Mornings are important. How we feel the first couple of minutes after we open our eyes can nudge us into how the rest of our day will go. Sometimes we wake up feeling groggy. Our eyes weigh more than they usually do, and getting out of bed requires unusual effort. Other times we jump out of bed, propelled by a will to life that lasts till the end of the day when we get back into bed. Or, as we sleep, deep into the wonders of our unconscious realms, where life and dream are one, a wet lick and dry prickly whiskers make their way into our fantasies. We open our eyes and the first thing we see are two black eyeballs, piercing into our souls with the tenderness and delight that only the best of friends is capable of. That was every single one of my mornings growing up with a dog.
Let’s talk about dogs and why they are so important for a child’s development. These furry, corky and unique little creatures that love us more than they love themselves.
They love your more than they love themselves
Love is responsibility. If you have ever loved someone then you know how vulnerable you are to their whims. They hold your heart, and at times, you love them irresponsibly. You give yourself to them and will withstand more than most people will, because you love them. Dogs will love you no matter what. Their hearts are tiny but endless, and you must learn to love them not because you have to, but because they deserve your love. Teaching children to love out of the goodness of their hearts is an invaluable emotion that will accompany them throughout their lives. They will learn what it means to love and appreciate vulnerability and respect it.
They love you for who you are
The process of growing up and finding out who we are is an exiting one — but stressful, at times. Developing an identity, negotiating interactions with other kids, and exploring the social world can be a source of anguish — especially for more introverted, shier, or simply quieter children. Having a dog at home, that loves them, exactly for who they are, without any concern for what they wear, the toys they have, or how many people sent them Valentine's Day cards, will give them confidence and support.
Of course it is important for children to develop their identities with other children, and there is value in these social checks and balances that, at first, may seem quite arbitrary — but one cannot deny that after a tough day at work or at the barbarous world of kindergarten, coming home to that wagging tail and unquenchable source of love, can give you the energy you or your child need to go out there and fight another day.
Health Benefits
Studies in the journal Pediatrics have shown that growing up with a dog can have mental and physical benefits for children. Early exposure helps them develop stronger immune systems and lower rates of allergies; even when predisposed (at least one parent suffers from respiratory allergies, asthma etc). 31% fewer respiratory infections and 44% fewer ear infections.
Dogs are great ways for children struggling with mental health conditions such as ADHD, by making them stick to a routine and focus on keeping a schedule. Outdoor/indoor play helps kids with excess energy channel it into play time with their furry best friends.
Dogs are amazing companions and sources of emotional support for children experiencing depression and/or anxiety. The bonds they create with these animals are real, and long lasting — which are sources of comfort and friendship for years to come.
How to get your kids comfortable with dogs
“My kids are scared of dogs,” “I’m afraid they won’t get along,” “How can I make sure that they will feel comfortable with the new dog?”
These are all valid questions and concerns, but like with all new experiences, the way to make them less scary, is by understanding and exposure. Children have wild imaginations. They can make a dark closet turn into Azkaban (you should know what that means and if you don’t, get to it!).
In psychology, exposure therapy, as the name indicates, consists in familiarizing people with experiences, objects, or places they fear by gradually exposing them to these. They start to understand and realize that most of what scared them was simply part of their imagination.
Start by taking your kids to dog parks. Choose a small dog, preferably one that seems to lack the energy to jump around. We want your kids to start the process of petting the dogs, getting near them, and slowly build up the courage to approach bigger or more energetic pups. It is very unlikely that one of these dogs will harm your child, but to prevent any surprises, ask the owners beforehand if their dogs are good with children.
Watch dog videos and short documentaries with your kids. Teach them about dogs, about their habits and needs — all this in an effort to make your kids as familiar with their future companions as possible.
Responsibility
This, to me, is the most important aspect of owning/adopting a dog. Taking care of a dog is no easy task. People romanticize the idea of having pets. They only see the rosy moments of joy, laughter, and little licks by little pups. What they do not see is the 7am walks. The endless rivers of n1 and n2 for at least the first year of the pups life, and that is only if you train them diligently. As with children, dogs have no idea how to control their little bodies. You must train them with routine, where to pee, where to poop, when to eat, what not to bite, etc.
REMEMBER: these are living creatures, not toys, or accessories. They feel loneliness, abandon, joy, guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, and love. You must understand that you are adopting a sentient creature, and you are making a covenant to care for it.
Make sure you are aware of the responsibility this entails, and depending on how old your children are, get them involved with the process.
Like having children, having dogs is a blessing and a burden — but you cannot have one without the other.
