9 Reasons why dogs are great for kids - Treats Happen

November 04, 2015 0 Comments

There are many reasons why dogs are great for kids. Some scientific, some anecdotal, and some just downright cute. Growing up as children with dogs, Riley and I wouldn't have it any other way, but it's not just us. Here are our top 9 reasons why every child should grow up with a dog!

1. Dogs are fun!

 
Source: Pinerest

If for no other reason than pure enjoyment, dogs are fun to have around the house, especially for children.

2. They listen to your stories

 
Source: Pinterest

This might be true as an adult as well, but as a kid, sometimes you just want somebody to listen to you. Nobody is a better listener than your dog. As a bonus, dog's make great reading buddies.

3. Dogs cheer you up when you're feeling down

Source: Pinterest

Somehow dogs just know when you're hurt. Maybe you have a boo boo, or maybe you didn't do well in art class. Either way, they know not to play rough with you.

4. It gets them out of the house!

 
Source: Pinterest

Most kids, or at least the ones I knew, didn't want to be outdoors too much. This all changed if it meant going for a ramble with Dolly, our family dog growing up. The same is true or children today. They may not want to go for a family hike, but they'll probably go for a family dog walk. Especially if they get the leash!

5. Better health for your child

 

There have been numerous studies that show a child who grows up in a dog friendly house is less likely to have asthma and allergies. People with pets also tend to go to the doctor less often.

6. Dogs teach children a lot of things

 
Source: Pinterest

Compassion, responsibility, boundaries, socialization. All of these are important for kids, and they can all be taught by a dog. 

7. It gives the child a job

 
Source: Pinterest

Growing up, the thing that I, like many children wanted was to be treated like an adult. A big part of that is having responsibilities. Maybe it's letting the dogs out at night, cleaning up the backyard or feeding them, regardless of the task, having a dog makes children feel a part of the back, and gives them a job.

8. Dogs reduce stress and anxiety

 
Source: Pinterst

I'm sure we would all love to go back and be kids again, but we often forget how stressful it can be to be a kid. Dogs, and pets in general, help to relieve this stress for children.

9. Siblings bond better with dogs

Source: Distractify/Dogvacay

Siblings don't always get along, but one thing is for sure. Siblings with dogs bond over shared responsibilities and even just as a common playmate.

Did you grow up with a dog?

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