| Some people say that every boy should own a dog. It | | | | parents: owning a cat or dog teaches children |
| certainly agrees with the classic American family: Dad, | | | | responsibility. When owning a dog, a child realizes that |
| Mom, Son, Daughter, and their dog. Though not all | | | | dogs have needs that must be met. Mom and Dad |
| families are able to own a pet, children benefit in many | | | | can help by teaching the children to put dog food in |
| ways because of this canine familial addition. To begin, | | | | Rover's bowl, let the him out into the fenced backyard |
| owning a dog benefits the physical health of children. | | | | to do his business, and taking him on walks for |
| How? Scientific studies have shown that when a | | | | exercise. Kids realize that responsibly includes taking |
| person pats a dog or strokes a cat, their blood | | | | care of others, not simply brushing their teeth at night, |
| pressure lowers. This helps relax the child and relieves | | | | doing their homework, and cleaning their room. |
| stress after a long day at school. Some studies have | | | | Eventually, children will have families of their own to |
| also shown that children who own a pet, particularly a | | | | take care of; start them early by helping them take |
| dog, have more highly developed immune systems | | | | care of the family dog. Also, children are able to |
| than children who do not own a pet. This is most likely | | | | understand that if they do not take proper care of |
| because children are not afraid to hug their dog and | | | | their pet, they will lose their best friend. The |
| smother their face in the not-always-clean coat of | | | | responsibility of caring for a pet fosters lifelong benefits |
| their dog; by doing this, children are able to slowly build | | | | for growing children. Finally, many parents believe that |
| and strengthen their disease and sickness fighting | | | | owning a pet simply increases the quality of life for |
| abilities. Next, children whose families own pets have | | | | their children. Children who have pets often grow up |
| been shown to display higher levels of empathy and | | | | with them because the dog acts as a member of the |
| kindness in comparison to children who do not have a | | | | family. A pet provides an at-home friend, someone to |
| pet. Children with pets also display higher confidence | | | | greet them when they get home from school, |
| levels; this may be because dogs are confident, | | | | someone to play catch with, watch TV with, and |
| non-judgmental creatures, and children unconsciously | | | | someone who is there for them when they are sad or |
| copy their dog's finest traits. Also, studies have shown | | | | hurt. Dogs certainly are a comfort and a joy for |
| that children who own pets possess an affinity for | | | | children. The benefits of owning pets for a child's sake |
| understanding and communicating non-verbally. This is | | | | are endless. Who doesn't want their child to |
| most likely because children talk to their dogs, and | | | | experience the best life has to offer? |
| Rover in turn communicates through his body | | | | Discount Pet Mall features dog beds & elevated dog |
| language, which kids learn to understand. Here is a | | | | feeders. |
| positive benefit to owning a pet that may interest | | | | |