Summer - The Perfect Time to Teach Kids Responsible Dog Ownership

All too often, dog trainers receive calls from panicked "first time" dog owners. They have a new puppy or dog, but don't have a clue with what to do with it! Some claim they never had a dog as a child. Others admit they did, but they were never responsible for the pet.

Now, they have a pet, and don't know what to expect from or do for it.

The best way a parent can instill responsible dog ownership, is to teach their children there is more to having a pet, than just playing with it.

.
.now and then.

Pets, especially dogs, need consistent, scheduled, routine care.

That includes scheduled feeding, clean water, walks, exercise, grooming and yard clean up. What many new dog owners do not realize is, dogs normally create a stronger bond, with the person who provides the most for them.

By being the primary provider for the basic needs, the dog usually looks to that person for not only their creature comforts, but also for leadership.

Now, that mornings are not so hectic is the perfect time to get the kids involved in taking care of their pets. Make it fun.

Make it a challenge. Make it a routine they can live with once school starts in the fall.

Positive reinforcement, punishment-free training works for dogs.
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and it also works for people! One way to make taking care of their pet a positive experience, is to make a chart. You can place the days of the week on the top of the columns. The responsibilities can be listed on the far left column. They could include: Feeding, Water, Grooming, Walks, Exercise, and Yard Clean Up. Each child will initial the box that they have completed.

There are bonus points for doing the chore WITHOUT being reminded.

A star or happy face sticker can be placed in that box. At the end of the week, the child that has done the most for their dog receives a reward.

If there is a wide age difference, you can divvy the duties in age appropriate ways.

Younger children are responsible for feeding, watering and exercising.
Older ones for walks, grooming and yard cleanups.

Bottom line: For the most part, psychologists believe it takes 28 days to change a behavior. Try this for a month or two.
Watch how it helps to teach your children there is more to sharing their life with a dog, than just playing with it.

You will be teaching them an invaluable lesson. You will be teaching them responsible dog ownership.