| Many people hold the belief that every child | | | | this age are able to pour the food and water |
| needs a dog. Though this article is not about | | | | into the dishes, they can groom the pet on |
| the benefits of dogs to children, it is about | | | | their own, and they can begin helping you |
| how children can help dogs. When children are | | | | bathe your dog by handing you the shampoo, or |
| young, they often express a desire to their | | | | by gently spraying the water over the dog as |
| mommies that they want to help. They want to | | | | you hold him still. |
| be a big kid and help mom with the dishes, | | | | |
| the laundry, and even taking care of the dog! | | | | Once your kids reach older ages, they are |
| Here are a few ways children can help care | | | | able to help in many more ways. They can |
| for the family pet. | | | | clean up pet accidents in the house, they can |
| | | | usually (depending on your child's maturity) |
| First and foremost, it is important to know | | | | be responsible for feeding and watering your |
| the age appropriateness of tasks for children | | | | pooch, take him or her out to do their |
| as they are related to caring for their pets. | | | | business in the yard, or even depending on |
| Toddlers are often very willing to help, but | | | | your dog's size and temperament, bathe them |
| partly because of their size, and mainly due | | | | as well. |
| to their age, they simply cannot help the way | | | | |
| "big kids" can. So, how can toddlers help? | | | | Once your kids become teenagers, they should |
| They can help feed and water the dog. Simply | | | | be responsible enough to feed and water the |
| get two plastic cups, divide your dog's | | | | dog, take them out on walks daily, give them |
| dinner portion between the two cups. Take | | | | baths, and they may even be able to take Fido |
| your toddler to the food bowl and show them | | | | to the vet for their annual routine check-up. |
| how to pour the food into the dish. Then go | | | | |
| ahead and do the same thing with the water. | | | | It is always a joy to allow your kids to grow |
| Young children love this, and they really | | | | up with a dog aside from giving them good |
| feel like they are helping mommy! Also, if | | | | memories and a better appreciation for simple |
| your toddler is gentle enough, you can hand | | | | things. If your children express interest in |
| them a doggie brush and they can help you | | | | helping take care of your pet, let them! |
| groom your dog's coat. Taking the dog on | | | | Consider the age appropriateness of their |
| walks with the stroller is also an excellent | | | | tasks, and they will love it! To young |
| way your child can help. | | | | children, responsibility is fun. Use this as |
| | | | a learning experience, and you and your |
| For children who are still young, mainly from | | | | children will be able to bond with the family |
| about 4 to 7 years of age, you can gradually | | | | pet as you all bond together! |
| increase their responsibility. Children of | | | | |