Jill Holtz and Michelle Davitt share that dogs do not only provide a harmonious family dynamic, they also lower stress for the whole family. They further add they are also beneficial to the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of your young children.<\/p>\n
If that hasn\u2019t already encouraged you to start searching online for dogs for sale. Here are six things that growing up with a dog will teach your children:<\/p>\n
1. Responsibility<\/strong> 2. Compassion<\/strong> 3. Confidence<\/strong> 4. Social Skills<\/strong> 5. Trust<\/strong> 6. Other Skills<\/strong> \u201cThis is just the start of what your dog can teach your child,\u201d said Jill and Michelle.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Compiled by Phalimo Moeketsi\u00a0Source: My Kids Time\/Jill Holtz and Michelle Davitt<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There is nothing better than having a four-legged companion in your family \u2013 a furry friend that will show you nothing but unconditional love and affection. Dogs really are a man\u2019s best friend \u2013 they are part of your family in a way no other pet can be, and they offer many benefits to children […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":18039,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[7277,4444,3633,7278,5851],"class_list":{"0":"post-18038","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-kids","8":"tag-6-benefits-of-having-a-dog-for-your-toddler","9":"tag-dog","10":"tag-get-it-bloemfontein","11":"tag-jill-holtz-and-michelle-davitt","12":"tag-toddler"},"yoast_head":"\n
\nDogs teach children to look after something other than themselves, as they require feeding, exercise, and affection everyday. Therefore your child has to consider their needs. Are they hungry? Are they not eating? Do they need to go outside? Do they want some attention? It is a fun learning experience that will teach them simple tasks from keeping their food or water bowl topped up, to grooming or walking them.<\/p>\n
\nCaring for a pet requires compassion, understanding and empathy. Your children will learn to be kind and take care of the basic needs of others.<\/p>\n
\nHaving something that relies on them and being able to fulfill those needs, will help to increase your child\u2019s confidence. You will notice a big difference after a few weeks even, as they get confident going for walks and feeding them.<\/p>\n
\nJust by being there, your pet offers your child the opportunity to practice socialising and talking with others \u2013 it\u2019s often easier to strike up a conversation with another dog owner.
\nAnd, studies have shown that children with autism have made substantial progress with social interactions when they spend time with a dog.<\/p>\n
\nA dog is a child\u2019s best friend and offers a confidant that won\u2019t judge when they feel no one else will listen. This will be the first step to helping your child build trust in other relationships.<\/p>\n
\nYour dog can actually play the role of learning companion \u2013 studies have shown that animals can boost academic skills, as pets are a far better reading companion for a child to practice with, than an adult.<\/p>\n