no help from you!
Remember, you don’t want to give too much responsibility just yet, so start off slow! If you have toddlers in the home, they can easily pick up the puppy’s toys and place them in their basket and you can even purchase cheap dog apparel such as dog pajamas, shirts and more. They can also hand out treats as rewards to puppy for good behavior. When you take your pup to get their vaccinations, it’s a good learning experience for your toddler to see that even puppies get shots like they do and can be there to offer hugs and kisses!
Preschoolers and young kids(4years old to 8years of age) can help with feeding and watering with supervision, take pup outside for bathroom breaks on a leash, and assist during bath times. Children that are 9 years old and older should be able to do all the tasks previously mentioned as well as the following: help clean up after the puppy and help with house training and basic training commands, such as “Sit” and “Come”. An essential tool in house training a dog is having a xl dog crate or a small one to start out with and you will easily be able to potty train your puppy.
By having your children assist in these simple tasks for your puppy, you are helping them to be responsible and respectful pet owners and people. They realize that these are just things that go hand in hand when owning and caring for a dog or any pet. It forms that bond; that friendship between your child and your new family pet that lasts through both of their lifetimes! Two other puppy tasks that a child of any age can help do is keep pup mentally and physically fit! This can be done by regular exercise such as playtime and through proper socialization.