Learning Pawsibilities: Things Kids Learn From Dogs

Both Wendie and I have grown up with dogs, and over the years have come to appreciate the various personalities they bring to our family dynamic. Slow, cuddly and lazy versus the high-energy puppy bouncing that gets our kids excited to come home after school.

But, having dogs and children in the house can at times be overwhelming. That is why so many people choose to give their dog away when they start raising children. They think that the responsibility of caring for both is too much. However, this is not always the case. One lesson we learned is that our dogs can actually teach our kids a thing or two. Seriously, they sometimes make better teachers than us, though we would never admit it to the kids. We call these learning pawsibilities.

Learning Pawsibilities: Things Kids Learn From Dogs

-Loyalty and Love: Perhaps the greatest of the learning pawsibilities. The devotion portrayed by dogs is not easily matched. To dogs, loyalty comes naturally. When your dog wags its tail and looks happy every time your child is around, your child will be able to develop self-esteem and confidence.

-Exercise: Children and dogs need physical activity. Physical activity helps your child and dog stay mentally and emotionally balanced. You can have your child join you when walking the dog. They could play fetch or just romp in the backyard all afternoon.

-Reading: You probably think that this is not possible, but it actually is. According to research, dogs can help a child improve his reading skills. How? If your child struggles to read, she will be more comfortable reading around an audience that does not judge him thereby improving his skills.

-Compassion and patience: When dogs grow old, they need more attention and care. When your child understands this, she will learn to be compassionate and patient. This will also help them live in peace around people with disabilities.

-Responsibility: Involve your child in the process of caring for your dog. That way, she will learn to be responsible. Allow your child to feed your dog under supervision.

So how can you get your untrained dog to help your child with a lifetime of learning pawsibilities? The answer is simple. Look for a dog trainer.

Your Dog Trainer: Master of Learning Pawsibilities

You have many options to choose from when it comes to training. There are some dogs that will learn the basics on spending time with family while others will learn rescue work. There are different types of dog trainings available. They include:

Behavioral training: This training teaches your dog to behave properly around other animals and people. The behavioral problems mostly addressed include chewing, excessive barking or even housebreaking. This training is most appropriate for younger dogs.

Obedience training: This type of training helps dogs obey their owners by using commands such as lie down and sit down. It is a slightly advanced training compared to behavioral training.

Agility training: This type of training is for a dog that will participate in sports. The sports include, but are not limited to, jumping, racing and obstacle courses. This training takes place after the dog understands basic commands. It also helps to create a strong bond between the dog and its owner.

Vocational training: This is the type of training that gives your dog skills that will help it help others. The skills learned include assisting the disabled, herding, rescue work, and even hunting. In this type of training, dogs learn specific techniques that hone their communication skills with humans.

Dogs are amazing creatures because they can actually save lives. The good thing is that all dogs can learn despite their background and breed. However, there are some breeds that will find it much easier to do some things because of their physical characteristics.

Having a well behaved dog is easy especially if your dog keeps looking forward to being rewarded instead of being punished. That is why you should also consider positive reinforcement as it is great for strengthening the bond you have with your canine.        

The sky will be the limit should you find a qualified dog trainer to help establish your pets learning pawsibilities. You will also enjoy your dog’s company more when it has been well trained. 

Being a dog family is part of who we are, and would never consider a homesteading life without them. As companions, teaches and loving pets, they are part of our family.

We love sharing our family homesteading adventures with you all, and look forward to hearing your dog trainer and learning pawsibilities in the comments below. 

What did you learn from dogs growing up? Also, don't forget to subscribe for more daily homesteading goodness!