Being a dog owner is a big responsibility, but it’s a responsibility that will add so much value to you and your children’s life. Not only do dogs chase away depression and loneliness, but they also help teach your kids responsibility and social skills.
Continue reading to learn how your family could benefit from adopting a puppy. For more information, we recommend contacting the puppy adoption center at The Barking Boutique to learn about their puppies for adoption.
Improves Mood
There are many mental health benefits to owning a dog. For example, many people find comfort in being able to pet their dog and relax after a long day. In fact, playing with a purebred puppy can help increase your child’s and levels in the brain, both of which improve your child’s emotional well-being.
A puppy can also improve your child’s self-esteem and help them learn how to handle stress in healthy way. For example, playing with the family pet is a good way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Helps Kids Stay Active
It can be hard for today’s children to get the exercise and fresh air they need when TV, video games, social media, and cell phones constantly compete for their attention. Taking the dog for a walk with your child, not only helps them get the exercise they need to stay healthy, but it also teaches them how to be responsible for another living thing.
In general, dog owners get more exercise than cat owners or those without pets. Keep in mind that certain types of dogs are more active than others, such as Golden Retriever puppies. A purebred puppy adoption center can help you pick from the best dog breeds for your household.
Teaches Responsibility
Puppies need a lot of care, which provides the perfect opportunity for your child to learn about responsibility. Depending on the age of your child, you may put them in charge of filling the puppy’s food and water bowls, taking them for walks, or brushing their fur. At The Barking Boutique, we recommend giving your child small tasks to start off with before gradually giving them more responsibility.
Improves Social Skills
Taking care of a puppy helps teach children how to be more compassionate and gentle with animals. Learning how to be kinder to animals is a social skill that can transfer to the playground, making it easier for your child to make friends and do well in school. Keep in mind that certain are gentler around children, like the Bernese Mountain Dog. However, any puppy you choose will be sure to be a great family pet.
Protects the Home
There have been plenty of stories of dogs protecting their human friends. Dogs are naturally protective and like to keep an eye on anything that looks suspicious. Nothing deters a would-be burglar more than a watchful dog in the window. If you have small children, you may feel more at ease knowing that your child’s furry playmate is also the family watchdog.
The Barking Boutique is a Grand Rapids puppy adoption center that helps cute puppies find forever homes. If you are interested in adopting one of our , or have any questions, give us a call at (616) 446-6766.
