Getting your teen involved with your dog

Many families understand the extent of pleading when it comes to the kids asking can they get a dog but a lot of the care ends up being chores completed by the adults. This is for good reason as a responsible person needs to be in charge but ideally owners can still find age appropriate ways for kids to be involved.  A dog is not just a play-thing and providing care is a wonderful way for growing kids to build confidence and develop maturity.

The best time to discuss who is going to be doing what is before the dog arrives. Have a family meeting and talk about what kinds of rules will be in place and where poochy will sleep.  Be descriptive and let the kids know exactly what costs will be involved for Mum & Dad and the amount of time it takes to feed, groom and exercise a dog.  Confer about where the dog will be if the family takes holidays.

A great way to encourage bonding and a sense of responsibility is to create opportunities for teens to be involved in a dogs care. For teens this can include some feeding and changing water, taking their turn with poop patrol, some grooming, exercise, coming along on some vet visits to see what goes on and most importantly training.  Whether it’s trick training or general manners, all family members need to know how the dog will be treated.  If a trainer visits the house it is preferable to invite all family members along.  If you join an obedience club check with their rules as to whether e.g. both Mum and teenage son can come along to classes or observe and alternate etc.

Younger children can begin learning to care for the family dog too but are usually not yet strong or mature enough to do be taking responsibility so you should supervise them closely through feeding and play routines. Adults will still need to monitor older kids to ensure they are living up to their agreed tasks around care.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)