The problem of "children and dogs" is relevant for many parents, because sooner or later almost every one of them will hear "I want a puppy", "I want a dog" or "what a cute dog, I want the same." In some families, adults take this idea positively and have dogs. But what about those parents who are neutral about dogs or do not like them at all?
A dog is not only a family favorite and a friend of children, but also a serious responsibility. And for some adults, it is also a great inconvenience, since many new troubles are added: feeding, training and education, caring for claws, wool, teeth and ears, walking, etc. And there will be more cleaning.
Psychological aspect
Psychologists have identified three main reasons why a child wants to have a dog:
- An attempt with the help of a dog to become more successful in the eyes of others. In such a situation, a dog for a child becomes a way to attract attention, an attempt to become like his friends, a way to get into a new company. The child imagines how he will proudly walk the dog in the yard, and all the children will want to make friends with him to pet the dog.
- Trying to stop being lonely. These children usually do not have friends and companies to play with, so dogs become real friends and protectors.
- The dog is like a new toy. For some children, especially very young ones, all the desires of the children, although strong, are spontaneous. At the same time, they do not fully realize that a dog is a living being that can live in a house for 10-15 years, and at the same time it is necessary to take care of it.
The first two reasons, while they seem serious, are not really cause for alarm. Children are still learning to live in this world, communicate and interact with people. It is important to understand that having a dog in the house will not solve these problems. The reason for being wary is the third reason, when the child does not see the differences between a living being and a toy. Failure to instill in a child a sense of compassion for living beings in time can result in cruelty.
To start or not to start?
The main reason for having a dog is the desire of the parents and their willingness to care for a new family member. Even if a dog was started for a child, parents are responsible for it.
No matter how much the child begs, begs, cries, promises to feed, walk, wash, clean up after her, due to the psychological characteristics of childhood, he is not ready to take on such responsibility.
Some parents, before agreeing to the appearance of a dog in the house, arrange tests for their children. For example, they force them to get up at 7 am every morning and go outside to walk the toy dog, vacuum every day and mop the floor. But even successfully passing these tests does not guarantee that the child will be able to fully take care of the real dog. And even more so to educate and train her.
Children grow, develop, their interests, desires and aspirations change. Therefore, you should not feel guilty for refusing a child to acquire a dog.
