Why Every Family Needs a Dog

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The decision to introduce a dog into your family can be a difficult one. You may be concerned about the cost, the safety of your children and the welfare of the animal if you are out of the house working for long periods of time. These are all very valid concerns and will probably see you having to really weigh up the potential benefits of bringing a dog into your family.

A dog can be very expensive. Even if you re-house a dog from a shelter, they can cost you a huge amount in vet’s bill, insurance costs and food, as well as other costs like kennels if you go away, training and grooming.

You are, of course, also right to worry about the safety of your children and the welfare of the animal. You certainly wouldn’t want to commit to a dog that needs lots of attention if you are out of the house for long periods of time.

Weighing up the options

However, when it comes to these concerns, you may be surprised to find that all dogs have completely different temperaments and needs. A springer spaniel, for example, needs lots of exercise and loves nothing more than going for a long walk or running around a park. They wouldn’t be happy cooped up all day, and it could have a negative effect on their health. A basset hound, on the other hand, is a bit of a couch potato and quite happy sitting around on their own. Whether they are home alone or not, it’s important to do your best to look after them and keep them happy. Pet-Lock dog flea and tick medicine can help to put your mind at rest.

As a parent, your children’s safety will always be your primary concern, but when it comes to bringing a dog into your home, there are a lot of checks that you can do to ensure your children are safe. Firstly, look at breeds. Some dogs are naturally much better with children than others. A beagle, for example, is loving and fun, but also very easy going, so unlikely to become upset or snap if they child is too rough or frightens them. It’s also a good idea to check the dog’s history, and if possible meet its parents to get a good idea of what to expect. When buying a dog to bring into a family home it can be a good idea to buy a puppy from another family, so you know for certain that your pet’s parents are great with kids.

But, despite these concerns, bringing a dog into your home can be a wonderful thing. A loving pet can complete your family in many ways. Here’s a look at some of them.

Love

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Dogs are exceptionally loving and loyal. They really can be your best friend. Bringing a dog into your home when the children are young will mean they’ve always got a friend. A puppy and a child can grow up together. Learning about the world, and each other as they grow closer. They’ll always have someone to talk to and to cuddle when they are sad, even when they are uncomfortable coming to you.

Exercise

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Having a dog forces you to get more exercise. Nowadays so many families spend their time sat at home, staring at screens, never going out, never playing together and never getting any exercise. Get a dog, and you’ll have to. You will spend time outdoors, walking and exploring as a family. You’ll do more steps, you’ll visit new places, and you’ll probably have a lot more fun.

It’ll Improve Your Relationships

Having a dog can improve your relationships with the rest of your family in a few different ways. Firstly, it’s something that you will always have in common. As the kids get older and start to change and develop their personalities, even in the awkward teenage years when they don’t want to be seen with you or barely come out of their rooms, it’s still something that you’ve got in common. A love that you share. Years in the future, when your dog is long gone, you’ll still have the wonderful memories that bring you together as a family. That you can share with grandchildren and wives or husbands. Your shared love will be something that will always bind you.

The other main way having a k9 family member will improve your relationships is by getting you talking. Do you have days when you all sit and stare at different devices or screens? Barely speaking to each other at all? When you are out, together, walking your pet, away from all those other distractions, you’ll speak to each other. You’ll talk about your day, you’ll share any worries, and you will communicate, face to face with the people that you love.

When your children have hit those teenage years, they’ll be much more likely to confide in you when you are out and about, away from computers and screens than when you are pressing them for information at home.

Responsibility

Having a dog is a fantastic way to teach the kids responsibility. To an extent, this is true of any pet. But, with a dog, you are well rewarded for your hard work. If your kids love and look after the dog, they’ll get lots of love and affection back. It teaches them that it’s worth looking after things.

How much responsibility you give them, will depend on their age and level of maturity. But even very young children can come out on walks, help get food read and assist with brushing. As they get older, they can start having jobs that they do themselves.

To Give Them an Outlet

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Children can often find it hard to express their feelings and emotions. Some children become angry, sad or even aggressive because they don’t know how to process what they are feeling. It’s been proven that owning a pet can be good for our mental health. For children, sitting and talking to, or stroking and cuddling a dog, away from everyone else, can be a much-needed outlet. Taking the dog for a walk or to play in the garden is also a brilliant way to escape on their own for a while if they need some space.