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When we welcomed our labrador-retriever puppy into our home we only had one active little boy. Dixie quickly settled into our family and we knew we had made the right choice bringing her into our lives. She was so great with Jayden, who was just over 1 year at the time.
Fast forward to today and five more children, she is still an amazing dog! She is just wonderful with all of our kids. She doesn’t mind them climbing on her or laying on her as a pillow, wrestling with her, or even playing with her ears. She is so patient with them.
Since Dixie is so good to my kids and such a sweet member of our family, I make a point to feed her good food with MEAT as the #1 ingredient and no sugar added! Beneful has been updating it’s formula for their Beneful Originals with beef dog food. They really listened to us dog owners and included all the important ingredients we love and left out the things we don’t (i.e. added sugar) I love the attention to ingredients that they give to their dog food, as well as the attention they give to dog owners who want to give their furry family member the best!
It is important in our family that all of the kids pitch in and help take care of the family dog. She is an important member of the family and they need to learn responsibility in caring for the dog they love so much. Doing little things to take care of the dog teaches them such huge lessons in care taking and responsibility.
Here are some easy ways to involve children in the care of the Family Dog:
1. Feed the dog every day. A daily routine of feeding the dog will help the children to remember consistently the responsibility of making sure that the family dog has the food they need. I like to have the kids fill the dog bowl and water bowl every morning right after breakfast. It helps them to get the job done early in the day and the dogs don’t have to wait for their Beneful Originals with Beef meal or fresh water.
2. Pick up droppings from the dog. It may be a smelly job, but it can totally be done by the kids! We usually do this chore once or twice a week. Especially before mowing the lawn or playing a game in the outside yard.
3. Walk the dog. It doesn’t have to be a long walk. But a long enough for both my children and the dog to get a little exercise is ideal. Dogs can easily become overweight without proper exercise. I love letting the kids take a short jog down our street with the dog. Dixie loves it!
4. Play with the dog. Playtime with the family dog can be tons of fun! Special dog toys or balls is all you need to do a little tug-of-war or fetch. Dixie’s favorite thing to play is with her ball. The boys try to trick her with where they throw the ball. But she is a smart little puppy and always figures it out.
5. Brush or help bathe dog. Baths may not be a daily occurrence, but it is necessary to keep the health of your dog. If you have a dog that sheds like ours, brushing your dog often can help keep the hair from pilling up in the corners of your home.
6. Let dog outside to go to the bathroom or enjoy fresh air. Our kids are more than capable of opening the door to let the dog out and remembering to let them back in. We have made it their responsibility to be aware of when the dog needs to take care of business. Even the little ones who can open and close doors can help with this!
I love the special bond that our children have with Dixie! She really is a part of the family!
Do you have a family dog? What do you do to have your children help care for them?
For a FREE sample of Beneful Dog Food go HERE.
Happy Dog Life,
Keikilani
Bookmarking this!
We are talking with a breeder about getting a puppy but I have no idea how to take care of a dog (besides the obvious).
And since the kids are the ones wanting the dog..they can take care of the dog!
I just loved all of your photos- They brought me back to my childhood and taking care of my pets! #client
I do have a family dog but I don’t have any children to help take care of him. 😉 But it sure would be nice to use all of your tips to have everyone take care of a little something.
When my daughter was younger, we had a couple of cats that she learned to care for. We didn’t get a dog until she was older and ready to go to college. I think that the responsibility of caring for a pet is very important. Children learn so much caring for another living creature.
My little guys (1 and 3 now) are making me want to get a dog so bad! I love how you use it as an opportunity to teach responsibility! 🙂
We have two dogs in our home, so these tips are perfect. My two older ones already have daily chores in making sure their food and water bowls are filled.
My son always helps with our dogs! We make sure to include him in all the dog related chores! Loved your post!
Great tips! I remember have to help care for our family dog while growing up.. I believe it helps to teach kids responsibility.