| Many people hold the belief that every child needs a | | | | responsibility. Children of this age are able to pour the |
| dog. Though this article is not about the benefits of | | | | food and water into the dishes, they can groom the |
| dogs to children, it is about how children can help dogs. | | | | pet on their own, and they can begin helping you bathe |
| When children are young, they often express a desire | | | | your dog by handing you the shampoo, or by gently |
| to their mommies that they want to help. They want to | | | | spraying the water over the dog as you hold him still. |
| be a big kid and help mom with the dishes, the laundry, | | | | Once your kids reach older ages, they are able to help |
| and even taking care of the dog! Here are a few | | | | in many more ways. They can clean up pet accidents |
| ways children can help care for the family pet. | | | | in the house, they can usually (depending on your child's |
| First and foremost, it is important to know the age | | | | maturity) be responsible for feeding and watering your |
| appropriateness of tasks for children as they are | | | | pooch, take him or her out to do their business in the |
| related to caring for their pets. Toddlers are often very | | | | yard, or even depending on your dog's size and |
| willing to help, but partly because of their size, and | | | | temperament, bathe them as well. |
| mainly due to their age, they simply cannot help the | | | | Once your kids become teenagers, they should be |
| way "big kids" can. So, how can toddlers help? They | | | | responsible enough to feed and water the dog, take |
| can help feed and water the dog. Simply get two | | | | them out on walks daily, give them baths, and they |
| plastic cups, divide your dog's dinner portion between | | | | may even be able to take Fido to the vet for their |
| the two cups. Take your toddler to the food bowl and | | | | annual routine check-up. |
| show them how to pour the food into the dish. Then | | | | It is always a joy to allow your kids to grow up with a |
| go ahead and do the same thing with the water. | | | | dog aside from giving them good memories and a |
| Young children love this, and they really feel like they | | | | better appreciation for simple things. If your children |
| are helping mommy! Also, if your toddler is gentle | | | | express interest in helping take care of your pet, let |
| enough, you can hand them a doggie brush and they | | | | them! Consider the age appropriateness of their tasks, |
| can help you groom your dog's coat. Taking the dog | | | | and they will love it! To young children, responsibility is |
| on walks with the stroller is also an excellent way your | | | | fun. Use this as a learning experience, and you and |
| child can help. | | | | your children will be able to bond with the family pet as |
| For children who are still young, mainly from about 4 to | | | | you all bond together! |
| 7 years of age, you can gradually increase their | | | | |