How to Teach a Child to Care for a dog

Many dog owners consider their pet to be a member of their family. Deciding to add a dog to your family is a big responsibility and commitment that should not be taken lightly. It is a good idea to allow your child to have smaller pets first, such as fish, hamsters or birds, which require less time and care, before working your way up to a dog.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Explain to your child that the dog needs food and water every day. If your child is young, allow her to assist in the feeding of the dog, but make sure you are also actively involved. As the child gets older and demonstrates responsibility with the dog, then you can turn the feeding over to her.

2. Demonstrate, by example, what it means to be nice to your dog. Young children have a tendency to be rough with dogs, pulling on their ears or tails or tackling them. Show the child how to pet the dog nicely. Explain that animals have feelings too, just like humans, and it is important to treat them nice.

3. Set a bathroom schedule. Decide what times during the day your dog needs to be brought out to the bathroom. You might want to post the scheduled times near the door. Show your child how to put the leash on the dog, and where he should be walked to go to bathroom. Let your young child go with you when walking the dog. As the child gets older, allow him to walk the dog on his own.

4. Teach your child about the importance of daily exercise for the dog to keep her healthy. Depending on the size of the child and the size of the dog, encourage the child to walk the dog on leash for exercise or play ball in the yard.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child has a hard time remembering to feed the dog and take him out to the bathroom, you might want to make a checklist. Hang it at the child's level where it is easily assessable. After the child completes each of the chores, she can put a check mark next to it.