When was the last time you saw someone clutching their pearls screaming about getting a child away from a dog? Sadly, for many of us, especially owners of breeds with undeserved bad reputations, that’s a regular occurrence. Kids and dogs sometimes alarm people.
Is it really dangerous, though, for children to be allowed near dogs? Are there things you should look out for? Luckily, across the board experts agree that having a pet is incredibly beneficial for children.
Thank goodness for that, too, because the resulting pictures and videos of dogs and kids are just to die for (we have one at the bottom of this article). Of course, there are some rules and advice you need to know to keep everyone safe.
KIDS AND DOGS
Let’s talk briefly about some of the benefits of having your kids grow up with a dog. Scientific studies show that children who grow up with dogs have:
- Higher self-esteem
- Improved cognitive development
- Increase in social skills
- A better sense of responsibility
- Increased health benefits because they get lots of exercise
- Fewer learning problems
- Fewer behavioral problems, as well
Image CC BY 2.0 by Cia de Foto via Visual Hunt
There are a few things, though, that you need to remember when you let your kids around dogs.
SAFETY TIPS
First, it’s never safe to leave a child and a dog unattended — even if you think everything will be okay. If it isn’t your dog, and you are approaching someone else, always ask permission and teach your child to do the same. Also, teach your child the following:
- No hugging
- Never touch a dog’s face
- Do not approach a dog when they are eating
- Be calm around dogs
- Never let them grab the dog or sneak up on it
Image CC-BY-NC-SA 2.0 by horizontal.integration via Visual Hunt
As long as you follow those common-sense guidelines, everyone will be nice and safe.
THE REWARD
The reward for all that training and hard work is oh, so worth it, too. I mean, watch the video below and tell me there’s anything more adorable in the world than that.
Look at that, over 100 million people agree that this might be the best video ever. Share this with your friends to help them keep their loved ones safe, as well.
Do you have an adorable story about a kid and a dog? Tell us in the comments.
Featured Image CC BY-SA 2.0 by Edu Alpendre via Flickr
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