If you have a child then eventually his or herTiny voice will probably utter the words, ‘can we get a pet dogie?’ Depending on your thinking and circumstances your answer may be yes or no. If it is yes however, then with bringing a dog into your home you are presented with aone-of-a-kindopportunity to instruct your child about proper dog care.

When children see a adorable dog, providing that they haven’t had any negative experiences regarding dogs, they’ll want to put their arms around them. They will want to run their hands through the dogs fur and to kiss them on the nose. Although this may sound lovely in reality it is not always a good idea.

There are ways of handling a dog that are ideal for children. These ways have to be taught otherwise a child may get themselves inadvertently nipped and hurt. The result of this can be a dog being put down and a child being fearful of dogs forever.

Children are liable to tug at a dogs tail, and possibly to pull their fur. For them this is experimental behaviour, but for the dog it is a nightmare that could end badly.

The way to instruct a child to handle a dog is to tell them that they must not accidentally hurt the dog in any way. They need to comprehend that the dog has feelings and isn’t just a cuddly toy to be bounced on and thrown about.

Showing your child that a dog needs regular food and drink can instruct them to be caring and thoughtful. Letting them join in with such activities so can also help them to bond with their new pet. If you’re letting them give the dog her food then you will also need to instruct your child about how animals can be protective of their dinner.

Some dogs are less protective, and do not mind others interfering with their food, while others can become defensive. There-fore your child shouldn’t be left unsupervised during the feeding time of your dog and should comprehend that they must not interfere once the dog bowl is placed on the ground.

Hopefully you’ll have chosen a child friendly dog, from asuggested breed that is known to be good with children. However, caution is always necessary when it comes to children and dogs.

Another important part of a dogs care is exercise and playtime. This is where a child and dog can really benefit the most from each others company, becoming strong play friends and instilling a love of dogs into your child’s heart.

You may chooseto begintaking your child along with you while you walk your dog, and bringing with you a frisbee or ball for you all to play with. Your child and your dog will love this and will have allot of fun. When you feel your child is old enough, you may want to let them take charge of the dogs exercise altogether.

While you are still going along on walks though, instruct your child how to handle your dog in a social situation, so that later on they can cope alone. This means showing them how to control the dog when other dogs come along, and also how to retrieve the dog if she happens to rush off each time she spies new dog friends on the horizon.

Finally, grooming is an important part of your dogs care too. Some love to be groomed. It gets all of the dirt and itchy bits and bobs that have been picked up during walks out of their fur and makes them feel good. other dogs are not so keen.

If your dog does enjoy being brushed then you can teach your child how this can be done by demonstrating. They will need to know how to brush your dog without being too harsh and accidentally hurting her, as well as how to reach all areas that need grooming the easiest way.

Hopefully your dog and your child will become great friends and will be wonderful companions. When a child makes a close bond with an animal the memory stays with them forever like a never ending gift.