We’re considering getting our 6 year old son a dog for Christmas, but we’re feeling a bit nervous. Our goal is to teach him responsibility and have him treat the dog with care, not like an action figure that he can play with for a bit and then put down. He’s so excited about the idea, but we’re unsure about how to make sure this works out. Any tips on how to help him understand how to properly care for and respect a dog? We’d love some creative ideas or activities that could help him learn responsibility in a fun way. We want the dog to be a great addition to our family, but we don’t want to be the ones doing all the work.
Haha, my 7 year old was the same with his toys! He tried to treat our dog like a toy at first, but it didn’t take long for him to realize that dogs have their own personalities and don’t just do whatever you want. Training him to help with feeding and walking was a game changer. Just don’t expect it all to go smoothly at first, it will be a learning curve for everyone!
Omg we got a dog last year and it was a big decision for us too. My son was so excited, but at first, I felt like I was doing ALL the work. I found that setting clear, simple tasks like feeding the dog or making sure the water bowl is full really helped. We even made a little chart with pictures for him to check off when he’s done something – it’s worked wonders for getting him to feel like he’s involved. But, yeah, some days he forgets and I have to remind him, which is frustrating. But it’s definitely been worth it in the long run!
When we got a dog for our 6 year old, I was really anxious about how the whole thing would work out, especially with the responsibility aspect. But we turned it into a fun family routine! We started with simple tasks like feeding the dog, taking it for walks, and making sure the dog had water. My son was really into the idea of being “in charge,” so I let him help with choosing the dog’s food and treats. We also used a reward system to keep him motivated, he gets a sticker or a point every time he does something right, and once he reaches a certain number of points, he gets to pick out a fun dog toy or treat. The key is being consistent and patient, and also remembering that it’s okay if it’s not perfect right away. The biggest win for us was seeing my son develop a real bond with the dog. He’s learning empathy and compassion, and while we still need to step in sometimes, I can already see the progress.
My son thought the dog was his new best friend and playmate, but at first, he was treating her like a stuffed animal. It was a bit of a mess, honestly. I had to remind him constantly about gentle touches, and how the dog has feelings too. One thing that helped was having him “read” to the dog, I’d set up a little spot on the floor, and he would tell her stories while petting her. It calmed him down, and it gave him a sense of responsibility. But sometimes it felt like we were doing more of the training than he was, lol!
We’ve gone through this with our now 12 year old! When we got a dog a few years ago, I worried about how much help my son would really offer. At first, it was all excitement, but after a few weeks, the novelty wore off. One thing that worked for us was teaching him to train the dog together. We’d go over tricks and have him help with the dog’s behavior training, which kept him engaged and also made him feel responsible. It helped him understand that it’s not just about playing with the dog, but taking care of its needs. I think it really taught him about respect and accountability. But it definitely wasn’t all smooth sailing, it took a lot of patience. Just remember, it’s a journey, and both your son and the dog will learn along the way!
Does anyone else struggle with their kid not remembering to do the chores with the dog? My son is super excited at first but then seems to forget after a day or two. I feel like we’re doing all the work, but I want him to feel involved! How do you get your kids to really stick to their responsibilities without constantly reminding them? Maybe it’s just a phase? Would love to hear how others handle this!
I totally get the worry! But honestly, giving him small, manageable responsibilities has made all the difference. You can start by teaching him how to brush the dog’s fur or clean up after them. We made it a game and it actually worked! Every time he does a good job, he gets a sticker, and when the chart is full, we all go for a special treat. It’s about building up over time. Don’t worry, he will start to get it and bond with the dog – and you’ll see how much it teaches him about caring for others.